❓ Mr. Stephens raises concerns about excessive insurance premium increases for strata properties in North West WA due to cyclone risk, questioning the fairness and potential impact on investment. Minister Grylls acknowledges the issue and commits to engaging with insurers to find a solution.
AnsweredQoN 843Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
NORTH WEST STRATA PROPERTIES — INSURANCE PREMIUMS
I note that the minister is responsible for the issue of strata titles and properties. I refer to the recent excessive spikes in insurance renewals for strata titles above the twenty-sixth parallel as a result of last year’s cyclone events in Queensland. (1) Is the minister aware that a majority of insurance companies have increased premiums for strata properties in the north west above a value of $5 million by approximately 800 to 900 per cent? (2) Considering the vast unpopulated areas along the north west WA coastline, where cyclones can cross without causing much damage at all, does the state government endorse such penalties being applied to strata title owners in the region in a similar fashion to those that have been applied in the densely populated regions of far north Queensland? (3) Will the minister take immediate steps and negotiate with the major insurers to rethink this grossly unfair increase before it has a major effect on investment in the region? Mr B.J. GRYLLS
I note that the minister is responsible for the issue of strata titles and properties. I refer to the recent excessive spikes in insurance renewals for strata titles above the twenty-sixth parallel as a result of last year’s cyclone events in Queensland. (1) Is the minister aware that a majority of insurance companies have increased premiums for strata properties in the north west above a value of $5 million by approximately 800 to 900 per cent? (2) Considering the vast unpopulated areas along the north west WA coastline, where cyclones can cross without causing much damage at all, does the state government endorse such penalties being applied to strata title owners in the region in a similar fashion to those that have been applied in the densely populated regions of far north Queensland? (3) Will the minister take immediate steps and negotiate with the major insurers to rethink this grossly unfair increase before it has a major effect on investment in the region? Mr B.J. GRYLLS
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for Pilbara for a very good question. (1)–(3) Yes, I am aware of that. In fact, just a couple of days ago I met with an insurance agent who provides those services, and we had a long and detailed discussion about this. My office is currently looking at how we might meet with some of the representative bodies of insurance companies to look at this issue. The member is right that, after the floods in Queensland, insurance companies have taken a look at issues in the far north of Australia and have decided that that might be an area in which they no longer wish to be involved. Obviously, we are very concerned about that happening in a state such as Western Australia, with a major development proposal for the north west. We certainly do not endorse it. In fact, I will be working very hard to ensure that we get a clear understanding of why that is occurring, and the government will work with them to ensure that that does not happen. We are currently looking at the building methods being undertaken for the apartments being constructed in Karratha through the Karratha City of the North proposal. High-density housing is being built in South Hedland at the moment, and there are hotel proposals for the waterfront in Port Hedland. There is a massive amount of construction going on. I would have thought that it would be very possible for our government to work closely with the insurance industry, firstly, to try to understand why it is making that decision and, secondly, to ensure that we — Mr P.C. Tinley : Why haven’t you? Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I have. Mr P.C. Tinley : You haven’t told us what you’ve actually done; you’ve only told us what you might do. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Again, I am well and truly aware of it. I do not endorse it. Mr P.C. Tinley : The Minister for Environment is aware of a fire in Margaret River, but what’s he doing about it? The SPEAKER : Member for Willagee! Mr B.J. GRYLLS : It must have been very disappointing to the member for Willagee when the Treasurer stood today and detailed how the local content in Western Australia seems to be increasing rapidly. That means that his load of rhetoric over months and months amounts to nothing. That is probably what he adds to the Parliament—nothing. We have seen today a clear example of how a government governs and how an opposition opposes. The member for Pilbara has asked a valuable question. I am well and truly aware of it. It is a problem that I not only am aware of, but also will be actively involved in solving.
