Leaders from across the community will come together to discuss local insurance challenges and opportunities, with the aim of strengthening insurance outcomes for the region.
Insurance Council of Australia CEO Andrew Hall, Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack, State Member for Wagga Wagga Dr Joe McGirr, Wagga Wagga Mayor Cr Dallas Tout and representatives from Wagga Wagga City Council will examine the range of insurance issues being raised by the community and explore practical measures to improve insurance outcomes.
Key discussion topics will include; flood insurance affordability, community concerns, mitigation infrastructure and the need for practical solutions to improve insurance outcomes.
Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack said the roundtable would bring together key decision makers to address insurance challenges affecting local families and businesses.
“This roundtable is an important opportunity to identify the insurance challenges facing members of our community and work towards practical solutions that improve accessibility and affordability for residents across the Riverina,” Mr McCormack said.
“By bringing key stakeholders together around the same table, we can have constructive conversations about the pressures facing households and businesses and identify opportunities to deliver better outcomes for our region.”
State Member for Wagga Wagga Dr Joe McGirr said reducing flood risk through strategic investment and planning was critical to improving insurance outcomes for the community.
“Our community has experienced firsthand the impact of flooding. Continued investment in mitigation infrastructure and effective planning is essential to reducing risk, improving insurance outcomes and strengthening community confidence,” Dr McGirr added.
“Communities need confidence that they can access affordable insurance coverage, and that starts with ensuring our towns and cities are resilient to future natural disasters through smart planning and targeted investment.”
Insurance Council of Australia CEO Andrew Hall said engaging directly with local communities, governments and insurers was critical to developing solutions that lower risk and support better outcomes for communities.
“Insurance affordability is one of the most significant pressures facing many communities exposed to flood and other natural hazards, and the best way to put downward pressure on premiums is to reduce the risk communities face,” Mr Hall said.
“Strong partnerships between insurers, governments and local communities are essential to addressing the complex factors driving insurance costs and improving long-term resilience across regional Australia.”
Wagga Wagga Mayor Dallas Tout said the roundtable would provide an important forum for collaboration between government, industry and the community.
“Wagga Wagga City Council understand the significant impact rising insurance costs can have on our community. This roundtable will bring together all levels of government, industry representatives and local stakeholders to discuss the challenges we face and improve insurance outcomes for the people within our community,” Mayor Tout said.
“This is an opportunity to ensure local voices are heard and that the experiences of residents, businesses and community organisations help inform future solutions to insurance affordability and accessibility challenges.”
Invitations have been extended to insurance companies operating across the region, whose participation will provide valuable industry insights while enabling them to hear directly about the experiences and concerns of local communities.