In about 1974 NZ was hailed as a world leader in bringing in an accident compensation scheme that gave immediate income related benefits, together with the costs of injuries incurred whether at work or at home. Before that there was a small income related compensation scheme but injured people had to sue their employers or other parties in order to get recompense. This often took years, heavy legal fees, and in the end was only successful if the 'offender” had sufficient wealth. The new scheme was 'no fault” and suing was prohibited.

Now we are returning to the old ways, but even worse there is now double dipping. Courts are awarding lump sums to victims under employment safety laws and the injured and their relatives are suing employers for their indirect suffering.

Two brothers are endeavouring to claim on the army for severe injuries caused by separate training accidents some 20 years ago. If they are successful there are 31 cases in behind.

My strong objection to this is that it becomes a lottery. The injured will only succeed against those who have the wherewithal and deep pockets. Others, including self employed, will miss out.

These two brothers may well be deserving of further benefits. However instead of the Defence Minister looking to authorise ex gratia payments, he should be putting his efforts into the Government determining what's wrong with the present Accident Compensation System and then ensuring that all such injured are treated fairly.

Injured people are still far better off than those disabled by illness.

Bill Capamagian, Tauranga.