MEDIA RELEASE

THE SHAYNE NEUMANN MP, FEDERAL MEMBER FOR BLAIR

Blair residents are being urged to voice their experiences in a new parliamentary inquiry scrutinising the insurance industry’s response to the 2022 major floods.

Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann has been appointed to the House Standing Committee on Economics inquiry, which has launched an online survey to gather input from affected residents.

“Ipswich, the Somerset Region and Karana Downs area were hit hard by the 2022 floods, with some parts still recovering, while current insurance arrangements have not served everyone well,” he said.

Mr Neumann said the scope of the inquiry will cover affordability of insurance cover, timeframes and obstacles to resolving claims, communication with claimants, effectiveness of internal dispute resolution processes, and how insurance companies prepare for future major floods.

“We’re looking at this issue from all angles. After floods, we want people to be able to access the support they need to rebuild their lives and they can’t do that if they are still waiting for insurance claims to be settled.

“Whatever your experience was - good, bad, easy or frustrating - we want to hear about it so we can make sure the system is working for our communities.”

Mr Neumann said the aftermath of intense natural disasters continues to have a huge impact on the lives of many residents in rural and regional communities, and in metropolitan areas, including in Blair.

“Many people in my electorate were severely impacted by the floods in February and March last year. At the time, I doorknocked flooded areas in Ipswich, making sure residents were safe and that they had been able to claim disaster payments from Services Australia.

“My staff are still advocating for affected constituents who have outstanding claims with their insurance companies. Meanwhile, they are also trying to rebuild their lives, which is difficult when claims haven’t been settled.”

“To kick off the inquiry, we have launched an online survey to hear from people who were affected by the floods and it’s really important that we get that feedback.”

“Committee members need to have a good understanding of people’s experiences with their insurance companies. Their evidence will inform our discussions throughout the inquiry and help guide our recommendations.”

Residents can participate in the online survey and/or make formal submissions addressing the inquiry Terms of Reference (ToR) until 31 October 2023.

Further information about the inquiry, including the ToR, and details on how to complete the survey or make a submission, is available on the inquiry’s website: https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/House/Economics/FloodInsuranceInquiry

Submissions can also be lodged online here: https://www.aph.gov.au/parliamentary_business/committees/onlinesubmission