(1) Is the minister aware that a majority of insurance companies have increased premiums for strata properties in the north west above a value of $5 million by approximately 800 to 900 per cent? (2) Considering the vast unpopulated areas along the north west WA coastline, where cyclones can cross without causing much damage at all, does the state government endorse such penalties being applied to strata title owners in the region in a similar fashion to those that have been applied in the densely populated regions of far north Queensland? (3) Will the minister take immediate steps and negotiate with the major insurers to rethink this grossly unfair increase before it has a major effect on investment in the region? Mr B.J. GRYLLS replied: I thank the member for Pilbara for a very good question. (1)–(3) Yes, I am aware of that. In fact, just a couple of days ago I met with an insurance agent who provides those services, and we had a long and detailed discussion about this. My office is currently looking at how we might meet with some of the representative bodies of insurance companies to look at this issue. The member is right that, after the floods in Queensland, insurance companies have taken a look at issues in the far north of Australia and have decided that that might be an area in which they no longer wish to be involved. Obviously, we are very concerned about that happening in a state such as Western Australia, with a major development proposal for the north west. We certainly do not endorse it. In fact, I will be working very hard to ensure that we get a clear understanding of why that is occurring, and the government will work with them to ensure that that does not happen. We are currently looking at the building methods being undertaken for the apartments being constructed in Karratha through the Karratha City of the North proposal. High-density housing is being built in South Hedland at the moment, and there are hotel proposals for the waterfront in Port Hedland. There is a massive amount of construction going on. I would have thought that it would be very possible for our government to work closely with the insurance industry, firstly, to try to understand why it is making that decision and, secondly, to ensure that we — Mr P.C. Tinley : Why haven’t you? Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I have. Mr P.C. Tinley : You haven’t told us what you’ve actually done; you’ve only told us what you might do. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Again, I am well and truly aware of it. I do not endorse it. Mr P.C. Tinley : The Minister for Environment is aware of a fire in Margaret River, but what’s he doing about it? The SPEAKER : Member for Willagee! Mr B.J. GRYLLS : It must have been very disappointing to the member for Willagee when the Treasurer stood today and detailed how the local content in Western Australia seems to be increasing rapidly. That means that his load of rhetoric over months and months amounts to nothing. That is probably what he adds to the Parliament—nothing. We have seen today a clear example of how a government governs and how an opposition opposes. The member for Pilbara has asked a valuable question. I am well and truly aware of it. It is a problem that I not only am aware of, but also will be actively involved in solving.
(2) Considering the vast unpopulated areas along the north west WA coastline, where cyclones can cross without causing much damage at all, does the state government endorse such penalties being applied to strata title owners in the region in a similar fashion to those that have been applied in the densely populated regions of far north Queensland? (3) Will the minister take immediate steps and negotiate with the major insurers to rethink this grossly unfair increase before it has a major effect on investment in the region? Mr B.J. GRYLLS replied: I thank the member for Pilbara for a very good question. (1)–(3) Yes, I am aware of that. In fact, just a couple of days ago I met with an insurance agent who provides those services, and we had a long and detailed discussion about this. My office is currently looking at how we might meet with some of the representative bodies of insurance companies to look at this issue. The member is right that, after the floods in Queensland, insurance companies have taken a look at issues in the far north of Australia and have decided that that might be an area in which they no longer wish to be involved. Obviously, we are very concerned about that happening in a state such as Western Australia, with a major development proposal for the north west. We certainly do not endorse it. In fact, I will be working very hard to ensure that we get a clear understanding of why that is occurring, and the government will work with them to ensure that that does not happen. We are currently looking at the building methods being undertaken for the apartments being constructed in Karratha through the Karratha City of the North proposal. High-density housing is being built in South Hedland at the moment, and there are hotel proposals for the waterfront in Port Hedland. There is a massive amount of construction going on. I would have thought that it would be very possible for our government to work closely with the insurance industry, firstly, to try to understand why it is making that decision and, secondly, to ensure that we — Mr P.C. Tinley : Why haven’t you? Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I have. Mr P.C. Tinley : You haven’t told us what you’ve actually done; you’ve only told us what you might do. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Again, I am well and truly aware of it. I do not endorse it. Mr P.C. Tinley : The Minister for Environment is aware of a fire in Margaret River, but what’s he doing about it? The SPEAKER : Member for Willagee! Mr B.J. GRYLLS : It must have been very disappointing to the member for Willagee when the Treasurer stood today and detailed how the local content in Western Australia seems to be increasing rapidly. That means that his load of rhetoric over months and months amounts to nothing. That is probably what he adds to the Parliament—nothing. We have seen today a clear example of how a government governs and how an opposition opposes. The member for Pilbara has asked a valuable question. I am well and truly aware of it. It is a problem that I not only am aware of, but also will be actively involved in solving.
