The State Government said today Tasmanian third party insurance premiums remained among the lowest in Australia and the benefits under the scheme among the best.

The Minister for Infrastructure, Jim Cox, said that given the recent history of insurance claims, the Motor Accidents Insurance Board was merely exercising commercial prudence in raising premiums to protect itself against likely future claims.

Mr Cox was speaking after tabling in State Parliament a Government Prices Oversight Commission (GPOC) report and order to give effect to new premiums to take effect from 1 December.

“Tasmania continues to be recognised as having the most comprehensive benefits in Australia. “When compared with those states where benefits are recovered only where another driver is at fault, the Tasmanian premium represents value for money,” he said.

Mr Cox said the increased premium for motorcyclists, directly related to  recent claims history and the MAIB had agreed in principle to support over three years the implementation of a new motorcycle safety strategy being finalised by the Tasmanian Road Safety Council (TRSC).

“In recent years there has been a tragic increase in the number of deaths and serious injuries to motorcycle riders.

“I am expecting to receive recommendations from the TRSC later this month on a comprehensive strategy designed to improve the safety of motorcyclists on Tasmanian roads.

“The strategy will aim to cover a broad range of issues, including licensing, training, legislative requirements, education, enforcement and the road environment,” Mr Cox said.

He commended the MAIB on its foresight in joining the Government in a shared responsibility to make the State’s highways, country roads and streets safer for all Tasmanians and for visitors to the State.