Page 3712 - Week 12 - Wednesday, 23 October 2013
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
advisory than a limit to be adhered to. I would hope, and this is the point I respond to every time this issue is raised, that we can all contribute to a safer road network by driving to the conditions and by keeping to speed limits.
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Mrs Jones.
MRS JONES: Minister, can you confirm that the act has led to a reduction in the time taken to process and resolve such claims and, if so, by how much?
MR BARR: The data that was available for the first few years since those amendments indicated improvements, so the amendments achieved some of their aims, but I do not believe they go far enough. The government believes further reform is necessary, and we would have liked to have seen the proposals that we brought forward in the last Assembly receive the support of the Assembly. That was not to be the case, so we will try again. We will look at alternative ways to reform the system but with a view to ensure that those who are injured get early medical treatment and that it is not a lawyer’s picnic. It is nor for the lawyers; it is for the people who are injured. I will say this: it was very revealing when the electoral returns came out to see who received money from the plaintiff lawyers.
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Ms Porter.
MS PORTER: Minister, what are the benefits to the whole community of reform in this area?
MR BARR: The benefits are lower premiums, a better and faster process for dealing with those who suffer significant injuries as a result of a motor vehicle accident, expediting their medical treatment. A no-fault scheme would appear to resolve most of the difficulties that people going through the system experience at the moment. We are actively exploring that as an option.
Victoria has a very good model. The Transport Accident Commission in Victoria undertake considerable work both in the promotion of road safety and in the promotion of better outcomes for those who are unfortunately injured in motor vehicle accidents. I have had the opportunity to meet with the chief executive of the Transport Accident Commission in Melbourne.
We will continue to focus on reform in this area. As I said in response to Mrs Jones’s earlier question, we certainly foreshadow further legislation from the government in this area during this term of the Assembly.
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Mr Smyth.
MR SMYTH: Minister, can you confirm that the act has led to the reduction in claims processing costs, including legal and medical costs, and, if so, by how much?
MR BARR: From data I have seen in recent times I understand there have been some improvements, but nowhere enough. I recognise that the reforms that were made in 2008 have made a positive contribution. People want to see more and the government
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video