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

NSW Strata Commission Ban: A Catalyst for Industry Reform
NSW Strata Commission Ban: A Catalyst for Industry Reform
07 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
The New South Wales (NSW) government's proposal to ban commissions on strata insurance has ignited a contentious debate between consumer advocacy groups and industry leaders. This reform aims to eliminate potential conflicts of interest and enhance transparency within the strata management sector. - read more
Queensland Strata Owners Advised to Leverage New Premium Reduction Programs
Queensland Strata Owners Advised to Leverage New Premium Reduction Programs
07 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
Strata property owners in North and Central Queensland are being encouraged to take advantage of newly introduced federal and state initiatives designed to reduce insurance premiums and enhance cyclone resilience. These programs offer financial incentives for property upgrades that can lead to significant savings on insurance costs. - read more
Australian Insurers Struggle to Keep Pace with Emerging Risks
Australian Insurers Struggle to Keep Pace with Emerging Risks
07 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
Recent findings from the PwC Insurance Banana Skins Survey reveal that Australian insurers are trailing their global counterparts in risk preparedness. The survey, which gathered insights from 698 insurance executives across 42 territories, indicates that Australian insurers scored 6.6% lower on the Preparedness Index compared to the global average. This gap is particularly concerning as the industry faces escalating challenges from cyber threats and the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI). - read more
Significant Increases in Australian Home Insurance Premiums
Significant Increases in Australian Home Insurance Premiums
07 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
Australian homeowners are experiencing substantial increases in home insurance premiums, with the average premium rising by 16% over the past year. Consumer advocacy group Choice reports that some insurers, including Kogan, RAC, and Honey, have raised their rates by more than 30%. These hikes are attributed to various factors, including high supply chain inflation, increased claims costs, and higher reinsurance expenses due to severe weather events. - read more
The Vital Role of Reinsurance in Australia's Insurance Industry
The Vital Role of Reinsurance in Australia's Insurance Industry
07 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
Reinsurance serves as a critical component in the Australian insurance landscape, offering capital relief and stabilising returns for insurers amidst escalating natural disaster claims. A recent report by the Actuaries Institute underscores the indispensable role of reinsurance in maintaining the industry's financial health. - read more
AUSactive and Private Healthcare Australia Join Forces to Enhance Preventive Health Coverage
AUSactive and Private Healthcare Australia Join Forces to Enhance Preventive Health Coverage
07 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
In a significant move towards integrating preventive health services into private health insurance, AUSactive has partnered with Private Healthcare Australia (PHA) to reform coverage options. This collaboration follows recent legislative changes reinstating rebates for select natural therapies, including Pilates, Yoga, and Tai Chi, when delivered by accredited professionals. - read more
AIA Australia's New Portal Revolutionises Insurance Claims Processing
AIA Australia's New Portal Revolutionises Insurance Claims Processing
07 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
AIA Australia has unveiled its Member Insurance Portal, a digital platform designed to streamline the insurance claims process and enhance the overall user experience. This initiative reflects AIA's commitment to leveraging technology to meet the evolving needs of policyholders. - read more
AFIA Introduces Revised Code to Elevate Insurance Premium Funding Standards
AFIA Introduces Revised Code to Elevate Insurance Premium Funding Standards
07 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian Finance Industry Association (AFIA) has released the second edition of its Insurance Premium Funding (IPF) Code of Practice, introducing updated requirements for providers and reinforcing industry-wide standards. This revision reflects the industry's commitment to enhancing governance and transparency, particularly as businesses and individuals navigate economic challenges. - read more
ASIC Intensifies Scrutiny on Insurance Pricing and Complaints Handling
ASIC Intensifies Scrutiny on Insurance Pricing and Complaints Handling
06 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has unveiled its enforcement priorities for the upcoming year, placing a significant emphasis on the insurance sector. The regulator aims to address concerns related to misleading pricing practices, claims handling, and complaints processes within the industry. - read more
Australian Insurers Brace for Earnings Decline After Record Profits
Australian Insurers Brace for Earnings Decline After Record Profits
06 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
Australian insurers are preparing for a potential decline in earnings following a decade-high return on equity (ROE) of 19% in the 2024-25 financial year. This peak performance was driven by strong underwriting results, high investment returns, and a period of relatively low natural disaster claims. - read more


Farm Insurance Articles

Tractors, Livestock, and Crops: Tailoring Your Farm Insurance to Fit Your Needs
Tractors, Livestock, and Crops: Tailoring Your Farm Insurance to Fit Your Needs
Welcome to the world of farming, where the fruits of your labor are as tangible as the soil you till. But just as the land is subject to the whims of nature, so too is the business of agriculture. This is where farm insurance becomes essential. Farmers face a set of challenges and uncertainties unlike any other industry, primarily due to the unpredictable forces of weather. - read more
Farm Liability Insurance Costs vs. Benefits: Is It Worth It?
Farm Liability Insurance Costs vs. Benefits: Is It Worth It?
Farm liability insurance is a type of coverage that protects farmers from financial losses due to legal claims and lawsuits. This insurance is crucial for safeguarding your farm against various liabilities that may arise from farm operations. - read more
Agroforestry Insurance Guide: Protecting Your Investment in Australia's Sustainable Future
Agroforestry Insurance Guide: Protecting Your Investment in Australia's Sustainable Future
Agroforestry is a transformative approach to land management that integrates trees into agricultural landscapes. In Australia, where farmers contend with variable climates and environmental challenges, agroforestry offers a resilient pathway to productivity and sustainability. - read more
Future-Proofing the Farm: What Every Tech-Savvy Australian Farmer Needs to Know About Insurance
Future-Proofing the Farm: What Every Tech-Savvy Australian Farmer Needs to Know About Insurance
Welcome to the first steps in future-proofing your farming legacy. When we think about the hustle and bustle of daily farm life, it's easy to overlook the critical importance of estate planning. For the Australian farmer, estate planning is not just a matter of securing your assets; it's about ensuring the survival and progression of your hard-earned labour to the next generation. - read more
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
Protecting Your Herd: The Aussie Farmer's Guide to Livestock Insurance
Protecting Your Herd: The Aussie Farmer's Guide to Livestock Insurance
For Australian farmers, livestock is more than just a vital asset; it's the heartbeat of their livelihood. In a land where the sunburnt plains are as relentless as they are beautiful, protecting your herd isn't just a duty; it's a necessity. That's where livestock insurance comes into play—a shield against the unpredictability of Mother Nature. - 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
Customized Insurance Solutions: The Advantage of Specialized Farm Brokers
Customized Insurance Solutions: The Advantage of Specialized Farm Brokers
Farming in Australia is more than just a way of life; it is a critical sector that supports the nation’s economy and food supply. However, managing a farm comes with its own set of unique risks. From natural disasters to equipment failures, farmers face numerous challenges that can impact their livelihood. - 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
A Farmer's Guide to Essential Farm Insurance Terminology
A Farmer's Guide to Essential Farm Insurance Terminology
Farming is a vital industry in Australia, requiring significant investment in equipment, crops, livestock, and labour. As with any major investment, protecting it is crucial. That's where farm insurance comes in. - 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
Elimination Period:
The time period between an injury and the receipt of benefit payments from an insurer, particularly in disability insurance.