(3) Will the minister take immediate steps and negotiate with the major insurers to rethink this grossly unfair increase before it has a major effect on investment in the region? Mr B.J. GRYLLS replied: I thank the member for Pilbara for a very good question. (1)–(3) Yes, I am aware of that. In fact, just a couple of days ago I met with an insurance agent who provides those services, and we had a long and detailed discussion about this. My office is currently looking at how we might meet with some of the representative bodies of insurance companies to look at this issue. The member is right that, after the floods in Queensland, insurance companies have taken a look at issues in the far north of Australia and have decided that that might be an area in which they no longer wish to be involved. Obviously, we are very concerned about that happening in a state such as Western Australia, with a major development proposal for the north west. We certainly do not endorse it. In fact, I will be working very hard to ensure that we get a clear understanding of why that is occurring, and the government will work with them to ensure that that does not happen. We are currently looking at the building methods being undertaken for the apartments being constructed in Karratha through the Karratha City of the North proposal. High-density housing is being built in South Hedland at the moment, and there are hotel proposals for the waterfront in Port Hedland. There is a massive amount of construction going on. I would have thought that it would be very possible for our government to work closely with the insurance industry, firstly, to try to understand why it is making that decision and, secondly, to ensure that we — Mr P.C. Tinley : Why haven’t you? Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I have. Mr P.C. Tinley : You haven’t told us what you’ve actually done; you’ve only told us what you might do. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Again, I am well and truly aware of it. I do not endorse it. Mr P.C. Tinley : The Minister for Environment is aware of a fire in Margaret River, but what’s he doing about it? The SPEAKER : Member for Willagee! Mr B.J. GRYLLS : It must have been very disappointing to the member for Willagee when the Treasurer stood today and detailed how the local content in Western Australia seems to be increasing rapidly. That means that his load of rhetoric over months and months amounts to nothing. That is probably what he adds to the Parliament—nothing. We have seen today a clear example of how a government governs and how an opposition opposes. The member for Pilbara has asked a valuable question. I am well and truly aware of it. It is a problem that I not only am aware of, but also will be actively involved in solving.
Mr B.J. GRYLLS replied: I thank the member for Pilbara for a very good question. (1)–(3) Yes, I am aware of that. In fact, just a couple of days ago I met with an insurance agent who provides those services, and we had a long and detailed discussion about this. My office is currently looking at how we might meet with some of the representative bodies of insurance companies to look at this issue. The member is right that, after the floods in Queensland, insurance companies have taken a look at issues in the far north of Australia and have decided that that might be an area in which they no longer wish to be involved. Obviously, we are very concerned about that happening in a state such as Western Australia, with a major development proposal for the north west. We certainly do not endorse it. In fact, I will be working very hard to ensure that we get a clear understanding of why that is occurring, and the government will work with them to ensure that that does not happen. We are currently looking at the building methods being undertaken for the apartments being constructed in Karratha through the Karratha City of the North proposal. High-density housing is being built in South Hedland at the moment, and there are hotel proposals for the waterfront in Port Hedland. There is a massive amount of construction going on. I would have thought that it would be very possible for our government to work closely with the insurance industry, firstly, to try to understand why it is making that decision and, secondly, to ensure that we — Mr P.C. Tinley : Why haven’t you? Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I have. Mr P.C. Tinley : You haven’t told us what you’ve actually done; you’ve only told us what you might do. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Again, I am well and truly aware of it. I do not endorse it. Mr P.C. Tinley : The Minister for Environment is aware of a fire in Margaret River, but what’s he doing about it? The SPEAKER : Member for Willagee! Mr B.J. GRYLLS : It must have been very disappointing to the member for Willagee when the Treasurer stood today and detailed how the local content in Western Australia seems to be increasing rapidly. That means that his load of rhetoric over months and months amounts to nothing. That is probably what he adds to the Parliament—nothing. We have seen today a clear example of how a government governs and how an opposition opposes. The member for Pilbara has asked a valuable question. I am well and truly aware of it. It is a problem that I not only am aware of, but also will be actively involved in solving.
