ACC recommendations out today . Heads up = no change

[Ixion]

I'm told that ACC have presented their "final" recommendations to the Minister today. A *very* small change in motorcycles rates - essentially unchanged.

No surprise, I'm only surprised if there is any reduction at all

Campaign continues as planned.

I'll do a press release once I've actually seen figures.

[Mully]

I didn't expect ACC to change their figures - they have to keep toeing the company line.

The pressure has always (to my mind) been on Cabinet who can approve or reject the levies.

Les, you're doing a bang-up job.

[Ixion]

It gives us an excellent attack on Mr Smith

He, the Minister is charge has repeatedly assured us "I don't expect the final levies will be as high as the proposals".

Now, Mr Judge has told him to go suck a kumara. "I'm running ACC , not you Nick. And I, John Judge, hate motorcycles. The levy the whole levy and nothing but the levy".

So, our question is, has Mr Smith lost control of his portfolio.

John Judge seems to ignore him with impunity (even turning ACC into an insurance company, when the Act specifically says it is not)

So, Mr Smith - is John Judge a loose cannon who needs taking in hand ? Or have you lost control of your portfolio?

[slofox]

So, Mr Smith - is John Judge a loose cannon who needs taking in hand ? Or have you lost control of your portfolio?

Or...Mr Judge is just following Mr Smith's instructions - and taking the flak to deflect it from the minister...who has a convenient scapegoat at hand.

[mashman]

It gives us an excellent attack on Mr Smith

He, the Minister is charge has repeatedly assured us "I don't expect the final levies will be as high as the proposals".

Now, Mr Judge has told him to go suck a kumara. "I'm running ACC , not you Nick. And I, John Judge, hate motorcycles. The levy the whole levy and nothing but the levy".

So, our question is, has Mr Smith lost control of his portfolio.

John Judge seems to ignore him with impunity (even turning ACC into an insurance company, when the Act specifically says it is not)

So, Mr Smith - is John Judge a loose cannon who needs taking in hand ? Or have you lost control of your portfolio?

Thems is fightin words... you better take a jelly filled paddling pool with you next time you meet.

If the Government aren't listening to a group of concerned motorcyclists, why are they going to listen to Judge? (I can only assume they need to take a vote of no confidence in Judge and he's gone!) This seems to be going one way for the people of NZ, and it's not favourable.

Where is the reason, where is the logic, where are the numbers that support the need for "policy" changes? Where's the project plan, why can't a public body (yeah right, government, a public body) get in to have a look at the books? it's our cash! I'm not talking about a royal review, i'm talking about a group of analysts form different fields giving the books a once over, validating the base data against the reporting sources, instead of just trusting that that's what Deep Thought came out with. If we're not allowed in, then what's the point of fighting, because it'll only end up with someone having a bloody nose... us!...

[The Pastor]

When I read that there was a very small change I thought you meant a small change from the existing leveys.

Then I came back to reality and realized you were talking about a small change in the proposals.

[ukusa]

if nothing changes, the protests will just have to become a more frequent event and more disruptive.

[Hanne]

Can we get a link to what the final recommendations are?

[Ixion]

Tomorrow, or Wednesday. Minister gets a preview today.

EDIT. David Parker's office says ACC press release tomorrow.

[avgas]

if nothing changes, the protests will just have to become a more frequent event and more disruptive.

I am just buying my time - You guys have done a bang up job at the peaceful protest stuff. I wish I had half your control.

Sadly I don't. So I don't attend such events.
However if the policy goes through - shit hits fan. No idle threats.
Unfortunately I am as subtle as a sledgehammer, so all I can do it pick my moments.

[avgas]

Tomorrow, or Wednesday. Minister gets a preview today.

Do they have justification of their proposed income? As information like that I could find useful.
Am pulling apart their Financial reports later this week.

[Ixion]

I do hope that calm prevails, and no irresponsible hothead puts out a press release saying something like

Minister put on notice

Angry motorcyclists have, so far, allowed those with faith in the peaceful democratic process to direct the campaign against unjust and extortionate ACC levies. Disruptive action has been cancelled where it might have inconvenienced the public.

But today's ACC announcement shows that the peaceful way isn't working. ACC have completely ignored justice and democratic input. Unless the Minister can front up with commitments to change, motorcyclists will have to assume that peaceful protest is going nowhere, and take direct action as they deem appropriate.

That would be really bad.

[MSTRS:Me]

Oh, terrible, all right. A version of it may be incorporated in a letter to the ed in HB. If someone was irresponsible enough...

[James Deuce]

I couldn't imagine who would post anything like that in a blog.

[AllanB]

I'm going to grab my fountain pen and write Nick another stern letter...

By geese I may use some firm language.


I believe February is when the Govt makes it's decision.

It may soon be time to ramp up the protests - maybe form a ring around the Beehive and smoke the buggers out with a group burnout. Put them all to sleep and take away their honey.


I still predict a modest increase.