Salient. Official Newspaper of the Victoria University Students' Association. Vol 44 No. 9. May 4 1981
Wide Opposition
Wide Opposition
The Accident Compensation Scheme has been described by the Quigley Committee as "the cheapest of its kind in the world today" which makes the proposed cutbacks appear unnecessary, even inhumane. There is no doubt that the Bill has caused the Government severe embarrassment. No one supports the Bill as a whole, not even the employers. It is realistic therefore, that various pressure groups can stop it from becoming law. Students form one of these pressure groups.
It should be made clear to government that not only are these cuts unwarranted and unacceptable, they should really be looking to make improvements to the present scheme. An effective system should be set up for the rehabilitation and retraining of injured people, and funds should be channelled into preventing industrial accidents.
The Act as it stands at the moment is extremely complex and lengthy. Even those who work with it daily don't understand it fully. The Act needs to be completely rewritten and extended before it is workable and it is up to groups like students to ensure that this is done.
Michele A'Court