Inquiry shines light on 'shocking' insurance for disaster-hit communities

The Independent Federal Member for Calare, Andrew Gee, has welcomed the announcement that the federal government will launch a parliamentary inquiry into the response of insurers to the 2022 storm and flood events including those that occurred in Central Western NSW.

"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.

Mr Gee said the rebuilding and recovery process was made harder, and tragedy worse, by the "coldhearted and shocking response" of insurers to policyholders.

"The anger in our communities is white hot, and I don't think we are alone, with other regions across Australia left reeling from the callous conduct of insurance companies," he said.

"From long delays in claims processing, to widespread knockbacks. It’s taken a huge toll cross our region.

Mr Gee said there was a massive power imbalance between policy holders and insurance companies.

"At the end of the day, if a policy holder wants to fight a knockback from an insurer, they’re going to need to fork out big dollars for an expert hydrology report and also a solicitor," he said.