Liability Insurance Australia

Australian liability insurance resources

Liability Insurance Australia :: News

SHARE

Share this news item!

Jail Time for Gym Owner Who Masterminded an Unusual Scam

Jail Time for Gym Owner Who Masterminded an Unusual Scam

Jail Time for Gym Owner Who Masterminded an Unusual Scam?w=400

⚠️The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

An extraordinary case of insurance fraud has landed a Perth gym owner behind bars.

Karen Salkilld, who concocted a plan to fake her own death and scam an insurance company out of over $700,000, has been sentenced to three years in prison.

This month, Salkilld admitted guilt to charges of defrauding TAL, a major insurance firm. She submitted a fraudulent claim on February 7 through InsuranceLine, a TAL affiliate. The insurance policy had named a past romantic partner as the beneficiary.

The two were in a committed relationship for several years before parting ways last year. It's important to note that her former partner had no knowledge of or involvement in the fraudulent activity.

Salkilld had access to personal identification of her ex-partner, including a passport, using these details to execute her scheme. She asserted in her claim that she had died in an auto collision in Broome, WA, in December of the previous year.

To support her fabrication, she doctored a death certificate, coroner's court document, and an investigation record regarding the alleged demise.

In a meticulous move, she set up a financial account using her ex-partner's name at MyState Bank Tasmania, further posing as the ex-partner in the email exchange with the bank. The fraudulent insurance payment amounting to $718,963 was wired into this account on February 14. Salkilld then funneled this money to cover debts tied to her enterprises.

Her ruse unraveled when MyState Bank Tasmania flagged certain transactions as suspicious, prompting further scrutiny.

The court, quoting Judge Vicki Stewart, concluded, “The conclusion that your offending was motivated by greed is unavoidable.” She further added, “You were living beyond your means and overcommitted yourself. As the state prosecutor said...this money comes from a pool. Insurance premiums go up for everybody, and in that sense, it really is an offence against the community.” A restitution directive was issued, calling for the seized funds to be remitted to TAL.

The significant impact of such fraudulent actions on community insurance rates highlights the broader consequences of financial crimes. Salkilld's case reminds us of the integrity expectations placed on individuals within the financial ecosystem.

The coverage and statements related to this case have been adapted from details reported by Insurance News Magazine.

Published:Thursday, 31st Oct 2024
Source: Paige Estritori

Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.

Share this news item:

Insurance News

AIA Australia Introduces Enhancements to Priority Protection Life Insurance

AIA Australia Introduces Enhancements to Priority Protection Life Insurance

28 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

AIA Australia has announced significant updates to its Priority Protection life insurance suite, effective from 9 November 2025. These enhancements are designed to simplify discounts, improve policy clarity, and support premium affordability for policyholders. - read more

Decline in Life and Income Protection Insurance Premiums Benefits Australians

Decline in Life and Income Protection Insurance Premiums Benefits Australians

28 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

Recent data indicates a notable decline in life and income protection insurance premiums across Australia, providing consumers with more affordable coverage options. According to the latest Direct Life Insurance Report from Rainmaker Information, direct life premiums have decreased by 7% since 2024. Similarly, direct income protection premiums have seen significant reductions, with average premiums for waiting periods of 30 days and 90 days decreasing by 12% and 13%, respectively. - read more

Club Marine Launches Land-Based Insurance for Race Boats

Club Marine Launches Land-Based Insurance for Race Boats

28 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

Club Marine, Australia's leading boat insurance provider, has expanded its offerings to include land-based insurance coverage for race boats. This initiative is designed to support participants in the Australian Offshore Superboat Championship (AOPC) by providing protection for their vessels while on land. - read more

Pantaenius Australia Offers New 90-Day Lift Cover for Boat Maintenance

Pantaenius Australia Offers New 90-Day Lift Cover for Boat Maintenance

28 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

Pantaenius Australia, a specialist in marine insurance, has introduced a 90-day lift cover policy designed to provide boat owners with third-party liability insurance while their vessels are out of the water for maintenance or survey purposes. - read more

