Cyclone Pool to Address $1.7 Billion in Claims After Alfred's Impact

1

Treasurer Chalmers, speaking from Queensland, emphasized that the government has earmarked about $1.2 billion in the forthcoming budget to aid cyclone-hit communities, focusing on both immediate hardship alleviations and long-term infrastructure rebuilding. This budgetary provision is critical as it supports local communities in their recovery efforts, reinforcing infrastructure, and ensuring that the social safety nets are equipped to handle such crises.

The Insurance Council of Australia has classified the event as a catastrophe, further underpinning the magnitude of the response required. Chalmers noted the ongoing dialogues with insurance providers, acknowledging the potential rise in building costs due to increased demand for reconstruction services, while aiming to contain inflationary pressures.

With insurance premiums already a key driver for inflation, concerns are rising over the potential affordability of insurance in disaster-prone areas. Chalmers emphasized the need for continuous government intervention to mitigate these costs. The cyclone pool, established as a financial safety net, was deemed significant but in need of further impact on insurance premiums.

Expected to announce the 2025-26 budget soon, Chalmers, alongside Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones and MP Daniel Mulino, remains engaged in assessing additional measures stemming from the 2022 floods inquiry. The goal is to bolster market resilience and effectiveness while curbing insurance-related inflation. Despite advancements in affordability and market stability, Chalmers acknowledged the enduring challenges within the insurance sector.

Published:Monday, 7th Apr 2025
Source: Paige Estritori

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Clear

ASIC Takes Hollard Insurance to Court Over Significant Claim Handling Issues 14 Apr 2025: Paige Estritori The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has initiated legal proceedings in the Federal Court against Hollard Insurance, alleging a breach of the duty of utmost good faith. This action is in response to what ASIC describes as Hollard's 'egregious' handling of a home and contents insurance claim filed by a couple from regional Victoria. - read more

Suncorp to Slash Jobs and Offshore Work in Motor Claims 11 Apr 2025: Paige Estritori Suncorp, a leading Australian insurer, has announced plans to reduce its workforce by cutting 30 of the 70 positions within its motor claims assessing coordinator team, with an intention to offshore some of these functions. This decision has prompted a response from the Finance Sector Union (FSU), which is currently gathering feedback from its members and intends to challenge the proposed changes. - read more

AFCA Ruling: Trucking Firm's Claim Invalid Due to Misrepresentation 10 Apr 2025: Paige Estritori A recent decision by the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has highlighted the importance of accurate disclosure in insurance applications. A trucking company's claim under an NTI commercial motor vehicle policy was denied after discrepancies were found in the company's insurance history and operational radius claims. - read more

Gow-Gates Secures Two-Year Partnership Extension with Football NSW 10 Apr 2025: Paige Estritori Gow-Gates has successfully renewed its role as the official insurance broker for Football NSW, set to continue for an additional two years. The decision was made following an extensive tender process conducted by the soccer organization last year. - read more

Strata Properties in Australia Reach $1.4 Trillion in Value 08 Apr 2025: Paige Estritori The insured value of strata properties across Australia has soared to an estimated $1.4 trillion, according to a recent industry report. This significant figure highlights the growing importance of the strata sector, which now encompasses properties worth $486 billion in New South Wales, $471 billion in Victoria, $245 billion in Queensland, and $112 billion in Western Australia. South Australia, the Australian Capital Territory, Tasmania, and the Northern Territory round out the country's strata market. - read more