The Nationals WA say they will deliver a $500 annual home insurance rebate in northern parts of the state if they are elected to government at next month’s election.

The proposal aims to address ballooning insurance costs in the region, including the cyclone-prone Pilbara, which was this month hit by a category 4 storm.

According to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s Insurance Monitoring Report, the median annual home premium in the region is $5169 – more than three times the $1657 median for Perth.

The proposed rebate follows the party’s proposal to establish a minister for northern WA, with Nationals state president and Legislative Council candidate Julie Freeman nominated for the role.

Ms Freeman says nearly 50,000 families could be eligible for the rebate.

“The Nationals WA’s $500 rebate would provide immediate relief, encourage more homeowners to stay insured in high-risk areas, and help build a more sustainable insurance sector in the north,” she said.

“In recent weeks, we’ve seen the potential risk and havoc caused by Cyclone Zelia in the Pilbara, and it’s unacceptable that so many households remain uninsured or underinsured because they simply can’t afford the rising premiums.”  

Party leader Shane Love says the rebate is a “practical and responsible way to keep families safe and protect our northern communities”. 

He says the policy would cost up to $25 million a year.

The Nationals WA hold three seats in the state parliament heading into the March 8 election.

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