Peter Whish-Wilson (Tasmania, Australian Greens) Share this | Hansard source

I move:

That the Senate—

(a) notes that:

  (i) recent bushfires have resulted in thousands of insurance claims being filed by affected residents,

  (ii) the General Insurance Code of Practice is a voluntary code that is not enforceable by regulators,

  (iii) insurance contracts are not currently subject to laws protecting consumers against unfair contract terms, and

  (iv) the handling and settling of insurance claims is not considered a financial service and, as such, licensees are not subject to the general obligations to do all things necessary to ensure the service is provided efficiently, honestly and fairly; and

(b) calls upon insurance companies to act with integrity, and to be as sympathetic and as prompt as is possible, when assessing and settling claims made by people affected by the recent bushfires.

Question agreed to.