Minister Barr: Invitations to citizens’ jury sent out to Canberrans
- Written by ACT Government
Released 08/09/2017
Canberrans are encouraged to register for the ACT Government’s first citizens’ jury considering Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance.
Following my announcement in late August that a citizens’ jury will consider improvements to the CTP scheme, invitations have now been sent to 6,000 households across the ACT. A representative jury of 50 Canberrans will be selected from those who express an interest.
With 285,000 registered motor vehicles in the ACT, CTP insurance affects a large part of our community. The Government believes our CTP scheme could be improved to better protect Canberrans.
This is because many Canberrans who are in an accident are not covered by CTP and even if you are covered it can take two years or more to get your full payout. Despite that we still pay some of the highest premiums in the country.
If you receive an invitation you can register your interest. You will then be entered into a random selection process that will result in 50 Canberrans being selected who broadly represent the demographics of the ACT. This process is being conducted by Democracy Co and is independent of government.
To ensure the jury can impartially consider all possibilities a number of people will be excluded. This includes anyone who receives an income from the CTP scheme; has an active CTP claim; or is an ACT Government insurance officer. The views of stakeholders and those with a vested interest will be disseminated through the Stakeholder Reference Group and expert witnesses.
The jury’s first task will be to identify the priorities for a CTP scheme that best balances the interests of all road users. The jury’s priorities will then be given to a Stakeholder Reference Group made up of legal representatives, healthcare providers, academics, consumers, insurers, actuaries and ACT Government officials. The reference group will develop a number of workable models for consideration. The jury will then come together again and assess which of the models best meets those priorities.
The government has committed to pursuing the model the jury prefers on the basis that it meets the community’s priorities.
I would encourage anyone who receives an invitation to RSVP by 17 September, using the details on the invitation.
Even if you do not receive an invitation, you can participate in the jury by providing your feedback on what is important to you in a CTP scheme by visiting www.yoursay.act.gov.au/ctp. This feedback will be provided to the jury to consider as a part of the deliberation process.
- Statement ends -
Section: Andrew Barr, MLA | Media Releases
