Insurers Under Fire: Melbourne Floods Reveal Gaps and Mismatches
Insurers Under Fire: Melbourne Floods Reveal Gaps and Mismatches
5
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.
Residents from western Melbourne have voiced sharp disapproval of insurance companies at the recent federal inquiry hearings held in Maribyrnong, citing significant grievances post the 2022 floods.
Madeleine Serle, Chair of the Maribyrnong Community Recovery Association, described the industry's response to the floods that hit in October and November 2022 as “unacceptably poor,” underscoring a severe letdown in expected assistance.
“It became evident fairly quickly in Maribyrnong that the very people who were supposed to assist us had utterly failed,” Serle asserted.
“The delays we faced seemed purposeful, alongside layers of confusion and inefficiency. Tasks that needed completion didn’t see the light of day, documentation vanished into thin air, and work scopes were altered in misleadingly frequent manners.
“I’ve never observed such a dysfunctional mix in any business sector. The rampant chaos, disorganization, resource misallocation, and mismanagement of subcontractors were beyond belief.”
Wennie van Riet, leading the Mental Health and Wellbeing Project at GenWest, highlighted the complexity of understanding insurance policies, which many customers found to be written in overly complicated jargon. “Policy terms are often presented in a manner only those with specialized higher education could decipher,” van Riet critiqued.
She emphasized that educating policyholders and better disaster preparedness could significantly improve their experiences and outcomes.
Another focal point was the issue of inadequate cash settlements. Various community groups have advocated for insurers to alter their methods.
“Insurers need to carefully assess whether individuals can sufficiently handle cash settlements and the ensuing project management risks,” Anglicare Victoria Financial Counsellor Kathryn Swinton explained. “It’s imperative that people understand taking cash places the project management responsibility squarely on their shoulders.”
Concerns about flood insurance affordability were also brought to the forefront. Moonee Valley Mayor Pierce Tyson reported staggering premium hikes by 50% since the flooding occurred.
“We worry that properties in Maribyrnong could become uninsurable-not in the distant future, but maybe even soon,” Tyson cautioned.
The Maribyrnong hearing marked the start of a series of three such inquiry sessions in Victoria.
Published:Thursday, 16th May 2024 Source: Paige Estritori
Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.
As of 1 July 2025, the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has introduced a professional indemnity insurance (PII) product specifically designed for midwives providing intrapartum care. This development, under the Midwife Professional Indemnity Scheme (MPIS), ensures that private midwifery practitioners now have access to insurance coverage encompassing all facets of their practice, including intrapartum services. - read more
In recent developments within the Australian healthcare sector, a significant number of bariatric surgeons are contemplating the future of their medical practices due to a substantial increase in indemnity insurance premiums and a rising incidence of legal claims. This trend poses potential challenges to the accessibility of obesity-related procedures for patients across the country. - read more
Recent projections indicate that global health insurance costs are set to rise by 10.3% in 2026, marking a continuation of the upward trend observed in recent years. This follows a 10% increase in 2025 and a 9.5% rise in 2024, underscoring the sustained inflationary pressures faced by insurers and employer-sponsored health plans worldwide. - read more
Marsh, a leading insurance broker, offers tailored insurance solutions designed specifically for fitness professionals across Australia. Recognising the unique risks associated with the fitness industry, Marsh provides comprehensive coverage options to safeguard personal trainers, gym owners, and other fitness practitioners. - read more
AUSactive, Australia's peak body for the exercise and active health sector, has introduced the Professional Plus Membership, a comprehensive package designed to support fitness professionals in their careers. This membership combines the benefits of AUSactive's professional membership with an exclusive insurance policy tailored for those delivering fitness, exercise, and active health activities. - read more
In an age where digital presence intertwines with daily operations, the threat landscape in Australia has magnified, exposing businesses to an evolving array of cyber threats. From sophisticated phishing attempts to ransomware attacks, the risk of digital insecurity looms large. Australia, with its growing technological adoption, finds itself facing an upsurge in cyber threat incidents year over year. - read more
As we delve into the digital era, the number of cyber threats that challenge Australian small businesses is significantly on the rise. Cyber attacks have become more sophisticated, frequent, and continue to disrupt the operations of small enterprises, often with devastating consequences. The need to fortify defenses against such threats has never been more paramount. - read more
Cyber insurance, also known as cyber liability insurance, is a type of coverage designed to protect businesses from the financial repercussions of cyber attacks and data breaches. As cyber threats become more sophisticated, the need for a safety net to mitigate the impact of such incidents has grown significantly. - read more
In today's digital age, cyber security has become a critical aspect for small businesses in Australia. As more operations move online, the potential for cyber threats increases. Small businesses are particularly vulnerable, making it essential to understand and address these risks proactively. - read more
In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, Australian businesses face an ever-increasing array of cyber threats. From sophisticated phishing schemes to ransomware attacks, these dangers lurk in the virtual shadows, often going unnoticed until it's too late. Recognizing and understanding these cyber risks is not just important; it's crucial for the sustainability and success of any modern enterprise. - read more
Knowledgebase
Occupational Hazard: A risk associated with the nature of a particular occupation, which may affect insurance premiums.