Community legal service ARC Justice is urging people affected by the October 2022 floods to share their experiences.
A federal parliamentary inquiry is examining insurance companies’ responses to the disaster.
The House of Representatives’ Standing Committee on Economics inquiry began in late January, but it’s running a survey to gather information about experiences when dealing with insurers, as well as seeking submissions from individuals.
ARC Justice chief executive Damian Stock said although there had been more floods in different parts of Victoria since, many people were still dealing with the aftermath of the 2022 event, especially when it came to navigating insurance claims.
“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,” he said.
“ARC Justice made a submission to the inquiry and presented to the committee, 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.”
Mr Stock said ARC had seen first-hand the “very real distress” caused by delays in settling claims and difficulties communicating with insurers and strongly encouraged people to come forward.
“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.
For more information or help about participating in the inquiry, contact ARC Justice on 5445 0909.
To participate in the inquiry and access the submission form or survey, visit www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/House/Economics/FloodInsuranceInquiry