Taxpayer digs deep for uninsured storm victims
The Victorian Government has announced a storm relief package of up to $26,000 for uninsured households, despite concern that state assistance encourages underinsurance.
On April 2, winds of up to 130kmh swept Victoria, cutting electricity to 420,000 households.
The state’s Department of Human Services last week announced grants to cover temporary living expenses, re-establishment costs and essential items in cases of extreme hardship, involving inhabitable homes.
Department spokesman Bram Alexander says the measures are a necessary safety net.
“The Government is there to assist people in need and there is an expectation that we do that.
“Where possible people should take responsibility to insure but there is a role for the Government to play, given the nature of the emergency.”
The state grant follows an initial package of emergency assistance, with up to $1067 immediately available for expenses such as food and shelter. All grants are individually assessed and subject to income tests.
NIBA CEO Noel Pettersen says Victoria could lower payments to storm victims if taxes were dropped from insurance and a regime more in keeping with modern needs was devised.
“I wonder what the need would be if [the Victorian Government] removed the fire services levy and made it compulsory for everyone to insure their house, and provide proof of that when paying rates,” he said.
On April 2, winds of up to 130kmh swept Victoria, cutting electricity to 420,000 households.
The state’s Department of Human Services last week announced grants to cover temporary living expenses, re-establishment costs and essential items in cases of extreme hardship, involving inhabitable homes.
Department spokesman Bram Alexander says the measures are a necessary safety net.
“The Government is there to assist people in need and there is an expectation that we do that.
“Where possible people should take responsibility to insure but there is a role for the Government to play, given the nature of the emergency.”
The state grant follows an initial package of emergency assistance, with up to $1067 immediately available for expenses such as food and shelter. All grants are individually assessed and subject to income tests.
NIBA CEO Noel Pettersen says Victoria could lower payments to storm victims if taxes were dropped from insurance and a regime more in keeping with modern needs was devised.
“I wonder what the need would be if [the Victorian Government] removed the fire services levy and made it compulsory for everyone to insure their house, and provide proof of that when paying rates,” he said.