Northern Australians who face rising insurance premiums can air their grievances in public forums hosted by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.

The events follow a $7.9 million federal funding allocation to the commission for an inquiry into the supply of residential building, contents and strata insurance in the region.

Minister for Revenue and Financial Services Kelly O’Dwyer says the government will closely monitor the inquiry.

“If there is evidence to indicate the market is not competitive, or premiums are not properly reflecting the risks facing residents in northern Australia, the Government will consider the options available to improve insurance affordability,” she said.

Details of the public forums, which run into next month, are here.