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NSW Farmers Association Press Release - Insurance crisis in rural Australia
26 Jul 2002
Rapidly rising insurance premiums are threatening the very viability of rural communities.
That message has come loud and clear at the NSW Farmers’ Association Annual Conference, which is wrapping up in Sydney today.
The Association’s Business, Economics and Trade Committee Chair, Ian McClintock, says governments are still not doing enough to stem the blow-out in costs associated with public liability, professional indemnity and property insurance.
"Everyone from pony clubs to doctors is being forced to cancel events or limit the services they can provide because they simply can’t afford the rising cost of cover.
"This is leading to potentially life threatening situations and attacking the social fabric of our communities and rural way of life.
"The Conference voted for the Association to review key elements of the insurance industry and their impact on rural communities.
Mr McClintock said pay-outs are out of control, and lawyers touting for business on a ‘no-win, no-cost’ basis are increasing the amount of litigation ending up in our courts.
"We need to find alternatives. New Zealand, for example, has a public insurance system that provides cover for non-profit organisations that is well worth considering.
"It is clear that government reforms in these areas need to ensure that individuals take more responsibility for their actions as well as look at capping pay-outs for unreasonable claims," Mr McClintock said.
Contact: Kaaren Latham (Media Manager) 0409 809 909
by Ireni Attia
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