Liability Insurance Australia :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

Perth Construction Firm Penalised for Insurance Lapse

Perth Construction Firm Penalised for Insurance Lapse

Perth Construction Firm Penalised for Insurance Lapse?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.

A construction company in Perth has been penalised for initiating building works without securing the legally-required home indemnity insurance, resulting in a $3500 fine and an additional $736 in costs.

In Western Australia, legislation mandates that builders obtain a Home Indemnity Insurance (HII) policy for any residential construction projects exceeding $20,000 prior to receiving payment or commencing with construction.

This insurance offers homeowners a safeguard against financial setbacks should a builder be unable to finish or rectify construction due to reasons such as death, disappearance, financial insolvency, or the revocation of the builder's registration due to financial reasons.

The Armadale Magistrates' Court heard the case where DBD Developments had proceeded with laying the concrete foundation and other preliminary installations for a client's two-storey home in January 2022. However, the requisite HII was not procured until six months later, in July.

Saj Abdoolakhan, the Building Commissioner, highlighted the homeowner's dilemma, noting that two interim payments had been made in the absence of insurance protection.

He stated, "The builder was eligible for this insurance and should have obtained it before commencing work, rather than six months later. This conduct undermines the protections provided by WA’s home building contract laws and the overall integrity of the building approvals process."

This incident resonates amidst ongoing reviews in the construction sector focusing on enhancing compliance and safeguarding consumer interests, as highlighted in the original report from Armadale News.

Instances like these underline the crucial importance of transparency and adherence to legal obligations in the construction industry, particularly in protecting homeowners from potential financial vulnerabilities.

The case serves as a potent reminder for builders across the region to prioritise due diligence and adhere to statutory regulations to maintain trust and uphold industry standards.

The penalty not only enforces existing laws but also signals to other builders the serious repercussions of bypassing essential mandates that protect both builders and clients alike.

Published:Tuesday, 11th Feb 2025
Author: Paige Estritori

Please Note: We do not endorse any specific products or companies. Some content is sourced from third parties, including press releases, and may not be independently verified for accuracy or completeness.

Share this news item:

Insurance News

HESTA Announces Reduction in Insurance Fees to Benefit Members
HESTA Announces Reduction in Insurance Fees to Benefit Members
11 May 2026: Paige Estritori
HESTA, a prominent Australian superannuation fund, has unveiled a significant reduction in insurance fees, set to take effect from 1 July 2026. This initiative aims to make insurance coverage more accessible and affordable for its members, aligning with the fund's commitment to enhancing member benefits. - read more
Hostplus and MetLife Australia Extend Partnership to Enhance Member Insurance Benefits
Hostplus and MetLife Australia Extend Partnership to Enhance Member Insurance Benefits
11 May 2026: Paige Estritori
Hostplus, a leading Australian superannuation fund, has announced the extension of its group insurance partnership with MetLife Australia until June 2028. This strategic move aims to elevate the servicing models across claims and underwriting, ultimately delivering stronger outcomes for Hostplus members. - read more
Marine Insurers Maintain Support Amid Middle East Conflicts
Marine Insurers Maintain Support Amid Middle East Conflicts
11 May 2026: Paige Estritori
The International Union of Marine Insurance (IUMI) has recently highlighted the resilience of marine insurers in the face of escalating conflicts in the Middle East. Despite the challenging geopolitical landscape, insurers continue to provide essential coverage for cargo, hull, liability, and offshore energy sectors, ensuring that global trade flows remain protected. - read more
Cyclone Narelle Highlights Marine Insurance Challenges in Northern Australia
Cyclone Narelle Highlights Marine Insurance Challenges in Northern Australia
11 May 2026: Paige Estritori
Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle, which struck Northern Australia in March 2026, has brought to the forefront the escalating challenges in securing marine hull insurance in regions like Northern Queensland and Western Australia. The cyclone's path, impacting both the Northern Territory and the northwest of Western Australia, exemplifies the increasing volatility of weather patterns and their profound implications for the marine insurance sector. - read more
Rising Wreck Removal Costs Challenge Marine Insurance Industry
Rising Wreck Removal Costs Challenge Marine Insurance Industry
11 May 2026: Paige Estritori
The escalating costs associated with wreck removal are emerging as a significant challenge for the marine insurance industry. Recent incidents have demonstrated that expenses related to salvage operations, environmental remediation, and debris clearance can substantially exceed initial estimates, posing financial risks that may surpass traditional liability limits. - read more
Click for more Insurance News


Business Insurance Articles

Q&A: Common Questions Australian Business Owners Have About Public Liability Insurance
Q&A: Common Questions Australian Business Owners Have About Public Liability Insurance
Public liability insurance is a crucial aspect of managing risk for businesses in Australia. This type of insurance covers costs associated with claims made against a business for property damage or personal injury caused during business operations. - read more
The Importance of Public Liability Insurance in the Australian Labour Hire Industry
The Importance of Public Liability Insurance in the Australian Labour Hire Industry
The Australian labour hire industry has seen a significant rise in recent years, and with this growth, comes new and unique risks that companies in this industry must be prepared to navigate. One such risk is the potential for accidents or damages to occur in the workplace, which is where public liability insurance comes in. This article will explore the definition of public liability insurance and why it is so important for labour hire companies in Australia. - read more
The Cost of Safety: How Much Public Liability Insurance Does Your Australian Business Need?
The Cost of Safety: How Much Public Liability Insurance Does Your Australian Business Need?
As a business operating in Australia, understanding the ins and outs of public liability insurance is not just recommended, it's essential. This type of insurance serves as a safeguard, protecting your business against the financial repercussions of lawsuits and claims arising from third-party injuries or property damage due to your business operations. In a world where one unintended mishap can lead to costly legal battles, public liability insurance stands as your first line of defense. - 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
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


Start Here !

Start here!

Cover Amount:
Postcode:
All quotes are provided obligation-free by a participating broker from our national referral partner network. We respect your Privacy.

Knowledgebase
Insurance:
In law and economics, insurance is a form of risk management primarily used to hedge against the risk of potential financial loss.



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.