The experiences of storm and flood-hit residents, largely left high and dry by their insurers, will be shared at a parliamentary inquiry that commenced last Wednesday, 31st January.
Over the next four weeks, the first public hearings in the ‘Inquiry into insurers’ responses to claims resulting from the major floods in 2022’ will take place.
Independent Member for Calare Andrew Gee fiercely advocated for the establishment of the probe, asking the Prime Minister in Question Time in May 2023 whether he would support an inquiry.
Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones announced the inquiry with Mr Gee at Eugowra in July 2023.
“In the fourteen months since this disaster hit our region, we have heard many stories of heartache and heartbreak from local residents and business people who have had their homes and livelihoods destroyed,” said Mr Gee.
“Communities like Eugowra, Molong, Manildra, Canowindra, Cudal and Wellington were devastated by the storm and flood event of November 2022.
“The rebuilding and recovery process has been made much harder by the cold-hearted and in some cases shocking response of insurers to policyholders.
“We need to get to the bottom of what’s happened here and make sure the pain that insurance companies have inflicted on our communities is not repeated in others.
“I’m confident that this inquiry will shine a spotlight on what has happened to our local residents. I’m hoping this probe will be a watershed moment in the way that insurers deal with disaster-hit policy holders and that positive change can occur from the suffering and heartache that our residents have had to endure.
“I am expecting the inquiry to visit the Central West in the near future to hear firsthand from our residents,” Mr Gee said.
For individuals and communities affected by the storm and flood events, the submissions portal and the online survey remain open. A link to the online survey can be found here: www.aph.gov.au/floodinsurance
A program for the hearings can be found at: www.aph.gov.au/floodinsurance