Matthew Maxwell Scott

Anthony Hughes, Chair and CEO of the CHO, pays tribute to Matthew Maxwell Scott

We were all shocked and saddened by the news of the passing of Matthew Maxwell Scott, chief executive of the Consumer Legal Association (CLA) and ACSO and a long-time friend of the credit hire sector. Matthew, who was 49, was a tireless champion of consumer rights, and a warm and steadfast ally of the CHO.

Many will remember his speeches at CHO Conferences over the years, providing members with valuable insights into the workings of government and how policy and politics impacted our industry. He was a leading light in the fight against the whiplash reforms, which, he argued, reduced the rights of consumers in favour of big business, and more recently he has continued, through the establishment of the CLA, to battle on behalf of the legal and claims sector and the millions of people we support following an accident or injury.

Matthew was unfailingly good-humoured, and always interested in and friendly to people from all walks of life. His nickname, Posh, belied the fact that he was a down to earth individual, warm, articulate and happy to stand up for his beliefs and debate the issues without rancour. He leaves behind his wife Mel and two boys. All of us in credit hire will want to extend their deepest sympathies to Matthew’s family at this very sad time.