Page 3824 - Week 12 - Thursday, 24 October 2013

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about what we could stretch out to the child and family centres, recognising already that we have really strong parenting programs, for example, in the child and family centres. So often women who are coming in for programs—

Mrs Jones: Point of order, Madam Speaker.

MADAM SPEAKER: A point of order, Mrs Jones?

Mrs Jones: Yes, I am sorry, a point of order. The question was about whether a plan was written before the decision was taken. I do not think there is any doubt that there is an intention to deliver services but the question was simply about whether there is a coherent plan or whether we are working it out on the hop.

MADAM SPEAKER: I think Mrs Jones has an appropriate point of order. The question was very clear. Could you answer the question about whether there was a plan beforehand?

MS BURCH: Thank you, Madam Speaker. If you ask me to deliver a written comprehensive plan about what will happen on 1 February, I cannot do that. But what I can say is that we are meeting weekly with very strong women’s groups and we will work in partnership with them about what that service will look like.

Insurance—third party

MS PORTER: My question is to the Treasurer. Treasurer, can you update the Assembly on what changes have been made to CTP insurance premiums since the re-election of the Gallagher government?

MR BARR: I thank Ms Porter for the question. In July three new providers began offering CTP insurance in Canberra. This is the first time we have had competition in the marketplace since 1979. AAMI, GIO and the Australian Pensioners Insurance Agency began offering CTP on 15 July, joining the NRMA, the previous sole provider. The different providers and their prices are now listed on registration renewal notices for Canberra motorists.

I am advised that the new providers have had a very strong take-up rate for their policies. I think this reflects the desire of Canberrans to have a choice of providers. But the choice does not extend just to price alone. As members would be aware, CTP premiums are set using independent actuarial advice, and so whilst the new insurers entering the market do not carry the risk of claims under the scheme prior to 2008, they also have not had access to the detailed claims information, so their premiums upon entering the market reflect that information gap. However, over time, premiums will reflect the new perspective these insurers bring to the market, particularly the perspective that emphasises rehabilitation and return to health.

The new providers are providing rebates to particular categories of drivers which, across the board, I understand encompass the majority of local motorists. These rebates provide an important offering for Canberrans. Motorists now have a choice of different aspects of policies, for example, coverage for at-fault drivers and claims


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