The National Insurance Brokers Association (NIBA) has voiced its approval of the Western Australian government’s allocation of $1.9 million for bushfire mitigation efforts across 15 local council areas.
The funding will support 272 risk reduction measures, such as mechanical fuel reduction, fire breaks, and controlled burns.
The funding is part of the Mitigation Activity Fund (MAF), which has distributed nearly $62 million since its inception in 2017 to address bushfire risks and protect vulnerable communities.
Commenting on the announcement, NIBA CEO Richard Klipin stated that the significant investment in bushfire mitigation reflects a collaborative approach to managing the risks associated with natural disasters. He highlighted that insurance brokers see firsthand the devastating impact that bushfires can have on lives, businesses, and communities.
“Strengthening resilience to natural disasters is critical, and NIBA fully supports initiatives that mitigate risk and enhance community safety,” he said.
As the primary body representing insurance brokers in Australia, NIBA emphasised its commitment to collaborating with governments, local communities, and other stakeholders to build resilience and raise awareness of risk management. The organisation noted that initiatives like the MAF help reduce disaster impacts, streamline recovery, and contribute to a sustainable insurance market.
In the aftermath of the recent Grampians bushfires, NIBA joined the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) and the Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS) to assist residents during a recovery forum in Halls Gap, Victoria.
The fires, which swept through farmland and national parks between Dec. 17, 2024, and Jan. 6, 2025, caused significant damage and led to more than 130 insurance claims, including business interruption cases.
The recovery forum, organised by Federal Member for Mallee Anne Webster, provided affected residents with resources, practical information, and an opportunity to speak directly with insurance representatives about their concerns.
Abbie Wilson, NIBA’s director of national insurance brokers, and one of the Best Insurance Brokers in Australia and New Zealand, underscored the need for accessible and affordable insurance.
“NIBA is proud to stand with the Grampians community, advocating passionately for brokers, their clients, and the critical need for accessible and affordable insurance to protect what matters most,” she said.
The community forum was held as businesses in Halls Gap, a tourism hub near Victoria’s Grampians/Gariwerd National Park, are facing rising insurance premiums and limited coverage options due to bushfire risks. These challenges are putting pressure on the region’s economy, which heavily depends on tourism.
Local business owner Asip Memishi, who operates the Halls Gap Hotel, said securing bushfire insurance has proven difficult. Despite paying an annual premium of $55,000, his policy excludes losses caused by bushfires. When fires threatened the town during the summer of 2023-24, Memishi defended his property with hoses.
Other operators in the area are experiencing similar difficulties. Alan Wang, an accommodation provider, said his insurance premiums exceed $20,000 annually, while tourism operator Adrian Manikas turned to an overseas insurer after being unable to secure a quote from Australian companies. Manikas was able to obtain a policy with business continuation coverage, but it excludes bushfire risks in key areas, limiting its usefulness.
Local MP Anne Webster has warned that businesses unable to secure affordable insurance may become unsustainable, threatening the region’s economic future. Federal Financial Services Minister Stephen Jones noted that the government is working to address the problem through initiatives like the Disaster Ready Fund and a taskforce on insurance affordability.
