CEO stood up to Rudd
A senior industry CEO remonstrated with Prime Minister Kevin Rudd over his comments about insurers’ commitment to helping Victorian bushfire victims, well-informed sources have told insuranceNEWS.com.au.
The reaction came a day after Mr Rudd told Parliament on February 16 that “people who have been affected by this extraordinary disaster” should take any insurance problems “directly to the Assistant Treasurer” through their local MP.
The negative comments caused considerable anger within the industry, which had staff working long hours dealing with insured bushfire victims. The sources said the CEO contacted Mr Rudd’s office and shortly after a delegation of senior industry executives met with Assistant Treasurer Chris Bowen.
“The Government’s attitude was much more positive towards the industry after that meeting,” a source said. “Bowen has been very supportive in his statements about our work in the bushfire areas and the Prime Minister immediately stopped trying to be the nation’s chief claims manager.”
The reaction came a day after Mr Rudd told Parliament on February 16 that “people who have been affected by this extraordinary disaster” should take any insurance problems “directly to the Assistant Treasurer” through their local MP.
The negative comments caused considerable anger within the industry, which had staff working long hours dealing with insured bushfire victims. The sources said the CEO contacted Mr Rudd’s office and shortly after a delegation of senior industry executives met with Assistant Treasurer Chris Bowen.
“The Government’s attitude was much more positive towards the industry after that meeting,” a source said. “Bowen has been very supportive in his statements about our work in the bushfire areas and the Prime Minister immediately stopped trying to be the nation’s chief claims manager.”