Farm Insurance Australia :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

NSW Government Targets Predatory Practice of Claim Farming

NSW Government Targets Predatory Practice of Claim Farming

NSW Government Targets Predatory Practice of Claim Farming?w=400

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

The New South Wales Government is taking decisive action against 'claim farming', a predatory practice that exploits vulnerable individuals by pressuring them to file compensation claims.
This practice often involves unethical tactics targeting susceptible groups, including child abuse survivors.
To combat this, the government is set to introduce the Claim Farming Practices Prohibition Bill 2025.

This newly proposed legislation aims to achieve three core objectives:

  1. Ban individuals from contacting others to induce them into making compensation claims.
  2. Prohibit the buying or selling of claim referrals.
  3. Forbid lawyers convicted under these offences from charging legal fees related to the claim and mandate refunds of any received costs.

Claim farmers are known to acquire personal information without consent to make unsolicited contacts, often using coercive tactics like harassment and intimidation. Such practices inflict considerable distress on victim-survivors, pushing them to file claims under duress.

Additionally, these claim farmers typically demand referral fees from law firms or other claim farming entities, frequently making misleading promises regarding legal entitlements that may not serve the claimants' best interests.

The introduction of this bill specifically targets claim farming activities related to personal injury claims under the Civil Liability Act 2002, and cases arising from intentional torts. These legal areas include serious injuries, medical negligence, and acts such as child abuse and assault.

Despite these new measures, existing offences such as fraud remain applicable alongside the new bill. Under current laws, deceiving for a financial advantage can result in a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.

Importantly, this legislative move will not hinder abuse survivors from pursuing valid compensation claims; they can still seek legal assistance by directly contacting lawyers.

The Attorney General, Michael Daley, expressed the government's intent: highlighting the troubling nature of profiting from vulnerable groups, particularly child sexual abuse survivors. The government's response underscores their commitment to addressing community concerns and curtailing this harmful practice.

Published:Friday, 28th Mar 2025
Source: Paige Estritori

Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Surge in Mental Health Claims Reshapes Australia's Insurance Landscape
Surge in Mental Health Claims Reshapes Australia's Insurance Landscape
02 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
Australia's insurance industry is experiencing a significant shift as mental health conditions have become the leading cause of total and permanent disability (TPD) claims. Recent data from the Council of Australian Life Insurers (CALI) indicates that mental health issues now account for nearly one-third of all TPD claims, marking a substantial change in the industry's claim patterns. - read more
Australian Insurance Premiums See Notable Decrease
Australian Insurance Premiums See Notable Decrease
02 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
Recent data indicates a notable decline in life and income protection insurance premiums across Australia, providing consumers with more affordable coverage options. According to the latest Direct Life Insurance Report from Rainmaker Information, direct life premiums have decreased by 7% since 2024. Similarly, direct income protection premiums have seen significant reductions, with average premiums for waiting periods of 30 days and 90 days decreasing by 12% and 13%, respectively. - read more
TAL's Health Sense Plus Now Covers Income Protection Policies
TAL's Health Sense Plus Now Covers Income Protection Policies
02 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
In a significant development for policyholders, TAL has expanded its Health Sense Plus program to encompass income protection (IP) policies. This initiative, effective from August 8, 2025, aims to incentivise proactive health management by offering premium discounts to clients who engage in preventative health checks. - read more
Northern Australian Marinas Appeal for Government Support Amid Escalating Insurance Costs
Northern Australian Marinas Appeal for Government Support Amid Escalating Insurance Costs
02 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
Marina operators across Northern Australia are sounding the alarm over surging insurance premiums, with some reporting increases exceeding 300% in recent years. This financial strain is prompting urgent calls for government intervention to ensure the sustainability of the industry. - read more
Coast Insurance Announces New Co-CEOs to Propel Strategic Growth
Coast Insurance Announces New Co-CEOs to Propel Strategic Growth
02 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
In a significant move within the Australian insurance sector, Coast Insurance has appointed Stephanie Muller and Jordan Brindley as Co-Chief Executive Officers. This strategic decision underscores the company's commitment to robust leadership and sustained growth. - read more
Suncorp Braces for $350 Million Reinsurance Impact Following Severe Storms
Suncorp Braces for $350 Million Reinsurance Impact Following Severe Storms
02 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
Recent supercell thunderstorms have wreaked havoc across South East Queensland and northern New South Wales, leading to significant financial implications for insurers. Suncorp, a major player in the Australian insurance market, is preparing for a substantial reinsurance retention of $350 million as a result of these events. - read more
QBE Insurance Faces Market Challenges as Premium Growth Slows
QBE Insurance Faces Market Challenges as Premium Growth Slows
02 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
QBE Insurance Group, Australia's largest insurer by market value, recently experienced a significant decline in its share price, reaching a seven-month low. This downturn is primarily attributed to a noticeable slowdown in the company's premium rate growth during the third quarter of the 2025 fiscal year. - read more
Climate Change's Impact on Rising Home Insurance Premiums in Australia
Climate Change's Impact on Rising Home Insurance Premiums in Australia
02 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
Insurance Australia Group (IAG), a leading insurer in Australia, has highlighted the significant role of climate change in driving up home insurance premiums. The company reports that the increasing frequency and severity of weather events are major factors contributing to these rising costs. - read more
Australian Insurers' Preparedness for Emerging Risks Falls Short
Australian Insurers' Preparedness for Emerging Risks Falls Short
02 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
Recent findings from PwC's Insurance Banana Skins Survey indicate that Australian insurers are trailing behind their global counterparts in terms of preparedness for emerging risks, particularly in areas such as cyber threats and artificial intelligence (AI). - read more
QBE Insurance Faces Market Challenges with Slower Premium Growth
QBE Insurance Faces Market Challenges with Slower Premium Growth
02 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
QBE Insurance Group, Australia's largest insurer by market value, recently experienced a significant decline in its share price, reaching a seven-month low. This downturn is primarily attributed to a noticeable slowdown in the company's premium rate growth during the third quarter of fiscal 2025. - read more