I thank the member for Pilbara for a very good question. (1)–(3) Yes, I am aware of that. In fact, just a couple of days ago I met with an insurance agent who provides those services, and we had a long and detailed discussion about this. My office is currently looking at how we might meet with some of the representative bodies of insurance companies to look at this issue. The member is right that, after the floods in Queensland, insurance companies have taken a look at issues in the far north of Australia and have decided that that might be an area in which they no longer wish to be involved. Obviously, we are very concerned about that happening in a state such as Western Australia, with a major development proposal for the north west. We certainly do not endorse it. In fact, I will be working very hard to ensure that we get a clear understanding of why that is occurring, and the government will work with them to ensure that that does not happen. We are currently looking at the building methods being undertaken for the apartments being constructed in Karratha through the Karratha City of the North proposal. High-density housing is being built in South Hedland at the moment, and there are hotel proposals for the waterfront in Port Hedland. There is a massive amount of construction going on. I would have thought that it would be very possible for our government to work closely with the insurance industry, firstly, to try to understand why it is making that decision and, secondly, to ensure that we — Mr P.C. Tinley : Why haven’t you? Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I have. Mr P.C. Tinley : You haven’t told us what you’ve actually done; you’ve only told us what you might do. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Again, I am well and truly aware of it. I do not endorse it. Mr P.C. Tinley : The Minister for Environment is aware of a fire in Margaret River, but what’s he doing about it? The SPEAKER : Member for Willagee! Mr B.J. GRYLLS : It must have been very disappointing to the member for Willagee when the Treasurer stood today and detailed how the local content in Western Australia seems to be increasing rapidly. That means that his load of rhetoric over months and months amounts to nothing. That is probably what he adds to the Parliament—nothing. We have seen today a clear example of how a government governs and how an opposition opposes. The member for Pilbara has asked a valuable question. I am well and truly aware of it. It is a problem that I not only am aware of, but also will be actively involved in solving.
(1)–(3) Yes, I am aware of that. In fact, just a couple of days ago I met with an insurance agent who provides those services, and we had a long and detailed discussion about this. My office is currently looking at how we might meet with some of the representative bodies of insurance companies to look at this issue. The member is right that, after the floods in Queensland, insurance companies have taken a look at issues in the far north of Australia and have decided that that might be an area in which they no longer wish to be involved. Obviously, we are very concerned about that happening in a state such as Western Australia, with a major development proposal for the north west. We certainly do not endorse it. In fact, I will be working very hard to ensure that we get a clear understanding of why that is occurring, and the government will work with them to ensure that that does not happen. We are currently looking at the building methods being undertaken for the apartments being constructed in Karratha through the Karratha City of the North proposal. High-density housing is being built in South Hedland at the moment, and there are hotel proposals for the waterfront in Port Hedland. There is a massive amount of construction going on. I would have thought that it would be very possible for our government to work closely with the insurance industry, firstly, to try to understand why it is making that decision and, secondly, to ensure that we — Mr P.C. Tinley : Why haven’t you? Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I have. Mr P.C. Tinley : You haven’t told us what you’ve actually done; you’ve only told us what you might do. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Again, I am well and truly aware of it. I do not endorse it. Mr P.C. Tinley : The Minister for Environment is aware of a fire in Margaret River, but what’s he doing about it? The SPEAKER : Member for Willagee! Mr B.J. GRYLLS : It must have been very disappointing to the member for Willagee when the Treasurer stood today and detailed how the local content in Western Australia seems to be increasing rapidly. That means that his load of rhetoric over months and months amounts to nothing. That is probably what he adds to the Parliament—nothing. We have seen today a clear example of how a government governs and how an opposition opposes. The member for Pilbara has asked a valuable question. I am well and truly aware of it. It is a problem that I not only am aware of, but also will be actively involved in solving.
Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I have. Mr P.C. Tinley : You haven’t told us what you’ve actually done; you’ve only told us what you might do. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Again, I am well and truly aware of it. I do not endorse it. Mr P.C. Tinley : The Minister for Environment is aware of a fire in Margaret River, but what’s he doing about it? The SPEAKER : Member for Willagee! Mr B.J. GRYLLS : It must have been very disappointing to the member for Willagee when the Treasurer stood today and detailed how the local content in Western Australia seems to be increasing rapidly. That means that his load of rhetoric over months and months amounts to nothing. That is probably what he adds to the Parliament—nothing. We have seen today a clear example of how a government governs and how an opposition opposes. The member for Pilbara has asked a valuable question. I am well and truly aware of it. It is a problem that I not only am aware of, but also will be actively involved in solving.
