Gerry Brownlee National ACC Spokesperson
Thursday 24 August 2000
Dr Cullen's ACC "own-goal"
Dr Cullen's scored the ultimate own goal with his loud claims of vindication for his ACC reforms, National's ACC
spokesperson Gerry Brownlee said today following the release of the ACC Annual Report.
"Dr Cullen can't claim a shred of credit for ACC's 'better injury prevention and rehabilitation programmes backed by a
strong financial performance'.
"The Annual Report vindicates the competitive system.
"It covers the period before competition was ripped from ACC by Dr Cullen. ACC has only performed because it has been
under pressure from the private sector.
"A recent survey of businesses reveals 95% of businesses want a return to competitive provision.
"He claims ACC is in good heart - think about it Michael - it has got nothing to do with re-nationalisation.
"It has got everything to do with ACC operating for the 12 months covered by the Annual Report under a competitive
system where it had to be more efficient and do its job better.
"ACC's next challenge will be keeping premiums down in the wake of the Government's second ACC Bill due in September
where it's indicated it will contain enhanced entitlements and lump sum payments.
"The real test of Dr Cullen's reforms will be the next Annual Report and whether it shows ACC premiums continuing to
fall."
Ends