The O’Farrell government is trying to pass new laws to reform the green slip insurance scheme in NSW following pressure for higher premiums from the insurance companies that run the scheme.
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The Minister for Finance and Services Greg Pearce has stated in the media that the aim of this reform is to speed up accident claims and put downward pressure on premiums.
However, what the minister has failed to mention is that this will be done at the expense of innocent victims of motor accidents and their families.
Under the no-fault scheme debated in Parliament this week, more claims will be generated, costing more to administer and paying out less to the innocent victims of motor accidents.
After as little as five years the majority of those who are injured will have their benefits cut off and will be left abandoned by the system.
They will be forced to rely on welfare or family for survival if they don’t meet the government’s new threshold, even if they are still unable to do their job because of their injuries.
Any changes to the scheme must not add to the already significant challenges faced by motor accident victims in regional NSW.
These changes will be particularly unfair for those with a long working life still ahead and even worse if they live and work in rural and regional areas like the Hunter, where accessing health services, care and treatment can be difficult.
Under a scheme which provides limited financial support, access to retraining, education and employment and re-employment opportunities will be vital to help those who are injured to rebuild their lives and return to supporting their families as soon as possible.
While we accept that the scheme needs reform, this can be done without the unfairness of the government’s current proposal.
That’s why the state’s key legal bodies have come together to develop an alternative proposal, which can deliver the reduced premiums sought by government while preserving critical benefits.
I now call on the government to scrap its proposals and work with the community and the profession to deliver a scheme in NSW which is fair, sustainable, and which delivers lower premiums.
I urge anyone who is concerned about the government’s proposal to take action, there is still a chance to express your concern.
The Law Society of NSW has set up a new webpage where anyone can send an email directly to the premier to ask him to stop these reforms.
To have your say go to www.lawsociety.com.au/nobodywins