Mr P.C. Tinley : You haven’t told us what you’ve actually done; you’ve only told us what you might do. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Again, I am well and truly aware of it. I do not endorse it. Mr P.C. Tinley : The Minister for Environment is aware of a fire in Margaret River, but what’s he doing about it? The SPEAKER : Member for Willagee! Mr B.J. GRYLLS : It must have been very disappointing to the member for Willagee when the Treasurer stood today and detailed how the local content in Western Australia seems to be increasing rapidly. That means that his load of rhetoric over months and months amounts to nothing. That is probably what he adds to the Parliament—nothing. We have seen today a clear example of how a government governs and how an opposition opposes. The member for Pilbara has asked a valuable question. I am well and truly aware of it. It is a problem that I not only am aware of, but also will be actively involved in solving.
Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Again, I am well and truly aware of it. I do not endorse it. Mr P.C. Tinley : The Minister for Environment is aware of a fire in Margaret River, but what’s he doing about it? The SPEAKER : Member for Willagee! Mr B.J. GRYLLS : It must have been very disappointing to the member for Willagee when the Treasurer stood today and detailed how the local content in Western Australia seems to be increasing rapidly. That means that his load of rhetoric over months and months amounts to nothing. That is probably what he adds to the Parliament—nothing. We have seen today a clear example of how a government governs and how an opposition opposes. The member for Pilbara has asked a valuable question. I am well and truly aware of it. It is a problem that I not only am aware of, but also will be actively involved in solving.
Mr P.C. Tinley : The Minister for Environment is aware of a fire in Margaret River, but what’s he doing about it? The SPEAKER : Member for Willagee! Mr B.J. GRYLLS : It must have been very disappointing to the member for Willagee when the Treasurer stood today and detailed how the local content in Western Australia seems to be increasing rapidly. That means that his load of rhetoric over months and months amounts to nothing. That is probably what he adds to the Parliament—nothing. We have seen today a clear example of how a government governs and how an opposition opposes. The member for Pilbara has asked a valuable question. I am well and truly aware of it. It is a problem that I not only am aware of, but also will be actively involved in solving.
The SPEAKER : Member for Willagee! Mr B.J. GRYLLS : It must have been very disappointing to the member for Willagee when the Treasurer stood today and detailed how the local content in Western Australia seems to be increasing rapidly. That means that his load of rhetoric over months and months amounts to nothing. That is probably what he adds to the Parliament—nothing. We have seen today a clear example of how a government governs and how an opposition opposes. The member for Pilbara has asked a valuable question. I am well and truly aware of it. It is a problem that I not only am aware of, but also will be actively involved in solving.
Mr B.J. GRYLLS : It must have been very disappointing to the member for Willagee when the Treasurer stood today and detailed how the local content in Western Australia seems to be increasing rapidly. That means that his load of rhetoric over months and months amounts to nothing. That is probably what he adds to the Parliament—nothing. We have seen today a clear example of how a government governs and how an opposition opposes. The member for Pilbara has asked a valuable question. I am well and truly aware of it. It is a problem that I not only am aware of, but also will be actively involved in solving.
We have seen today a clear example of how a government governs and how an opposition opposes. The member for Pilbara has asked a valuable question. I am well and truly aware of it. It is a problem that I not only am aware of, but also will be actively involved in solving.
