The Queensland Flood Crisis - Part 1 Disaster Management Act 2003 explained
I have seen the flood which inundated Queensland over the past few weeks referred to as “the great flood”, but there is nothing great about a flood which kills 22 people and shatters the lives of thousands.
The Queensland floods will end up being Australia’s most expensive natural disaster. It is not only unprecedented in Australia, but unique throughout the world that an entire modern central business district can be shut down for one day, let alone seven. Seventy five per cent of the State has been declared a disaster zone.
Queenslanders will rebuild their homes and businesses. But long after that is done the blame game will continue. Widespread litigation is inevitable. Insurers will be intricately involved in this litigation maze in many different capacities. In fact, never before have Australian insurers been subject to such intense scrutiny and criticism. And the focus is likely to intensify when the Commission of Inquiry into the Queensland floods hands down its first report. Amongst other things, the Commission has been asked to inquire into and report on the performance of private insurers in meeting their claims responsibilities.
We will over the coming weeks run a four part series on legal liability and insurance law issues that may affect local authorities, insurers and insured’s who have been impacted (directly or indirectly) by the flood waters.
Robert Samut, Partner Barry.Nilsson. Lawyers & Facilitator Elevista
The Queensland floods will end up being Australia’s most expensive natural disaster. It is not only unprecedented in Australia, but unique throughout the world that an entire modern central business district can be shut down for one day, let alone seven. Seventy five per cent of the State has been declared a disaster zone.
Queenslanders will rebuild their homes and businesses. But long after that is done the blame game will continue. Widespread litigation is inevitable. Insurers will be intricately involved in this litigation maze in many different capacities. In fact, never before have Australian insurers been subject to such intense scrutiny and criticism. And the focus is likely to intensify when the Commission of Inquiry into the Queensland floods hands down its first report. Amongst other things, the Commission has been asked to inquire into and report on the performance of private insurers in meeting their claims responsibilities.
We will over the coming weeks run a four part series on legal liability and insurance law issues that may affect local authorities, insurers and insured’s who have been impacted (directly or indirectly) by the flood waters.
Robert Samut, Partner Barry.Nilsson. Lawyers & Facilitator Elevista