[Greens-Media] Greens Call for Reform of Accident Compensation System

[Christopher Holley]

The NSW Greens have supported calls for reform of the state’s system of insurance for those injured in motor vehicle or workplace accidents, after new figures have confirmed their prediction that the system introduced by the government would severely disadvantage accident victims.

Commenting on calls by the NSW Bar Association and the Law Society for the laws to be changed NSW Greens MP and spokesperson on insurance, Sylvia Hale said:

 “The Greens campaigned against the changes to workers compensation arrangements. As we predicted, they have led to the current bonanza for insurance companies at the expense of injured workers.” 

“Now that our predictions have been proven correct, we call on the government to urgently reform the system to return some level of fairness to the victims of work or motor vehicle accidents,” said Ms Hale.

“The arbitrary figures used to assess permanent injury are causing many people to be left uncompensated for serious on-going medical problems they have suffered as a result of a motor vehicle or work accident.  

“There are enough long term physical and emotional consequences of these accidents, without also sentencing the victims to a lifetime of poverty,” concluded Ms Hale.

Further information: Chris Holley  (02) 9230 3030 / 0437 779 546