COMPENSATION ACT.

Hokitika Guardian, 26 June 1926, Page 2

COMPENSATION ACT.

[by TEIjF.GRAPIT—I'EK press association.] SYDNEY. June 24. Regarding the new Workers’ I'ompensation ActJ a deputation of Labour members suggested to Air Bacldclcy that insurancs should be a State mono'■polv. It stated that it considered the increased premiums charged by private companies was excessive The Minister, in reply, said that ior some time past lie had had a committee gathering information about the matter. As soon as he had anything definite. he would present it to a caucus. SYDNEY. June 24. A deputation from the Accident Underwriters Association of New South Wales waited on the Minister of Labour and Industry (Air Baddeley) and asked tlht the operation of the Workers Compensation Act be postponed for a period of three months. The deputation contended that the Act covered cases not previously dealt with, ami the company required rime to work out equitable premiums, so that to: heavy burdens would not be placed on tile employers. The .Minister promised to make a definite announcement on the subject to-day. • SYDNEY, June 23. Hop Mr Baddeley has refused the request of the- Accident Insurance Underwiiters’ Association for a dehy. He suited no valid reasou was shown for postponing the operation of the new Act. and another three months would not have any material effect in producing more reasonable premium rates, and the members of the commui'ity for whose benefit the Act was pas-od would l>e deprived of their compensation rights, which, in the Government’s opinion, should have been operative many years ago.

Mr Lang announces lie l<is instructed tlie Treasury Insurance Branch to became a licensed insurer under the Workers' Compensation Act. and to advertise for business in competition vith private companies. The name of the Treasury Branch had been changed to that of the Government Insurance Office of Nctv South Wales.

The N.S.W. Government Insurance Office is now advertising for business under the Workers’ Compensation Act. Tt will charge rates on the same basis as those declared by the underwriters.