MEDIA RELEASE
7 March 2000
THE ACC BALL IS NOW IN THE GOVERNMENT'S COURT
The Insurance Council says the ACC ball is now firmly in the government's court.
The Council has presented a strong well-researched case for retaining a competitive Accident Insurance market. The
Insurance Council stands by statistics and data it has presented to the government and select committee but says it is
now time to hand the debate over to others.
Insurance Council Chief Executive Chris Ryan has indicated his members will now work to ensure a constructive and
orderly transition from the competitive model to the ACC monopoly.
The Council is offering no opinion on whether the premium levels announced yesterday are appropriate or not. "We simply
do not have all the information required to make an informed view. Pricing is now an issue for the Government and the
ACC."
Dr Cullen, Minister for Accident Insurance, has continued to criticise figures of the Insurance Council but to date has
not produced any documentation or analysis challenging the Insurance Council's material.
The Insurance Council of New Zealand believes the Government is misguided in reinstating a state monopoly and is
disappointed Dr Cullen has seen it necessary to revert to personal attacks to justify the Government's position on
accident insurance.
However the Insurance Council has made it clear that following the passing of this legislation it will work
co-operatively with the Government to ensure there is an orderly exit from the competitive market by insurers.
The Insurance Council will do everything it can to ensure workplace safety is protected. It will respond positively to
any requests for it's informed views from the government, the ACC or any other party related to the re-instated ACC
monopoly. It will do this to ensure New Zealand workers receive the most comprehensive coverage possible.
ENDS
For further information, please contact:
Christopher Ryan, Chief Executive, Tel (04) 472 5230, DDI (04) 495 8001, Hm, (04) 475 9446, Mobile, (025) 441
767