Lane Cove Liberal MP, Anthony Roberts, has received rare praise from the other side of politics for his efforts in helping to resolve the crippling 10-month dispute between smash repairers and Insurance Australia Group (NRMA Insurance). 

NSW Premier, Morris Iemma, was announcing the proposed introduction of a mandatory code to protect the rights of consumers and repairers, when he paid tribute to Mr Roberts by stating “the honourable member for Lane Cove also deserves special mention for the role he has played in this dispute”. 
Mr Roberts was one of the first MPs in the State to become involved in the dispute and announced at a rally at JPL Smash Repairs in Gladesville in July last year that: “if the Insurance Industry will not negotiate we will legislate”, following a failure by NRMA Insurance to consult with the repair industry.

The proposed new legislation should address insurer restrictions on customer choice of repairer, introduce safety repair standards and stop inappropriate repair management systems such as quoting off a web image.  

Speaking on behalf of the NSW Liberal/National Coalition, Mr Roberts said today that he “sincerely hopes that the many smash repairers and employees that have been hurt by this dispute, will be able to successfully resume their business activities or restart their careers”.                  

He said he had fully supported industry and consumer concerns that practices by big insurance companies were impacting on the safety of motorists by forcing repairers to meet a price rather than a safety standard when they reinstated damaged vehicles.

“Too many examples were provided to the Staysafe Committee and reported to me where insurer-controlled repair management systems led to cutting corners and putting the safety of motorists at risk.

“I am pleased that this matter appears to finally have been resolved,” Mr Roberts.