(1) Is the minister aware that a majority of insurance companies have increased premiums for strata properties in the north west above a value of $5 million by approximately 800 to 900 per cent? (2) Considering the vast unpopulated areas along the north west WA coastline, where cyclones can cross without causing much damage at all, does the state government endorse such penalties being applied to strata title owners in the region in a similar fashion to those that have been applied in the densely populated regions of far north Queensland? (3) Will the minister take immediate steps and negotiate with the major insurers to rethink this grossly unfair increase before it has a major effect on investment in the region? Mr B.J. GRYLLS replied: I thank the member for Pilbara for a very good question. (1)–(3) Yes, I am aware of that. In fact, just a couple of days ago I met with an insurance agent who provides those services, and we had a long and detailed discussion about this. My office is currently looking at how we might meet with some of the representative bodies of insurance companies to look at this issue. The member is right that, after the floods in Queensland, insurance companies have taken a look at issues in the far north of Australia and have decided that that might be an area in which they no longer wish to be involved. Obviously, we are very concerned about that happening in a state such as Western Australia, with a major development proposal for the north west. We certainly do not endorse it. In fact, I will be working very hard to ensure that we get a clear understanding of why that is occurring, and the government will work with them to ensure that that does not happen. We are currently looking at the building methods being undertaken for the apartments being constructed in Karratha through the Karratha City of the North proposal. High-density housing is being built in South Hedland at the moment, and there are hotel proposals for the waterfront in Port Hedland. There is a massive amount of construction going on. I would have thought that it would be very possible for our government to work closely with the insurance industry, firstly, to try to understand why it is making that decision and, secondly, to ensure that we — Mr P.C. Tinley : Why haven’t you? Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I have. Mr P.C. Tinley : You haven’t told us what you’ve actually done; you’ve only told us what you might do. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Again, I am well and truly aware of it. I do not endorse it. Mr P.C. Tinley : The Minister for Environment is aware of a fire in Margaret River, but what’s he doing about it? The SPEAKER : Member for Willagee! Mr B.J. GRYLLS : It must have been very disappointing to the member for Willagee when the Treasurer stood today and detailed how the local content in Western Australia seems to be increasing rapidly. That means that his load of rhetoric over months and months amounts to nothing. That is probably what he adds to the Parliament—nothing. We have seen today a clear example of how a government governs and how an opposition opposes. The member for Pilbara has asked a valuable question. I am well and truly aware of it. It is a problem that I not only am aware of, but also will be actively involved in solving.
(2) Considering the vast unpopulated areas along the north west WA coastline, where cyclones can cross without causing much damage at all, does the state government endorse such penalties being applied to strata title owners in the region in a similar fashion to those that have been applied in the densely populated regions of far north Queensland? (3) Will the minister take immediate steps and negotiate with the major insurers to rethink this grossly unfair increase before it has a major effect on investment in the region? Mr B.J. GRYLLS replied: I thank the member for Pilbara for a very good question. (1)–(3) Yes, I am aware of that. In fact, just a couple of days ago I met with an insurance agent who provides those services, and we had a long and detailed discussion about this. My office is currently looking at how we might meet with some of the representative bodies of insurance companies to look at this issue. The member is right that, after the floods in Queensland, insurance companies have taken a look at issues in the far north of Australia and have decided that that might be an area in which they no longer wish to be involved. Obviously, we are very concerned about that happening in a state such as Western Australia, with a major development proposal for the north west. We certainly do not endorse it. In fact, I will be working very hard to ensure that we get a clear understanding of why that is occurring, and the government will work with them to ensure that that does not happen. We are currently looking at the building methods being undertaken for the apartments being constructed in Karratha through the Karratha City of the North proposal. High-density housing is being built in South Hedland at the moment, and there are hotel proposals for the waterfront in Port Hedland. There is a massive amount of construction going on. I would have thought that it would be very possible for our government to work closely with the insurance industry, firstly, to try to understand why it is making that decision and, secondly, to ensure that we — Mr P.C. Tinley : Why haven’t you? Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I have. Mr P.C. Tinley : You haven’t told us what you’ve actually done; you’ve only told us what you might do. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Again, I am well and truly aware of it. I do not endorse it. Mr P.C. Tinley : The Minister for Environment is aware of a fire in Margaret River, but what’s he doing about it? The SPEAKER : Member for Willagee! Mr B.J. GRYLLS : It must have been very disappointing to the member for Willagee when the Treasurer stood today and detailed how the local content in Western Australia seems to be increasing rapidly. That means that his load of rhetoric over months and months amounts to nothing. That is probably what he adds to the Parliament—nothing. We have seen today a clear example of how a government governs and how an opposition opposes. The member for Pilbara has asked a valuable question. I am well and truly aware of it. It is a problem that I not only am aware of, but also will be actively involved in solving.
