NSW Government Targets Predatory Practice of Claim Farming

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:

Ban individuals from contacting others to induce them into making compensation claims.
Prohibit the buying or selling of claim referrals.
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

Envest Group Unveils TLI Underwriting for Heavy Motor Fleets

04 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori

Envest Group, a prominent player in Australia's insurance sector, has announced the launch of TLI Underwriting, a new agency dedicated to providing specialised insurance solutions for large truck fleets. This initiative marks a significant expansion in Envest's offerings, aiming to address the unique challenges faced by substantial fleet operators. - read more

AFCA Mandates Insurer Payout for Overheated Truck Engine Damage

04 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori

The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has recently ruled in favour of a truck owner, ordering an insurer to pay out a claim for engine damage caused by overheating. This decision underscores the critical importance of clear policy terms and the responsibilities of both insurers and policyholders in the claims process. - read more

Insurers Highlight Elevated Road Risks Amid Holiday Freight Surge

04 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori

As the Australian summer school holidays approach, insurers and transport specialists are raising concerns about heightened road risks resulting from the convergence of increased holiday travel and peak freight activity. This period sees a significant uptick in both passenger vehicles and heavy trucks on the roads, amplifying the potential for accidents and necessitating heightened vigilance among all road users. - read more