Farm Insurance Articles

What Australian Farmers Should Know About Crop Insurance
What Australian Farmers Should Know About Crop Insurance
Crop insurance is a type of insurance policy designed to protect farmers from the financial losses that arise from damages to their crops. This could be due to various risks, including adverse weather conditions, pests, and diseases. - read more
Building Resilience Against Natural Disasters: Practical Steps for Aussie Farmers
Building Resilience Against Natural Disasters: Practical Steps for Aussie Farmers
Australian farmers face an array of natural disasters that can threaten livelihoods and disrupt the delicate balance of agricultural ecosystems. From devastating bushfires and droughts to powerful storms and floods, these catastrophic events pose serious risks to the farming community. Understanding and preparing for these forces is not just about survival; it's about building a sustainable future for farms across the continent. - read more
Risk Management and Insurance Options for Farmers
Risk Management and Insurance Options for Farmers
Risk management is the practice of identifying, assessing, and prioritizing risks followed by coordinated efforts to minimize, monitor, and control the probability or impact of unfortunate events. In farming, risk management involves various strategies to protect the financial health and operational stability of the farm. - read more
Insurance for Hobby Farms: Finding the Right Coverage
Insurance for Hobby Farms: Finding the Right Coverage
Hobby farming has become increasingly popular in Australia, with many individuals and families embracing the joys of growing their own produce, raising livestock, and enjoying a rural lifestyle. Whether it's a small vegetable garden, a few chickens, or a larger mixed farming operation, hobby farms offer both relaxation and a connection to nature. - read more
Understanding Farm Equipment Insurance: A Breakdown for Australian Farmers
Understanding Farm Equipment Insurance: A Breakdown for Australian Farmers
In the dynamic world of Australian agriculture, farm equipment plays a crucial role in the day-to-day operations of farms. From tractors to harvesters, having the right machinery means managing your farm more efficiently. However, the high value of this equipment makes it essential to protect it adequately through insurance. - read more
The Digital Farmer's Guide to Insuring Your Agribusiness in the Tech Age
The Digital Farmer's Guide to Insuring Your Agribusiness in the Tech Age
Welcome to the defining era where technology and agriculture entwine, bringing forth the digital farmer's era. With the evolution of agribusiness in the tech age, comes an array of new tools, opportunities, and risks. As a custodian of the earth and steward of the latest innovations, safeguarding your digital farm is just as crucial as nurturing your crops and livestock. - read more
5 Essential Farm Insurance Policies Every Australian Farmer Needs
5 Essential Farm Insurance Policies Every Australian Farmer Needs
Farming in Australia is not just a job, it's a way of life. However, it’s also a livelihood that comes with its own unique set of risks. From unexpected weather events to machinery breakdowns, the life of an Australian farmer is fraught with uncertainties. - read more
From Droughts to Floods: Understanding Weather-Related Coverage in Farm Insurance
From Droughts to Floods: Understanding Weather-Related Coverage in Farm Insurance
Australian farmers face a unique set of challenges due to the vast and varied climate conditions that sweep across the continent. From the scorching heat and prolonged droughts of the Outback to the tropical storms and torrential rains of the northern regions, weather-related risks are an integral part of agricultural life in Australia. - read more
How to Safeguard Your Farm: A Guide for Australian Farmers
How to Safeguard Your Farm: A Guide for Australian Farmers
Farming is inherently risky. With factors like weather, pests, and market fluctuations affecting crops, it's crucial to manage these risks effectively. - read more
How to Protect Your Harvest: Tips for Choosing the Right Crop Insurance
How to Protect Your Harvest: Tips for Choosing the Right Crop Insurance
Farming, at its core, is an enterprise fraught with uncertainty. Weather calamities, pests, diseases, and fluctuating market conditions can all impact the output and quality of produce. This is where crop insurance proves its worth, serving as a safety net for farmers against the myriad risks they face each season. - read more


Need a Quote?
Start your free farm insurance quote comparison here.
Farm Type:
Postcode:

All quotes are provided free and without obligation by a Specialist from our National Broker referral panel. See our Privacy Statement for more details.


Knowledgebase
Replacement Cost:
The amount it would cost to replace or rebuild an insured asset with one of similar kind and quality, without depreciation.