Lindsay Tisch
National Racing Spokesperson
19th September 2002
Government ripping off racing industry through ACC
Huge rises in ACC premiums for the racing industry are outrageous and totally unjustified, says National's Racing
spokesman Lindsay Tisch.
"The racing industry has had its levies increased by 52 per cent this year, with no proper explanation from the
Minister.
"The Ministry claims that the number and cost of accidents have increased, but they have yet to supply proper figures.
The whole affair smells fishy given the huge $243 million profit ACC has generated for the Government this year.
"Official advice to the Government warned them that employer levies are too high but the Minister at the time, Lianne
Dalziel, ignored this advice. It seems the Government wants to milk employers, and especially the racing industry, for
every dollar they can.
"There are also allegations that key stakeholders such as NZ Thoroughbred Racing and the NZ Trainers Association were
not consulted, a breach of ACC's own regulations.
"These increases are seriously hurting the racing industry, and the Government has a lot of explaining still to do,"
said Mr Tisch.
Ends