The NSW and Victorian governments have announced a new arrangement to support homeowners who were impacted by the recent catastrophic bushfires – a move the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) said will deliver better outcomes for fire-hit communities.
The Berejiklian and Andrews governments both committed to engage contractors and fully fund the removal of debris and site clearance for all bushfire-affected homeowners in their respective states.
“This arrangement treats all affected property owners fairly and equally,” said Rob Whelan, ICA CEO. “It should result in faster and safer site clean-up for many and help ensure greater community safety in the removal and transport of potentially hazardous materials. Government-funded clean-up will also enable insurers to maximise the funds available in their customers’ policies for rebuilding.”
Whelan also reiterated the industry’s commitment to using local trades, as he called on the government to “encourage private-sector clean-up contractors to appoint suitably qualified local trades.”
Other state governments have also been called on to adopt similar models to aid impacted Australians in their recovery.
