ARC Justice urges flood victims to share their struggle at federal inquiry

By Faith Macale

Feb 9, 2024

Difficult time: Seymour’s October 2022 flood victims still struggle with the aftermath, especially navigating insurance claims. Photo credit: Bob Dickie.

Leading community legal service ARC Justice is urging October 2022 flood victims to participate in a federal parliamentary inquiry examining insurers’ responses to the disaster.

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The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Economics inquiry began in late January but is still seeking individual submissions and running a survey to gather information about experiences dealing with insurers.

ARC Justice chief executive Damian Stock said many people were still grappling with the aftermath of the 2022 event, especially in navigating insurance claims.

“ARC Justice made a submission to the inquiry and presented to the committee last week, outlining the impact of insurers’ often hostile and unhelpful responses, but we believe it’s vital that the voices of those directly impacted are heard in this inquiry, too,” he said.

Mr Stock said the ARC had seen the “very real distress” caused by delays in settling claims and difficulties communicating with insurers.

“These are the precise types of issues the inquiry is looking into, so we’re urging people to add their voice either by filling out the online survey, which takes about 10 minutes, or making a submission,” he said.

“Your experience matters. Your voice deserves to be heard.

“Your input can help inform the public debate and hopefully change government policy in the future.”

By Faith Macale

Cadet journalist