Workers Compensation Private Underwriting

The Hon. M. J. GALLACHER: My question without notice is to the Attorney General, and Minister for Industrial Relations. When does the Minister intend to implement private underwriting in the workers compensation scheme or has he decided to abandon private underwriting, as reported in the latest issue of industry journal Workers Compensation Report?

The Hon. J. W. SHAW: Private underwriting is dealt with in legislation passed by this House. It provides that private underwriting shall take place from 1 October 2000 or such date earlier as specified by the Minister. That is the law. If this House decides to take some other position, so be it, but that is the position at the present time. I have talked to insurers about this matter and an amicable discussion is going on about timing. The present legislative framework set by Parliament states that private underwriting will take place on or before 1 October 2000.