By ALESHA CAPONE
MPS from the West, who opposed a parliamentary Bill described as a ‘savage attack’ on the rights of road trauma victims, have helped stop the proposed new laws.
Keilor MP Natalie Hutchins said the State Government’s proposed changes to the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) scheme would have denied compensation to families who have lost loved ones in traffic accidents.
Ms Hutchins said the Bill would have meant a victim’s relative could only claim to have suffered after the accident, if they proved they were unable to work for three years afterwards.
Ms Hutchins said this would have instantly prevented children, retirees, stay-at-home parents and people with a disability, which prevented them from working, from receiving assistance.
The Ambulance Employees Australia, the United Firefighters Union and Police Association also opposed the TAC changes, which would have prevented these workers from claiming compensation for mental injuries developed by attending accidents.
Williamstown MP Wade Noonan said the 1997 case of Senior Constable Lewczuk, who died after he intercepted a speeding car in Ardeer, reminded him of the importance of the proposed TAC amendments.
“We will not play any part in taking away the rights of the grieving families of people who have died or who are severely injured in transport accidents,” he said.
Melton MP Don Nardella also opposed the TAC changes.
A State Government spokesperson said because the Opposition voted against the Bill, it did not have sufficient votes to pass into law.
“The government will consider its options in due course,” he said.
The Assistant Treasurer, Gordon Rich-Phillips, said the Opposition was putting the interests of plaintiff lawyers ahead of injured Victorians, as the changes would have also capped fees paid to these lawyers under the TAC scheme.
“The TAC should not be a cash cow for plaintiff lawyers,” Mr Rich-Phillips said.
“The Coalition Government is trying to ensure that injured TAC clients, rather than lawyers, receive the money as compensation.”
