When disaster strikes, NSW communities should get faster, better-coordinated help under a new partnership between the NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA) and the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA).
The two organisations have formalised a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen coordination between government and the insurance sector before, during, and after disasters.
The agreement sets out clearer arrangements for the RA and the insurance industry to share information, coordinate recovery planning, and work together to support disaster-affected communities across NSW.
It covers disaster preparedness, recovery, and reconstruction, including better information and data sharing, joint planning, and coordinated community engagement.
The MoU also recognises insurers’ role in recovery operations, including at Recovery Centres and through community outreach, helping residents and businesses get insurance information and support as they recover.
It also allows the RA and insurers to work together earlier on recovery policy and programs, including post-disaster clean-up programs.
NSW Reconstruction Authority CEO Kate Fitzgerald said the agreement strengthened the relationship between government and the insurance sector.
“After a disaster, communities need government, insurers and other recovery partners working together and sharing information so people can get the support they need as quickly as possible,” Ms Fitzgerald said.
“This agreement gives us a clearer mechanism to do that, from sharing information that helps us understand what is happening on the ground to coordinating support through Recovery Centres and community outreach.”
ICA CEO Andrew Hall said the MoU would help make sure people received the right support at the right time.
“When extreme weather strikes, communities need support that is coordinated, accessible and focused on recovery,” Mr Hall said.
“Since 2022, insurers have received more than $4.79 billion worth of claims in New South Wales alone as a result of extreme weather.”
“By working more closely together, we can improve information sharing, identify emerging community needs earlier, and help affected residents and businesses navigate what is often a challenging recovery journey.”
“Insurance plays a critical role in funding recovery and rebuilding following disasters.”
Ms Fitzgerald said the partnership was as much about the time before a disaster as after it.
“Importantly, it also strengthens the work we can do before disasters occur, bringing government and the insurance sector together to identify challenges, improve preparedness and plan for recovery,” she said.
“By building these relationships before they are needed, we can provide a more coordinated recovery when communities are dealing with the impacts of a disaster.”
The NSW Reconstruction Authority leads and coordinates disaster prevention, preparedness, recovery, and reconstruction across NSW. The Insurance Council of Australia is the peak body for the general insurance industry, with its members accounting for about 90 per cent of total premium written by general insurers and reinsurers.
“This agreement will help insurers and government work side-by-side to support faster recovery outcomes and build more resilient communities for the future,” Mr Hall said.
“We congratulate the NSW Government for taking this initiative and encourage other states to follow suit.”
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