The general insurance industry has hit back after One Nation senator Brian Burston made a series of allegations in Parliament, accusing him of “choosing to ignore” facts that contradict his comments.

Senator Burston claims the industry is “long overdue for a shake-up” and highlighted the case of constituent Luke Quintano, who was hurt in a motor vehicle accident in 1999.

He says Allianz delayed paying his claim, and in the meantime Mr Quintano was shot in the head at a Sydney nightclub, losing an eye and suffering partial paralysis.

The nightclub’s insurer was an unauthorised foreign insurer that went bust before any money could be paid, and Senator Burston believes the local industry should compensate Mr Quintano instead.

“Perhaps they could invest some of the $4 billion [annual industry profit] looking after victims of dodgy insurers selling policies in Australia that cannot be claimed against.”

A spokesman for Allianz was unable to comment on specifics of the vehicle injury claim, but confirmed it was settled more than a decade ago “with the agreement of the claimant and his legal advisers”.

“Allianz provided irrefutable evidence to Senator Burston that directly contradicts the assertions he has made against Allianz, which the senator has unfortunately chosen to ignore,” the spokesman told insuranceNEWS.com.au.

“Allianz has great sympathy for Luke Quintano and wishes him all the best in obtaining compensation for the significant injury he tragically suffered in a subsequent and unrelated event to the motor accident that he accepted a settlement for.”

A spokesman for the Insurance Council of Australia told insuranceNEWS.com.au Senator Burston was “fully informed of the facts” but the Hansard record of his allegations in Parliament “does not reflect the information provided to him”.