Australians File Record 111,373 Financial Complaints in 2025

Australians File Record 111,373 Financial Complaints in 2025

28 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

In 2025, Australians lodged a record 111,373 complaints with the financial watchdog, marking a 14% increase from the previous year. This surge underscores growing consumer dissatisfaction and challenges within the financial services sector. - read more

Click for more Insurance News

Business Insurance Articles

5 Tips for Reducing Your Liability Insurance Premiums in Australia

5 Tips for Reducing Your Liability Insurance Premiums in Australia

Liability insurance is a crucial form of protection that offers coverage against claims resulting from injuries and damage to people or property. Within the bustling landscape of Australian businesses, possessing this form of insurance is key to financial security and continuity. It acts as a safety net, ensuring businesses can manage risks without bearing the full brunt of potentially costly legal claims. - read more

Key Benefits of Comparing Public Liability Insurance Rates for Australian Businesses

Key Benefits of Comparing Public Liability Insurance Rates for Australian Businesses

As an Australian business owner, you face numerous financial risks daily. Accidents can happen at any time, whether it's a slip and fall on your premises or damage caused by your products or services. These incidents can lead to costly legal actions that may put significant strain on your business finances. - read more

Understanding The Costs: How Much Does Public Liability Insurance Typically Cost?

Understanding The Costs: How Much Does Public Liability Insurance Typically Cost?

Public liability insurance is a crucial form of protection for both businesses and individuals, safeguarding them against potential claims for personal injury or property damage that occur as a result of their operations or services. In an increasingly litigious society, having this coverage can mean the difference between staying afloat financially and facing business closure due to unexpected claims. - read more

Public Liability Insurance for Events: What Organizers Need to Consider

Public Liability Insurance for Events: What Organizers Need to Consider

Public liability insurance is a type of coverage designed to protect businesses and individuals from the financial fallout associated with claims for injury or damage caused to third parties. It is particularly crucial for event organizers, who are responsible for ensuring the safety and security of attendees, vendors, and participants. - read more

Reducing Your Risks: Public Liability Coverage Tips for Trade Professionals

Reducing Your Risks: Public Liability Coverage Tips for Trade Professionals

For tradesmen and trade professionals, venturing into the world of business comes with its set of challenges and risks. Among the myriad of precautions to consider, one critical safeguard stands out for its ability to protect both the tradesperson and their clients: Public Liability Insurance. This form of coverage is not just a safety net; it is a cornerstone of a responsible business practice within the trade industry. - read more

Start Here !

Knowledgebase

Endorsement:
An amendment or addition to an existing insurance policy that changes the terms or scope of the original policy.

Quick Links: | Liability Insurance Australia | Public Liability Insurance | Professional Indemnity Insurance | Business Liability Cover | Small Business Liability Insurance | Liability Insurance For Trades | Liability Insurance Quote | Corporate Liability Insurance | Liability Insurance For Professionals | Best Liability Insurance Australia

| HOME | RATES | CALCULATORS | NEWS | ARTICLES | ABOUT | CONTACT | PRIVACY | BROKERS | AFFILIATES | SITEMAP |

This website is owned and operated by Clark Family Pty Ltd (as Trustee for the Clark Family Trust) 43 Larch Street Tallebudgera QLD 4228, A.C.N. 010281008, authorised Financial Services Representative of Unique Group Broker Services Pty Ltd, Australian Financial Services License 509434. Visit the ASIC website for additional licensing information.

powered by Financial Services Online | Copyright Clark Family Pty Ltd A.C.N. 010 281 008 - all rights reserved

IMPORTANT: We are neither authorised nor licensed to provide finance or financial products and we do not offer any form of credit or other financial advice. All product enquiries and requests for financial and/or other advice on this website are referred to third party intermediaries, insurers and lenders - with whom you can then deal directly. We may receive a fee or commission from these third parties in consideration for the referral. Before any action is taken to obtain a product or service referred to by this website, advice should be obtained (from either the third party to whom we refer you or from another qualified intermediary) as to the appropriateness of obtaining those products having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. Whilst we have our own process for vaidating the legitimacy of our referral partners, you should always verify the credentials of your financial adviser before proceeding with recommendations that they may present. Visit the ASIC website for further information.