NSW Government Targets Predatory Practice of Claim Farming

1

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.

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

Clear

Allianz Australia Penalised for Misleading Travel Insurance Information

30 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori

In a significant ruling, Allianz Australia Insurance and its subsidiary, AWP Australia, have been fined a total of $16.8 million for providing misleading information about their travel insurance products. The Supreme Court of New South Wales found that between 2016 and 2018, the companies misrepresented the extent of coverage available to consumers, leading to potential misunderstandings about policy benefits. - read more

Allianz Partners Highlights Risks of Travelling Uninsured

30 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori

Recent research conducted by the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has unveiled a concerning trend: approximately 14% of Australian travellers embark on international journeys without any form of travel insurance. This statistic has prompted Allianz Partners to urge Australians to reconsider the importance of securing adequate coverage before travelling abroad. - read more

Surge in Medical Claims Among Australian Travellers Highlights Importance of Comprehensive Insurance

30 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori

In 2024, medical incidents emerged as the leading cause of travel insurance claims among Australian travellers, accounting for more than 40% of all claims handled by nib Travel. This trend underscores the critical importance of securing comprehensive travel insurance to mitigate the financial risks associated with medical emergencies abroad. - read more

Allianz Australia Penalised $16.8 Million for Misleading Conduct

30 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori

In a significant regulatory action, Allianz Australia and its subsidiary, AWP Australia, have been fined $16.8 million for making false and misleading statements. This penalty was imposed following an investigation by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), underscoring the critical need for transparency and honesty in the insurance sector. - read more

New Legislation Prohibits Use of Genetic Test Results in Life Insurance Underwriting

30 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori

The Australian government has announced plans to introduce legislation that will ban life insurers from using adverse genetic test results in their underwriting processes. This move aims to eliminate genetic discrimination and encourage individuals to undergo genetic testing without fear of insurance repercussions. - read more

Bupa Penalised $35 Million for Misleading Conduct Towards Customers

30 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori

In a landmark decision, health insurer Bupa has been fined $35 million for misleading customers about the benefits they were entitled to under their policies. This penalty, imposed by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), underscores the necessity for transparency and accuracy in the health insurance sector. - read more

ICA Advocates for Overhaul of Civil Liability Laws to Curb Rising Insurance Premiums

30 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori

The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has recently released a white paper highlighting the urgent need for reforms to state and territory civil liability laws, which have remained largely unchanged for nearly 25 years. These outdated laws are contributing to significant increases in public liability insurance premiums, affecting a wide range of businesses across the nation. - read more

APRA Data Shows Significant Rise in Public Liability Insurance Premiums

30 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori

The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has released its latest National Claims and Policies Database (NCPD) statistics, revealing a substantial increase in public liability insurance premiums over recent years. According to the data, premiums have risen by 40% since 2015, a rate that surpasses general inflation and places additional financial strain on businesses across the country. - read more

AFCA Ruling: Insurer Must Honour Arson Claim Despite Director's Past

30 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori

In a significant decision, the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has directed an insurer to honour an arson claim for a restaurant, despite the director's failure to disclose his criminal history during the policy's inception. This ruling underscores the complexities surrounding disclosure obligations and the insurer's duty to assess risk appropriately. - read more

Navigating Insurance Challenges: A Call to Action for Perth's Hospitality Sector

30 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori

Perth's hospitality industry is currently grappling with escalating operational costs, prompting many businesses to reassess their insurance coverage to ensure both adequacy and affordability. Rising wages, tighter profit margins, and complex compliance requirements are compelling restaurants, cafes, and bars to scrutinize their insurance policies more closely. - read more

Click for more Insurance News