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In a speech about New Zealand’s accident compensation scheme in 1996 I said, “The country was sold a pup which has turned into a pitbull terrier that mauls everyone it comes in contact with – accident victims, employers and politicians alike.” ACC minister Dr Nick Smith is just the last of a long line of ministers to inherit a scheme in financial crisis. There have been endless reviews of ACC since its inception. Read more

Preparations for the 2010 budget will be underway in government circles. The 2010 Budget Policy Statement, which sets out the broad parameters, is due in December. Read more

A potentially important announcement by the government last month has not been widely reported. It took the form of a Government Statement on Regulation, which was released with an accompanying Cabinet paper. Read more