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Harper to consult further on competition

The Harper Competition Policy Review will hold public forums next month and has called for further submissions.

It follows a draft report, released last week, that does not address insurance industry concerns on statutory schemes.

“We want your feedback,” panel chairman Ian Harper said. “We want people to tell us what they think of our views on the current state of competition and the draft recommendations.”

The draft report does not include recommendations to open workers’ compensation and compulsory third party markets.

A Suncorp spokesman says the matter will probably be addressed in the final report, and the company will provide a follow-up submission supported by independent research.

The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) says government monopolies in workers’ compensation and personal injury motor accident programs run contrary to the National Competition Policy.

“The competition policy review’s draft report supports the principle of competitive neutrality, which is also advocated by ICA,” a spokesman said.

The policy review will hold public forums in capital cities next month, starting in Perth on October 9 and ending in Canberra on October 22.

Consultations close on November 17 and a final report is due by March.