The Commission has a reference from the Attorney General and Minister for Justice, the Honourable F.J. Walker, Q.C., M.P., to inquire into and make recommendations concerning the circumstances in which compensation should be payable in respect of death or personal injury caused by accident. The precise terms of reference are set out in paragraph 1.1 of this Paper.

The Paper describes the major compensation systems presently operating in New South Wales and examines some of the criticisms which have been made of the systems. It also discusses the extent of the problem of accidental death and injury in New South Wales and analyses the cost of the existing systems of compensation. In Section 5, four possible approaches to the problem of accident compensation are examined.

The purpose of the Paper is to provide background information for the guidance of people and organizations who wish to make submissions to us. Section 6 of the Paper raises a number of policy questions which are designed to stimulate discussion and to assist people and organizations in framing their views. The questions are not intended to restrict the range of submissions which may be made and commentators may wish to raise other matters for discussion. Some commentators may wish to address themselves to all issues raised, and others may want to make submissions on only some of the questions. The Commission has formed no final view on any of the issues raised in the Paper.

Members of the Commission who have been concerned in the formulation of this Paper are:

Chairman

Professor Ronald Sackville

Deputy Chairman

Mr. Russell Scott

Full-time Commissioners

Mr. J.H.P. Disney

Part-time Commissioners

The Hon. Mr. Justice Andrew Rogers

Mr. H.D. Sperling, Q.C.

Dr. R. Madden, Director, Planning Division, the Health Commission of New South Wales is a Principal Consultant to the Commission in connection with this reference.

We acknowledge the contribution of the following consultants in providing background information for this Paper: Mr. M. Aitken (Tutor in Law, University of New South Wales); Ms. R. Graycar: Ms. T. Kavanagh (Barrister); Professor H. Luntz (University of Melbourne); Dr. A. Tyree (Senior Lecturer in Law, University of New South Wales).

Special assistance has been provided by Mr. K. Beckton (Board Member, Government Insurance Office of New South Wales) and Mr. D. Steel (Assistant Government Actuary).

The following members of the Commission's research staff made substantial contributions to the preparation of the Issues Paper: Ms. M. Neave (Director of Research); Ms. F. Tito and Ms. C. Strange.