LETTERS:
Bushfires and the insurance industry

by Michael Arnold

News Weekly, November 29, 2003
Sir,

I refer to the your article on bushfires in News Weekly (November 1).

Whilst the insurance industry in this country has hardly identified itself recently with either intelligence or integrity, it does seem remarkable it has apparently taken no action itself to identify the contributory factors and to influence matters along the lines you suggest.

Although the prime concern is the disastrous consequences for the community, there is also enormous cost to the insurance industry - and this itself will then be passed on in the form of higher premiums.

Why has the insurance industry remained silent on these issues?

They make enquiries regarding the location of properties in bush fire prone areas - but why are they not making any effort to change the government policies?

Is that not what an intelligent and pro-active industry should be doing?

Michael Arnold
President,
Institute of Public Insurance Assessors
North Sydney, NSW