8 November 2018
It is comforting to know that the majority of Legislative Assembly members are prepared to give proper and thoughtful consideration to Chief Minister Barr’s proposal to severely limit compensation available to injured road users. The Assembly’s Committee was to report on 1 November 2018, but sought extra time, and is now to report on 14 December 2018.
It is also comforting to know that the bulk of the 74 submissions on the 364 page draft Bill (including from trade unions, members of the public, and lawyers) are in accord with the Law Society’s view. That is, that the reduction in compensation entitlements is an unfair and draconian impost on injured road users, with the insurers being given an astonishing amount of power to further limit compensation, with the result being greater profits for the insurers. The really serious question is … why?
I congratulate the Women’s Lawyers Association on their very successful and enjoyable Awards Dinner last Friday at the National Gallery of Australia. I also congratulate all the recipients of awards made that night, and equally all those who competed without winning the award. Organising such an event is a massive undertaking and a credit to the organisers.
Back in my office at the Society, I have been looking at our involvement in some serious issues such as recidivism, legal super, justice strategy, mediation, and aboriginal legal issues, plus CTP and the everyday communications with members and staff. Yes, with also running my practice it’s a big workload, but I am enjoying it all and would not change anything.
Chris Donohue President, ACT Law Society