22 Oct 2009

Maori Party seeks to block ACT over ACC changes

4:33 pm on 22 October 2009

The Maori Party is backing the introduction of an Accident Compensation reform bill by National to prevent ACT having a bigger say in it.

Co-leader Tariana Turia says it does not mean Maori Party MPs will back fee increases and entitlement cuts when the bill gets to a select committee.

But she told Waatea News the risk was ACT using its relationship with National to drive through a privatisation agenda.

Mrs Turia said taxpayers would be left with the non-earning parts of ACC, which would mean fee increases.

Labour says the Government is creating an imaginary crisis, and problems with ACC's balance sheet can be fixed.

But Mrs Turia says the crisis is real because Labour left the corporation in crisis. She said ACC was left in huge debt.