(3) Will the minister take immediate steps and negotiate with the major insurers to rethink this grossly unfair increase before it has a major effect on investment in the region? Mr B.J. GRYLLS replied: I thank the member for Pilbara for a very good question. (1)–(3) Yes, I am aware of that. In fact, just a couple of days ago I met with an insurance agent who provides those services, and we had a long and detailed discussion about this. My office is currently looking at how we might meet with some of the representative bodies of insurance companies to look at this issue. The member is right that, after the floods in Queensland, insurance companies have taken a look at issues in the far north of Australia and have decided that that might be an area in which they no longer wish to be involved. Obviously, we are very concerned about that happening in a state such as Western Australia, with a major development proposal for the north west. We certainly do not endorse it. In fact, I will be working very hard to ensure that we get a clear understanding of why that is occurring, and the government will work with them to ensure that that does not happen. We are currently looking at the building methods being undertaken for the apartments being constructed in Karratha through the Karratha City of the North proposal. High-density housing is being built in South Hedland at the moment, and there are hotel proposals for the waterfront in Port Hedland. There is a massive amount of construction going on. I would have thought that it would be very possible for our government to work closely with the insurance industry, firstly, to try to understand why it is making that decision and, secondly, to ensure that we — Mr P.C. Tinley : Why haven’t you? Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I have. Mr P.C. Tinley : You haven’t told us what you’ve actually done; you’ve only told us what you might do. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Again, I am well and truly aware of it. I do not endorse it. Mr P.C. Tinley : The Minister for Environment is aware of a fire in Margaret River, but what’s he doing about it? The SPEAKER : Member for Willagee! Mr B.J. GRYLLS : It must have been very disappointing to the member for Willagee when the Treasurer stood today and detailed how the local content in Western Australia seems to be increasing rapidly. That means that his load of rhetoric over months and months amounts to nothing. That is probably what he adds to the Parliament—nothing. We have seen today a clear example of how a government governs and how an opposition opposes. The member for Pilbara has asked a valuable question. I am well and truly aware of it. It is a problem that I not only am aware of, but also will be actively involved in solving.
Mr B.J. GRYLLS replied: I thank the member for Pilbara for a very good question. (1)–(3) Yes, I am aware of that. In fact, just a couple of days ago I met with an insurance agent who provides those services, and we had a long and detailed discussion about this. My office is currently looking at how we might meet with some of the representative bodies of insurance companies to look at this issue. The member is right that, after the floods in Queensland, insurance companies have taken a look at issues in the far north of Australia and have decided that that might be an area in which they no longer wish to be involved. Obviously, we are very concerned about that happening in a state such as Western Australia, with a major development proposal for the north west. We certainly do not endorse it. In fact, I will be working very hard to ensure that we get a clear understanding of why that is occurring, and the government will work with them to ensure that that does not happen. We are currently looking at the building methods being undertaken for the apartments being constructed in Karratha through the Karratha City of the North proposal. High-density housing is being built in South Hedland at the moment, and there are hotel proposals for the waterfront in Port Hedland. There is a massive amount of construction going on. I would have thought that it would be very possible for our government to work closely with the insurance industry, firstly, to try to understand why it is making that decision and, secondly, to ensure that we — Mr P.C. Tinley : Why haven’t you? Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I have. Mr P.C. Tinley : You haven’t told us what you’ve actually done; you’ve only told us what you might do. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Again, I am well and truly aware of it. I do not endorse it. Mr P.C. Tinley : The Minister for Environment is aware of a fire in Margaret River, but what’s he doing about it? The SPEAKER : Member for Willagee! Mr B.J. GRYLLS : It must have been very disappointing to the member for Willagee when the Treasurer stood today and detailed how the local content in Western Australia seems to be increasing rapidly. That means that his load of rhetoric over months and months amounts to nothing. That is probably what he adds to the Parliament—nothing. We have seen today a clear example of how a government governs and how an opposition opposes. The member for Pilbara has asked a valuable question. I am well and truly aware of it. It is a problem that I not only am aware of, but also will be actively involved in solving.
I thank the member for Pilbara for a very good question. (1)–(3) Yes, I am aware of that. In fact, just a couple of days ago I met with an insurance agent who provides those services, and we had a long and detailed discussion about this. My office is currently looking at how we might meet with some of the representative bodies of insurance companies to look at this issue. The member is right that, after the floods in Queensland, insurance companies have taken a look at issues in the far north of Australia and have decided that that might be an area in which they no longer wish to be involved. Obviously, we are very concerned about that happening in a state such as Western Australia, with a major development proposal for the north west. We certainly do not endorse it. In fact, I will be working very hard to ensure that we get a clear understanding of why that is occurring, and the government will work with them to ensure that that does not happen. We are currently looking at the building methods being undertaken for the apartments being constructed in Karratha through the Karratha City of the North proposal. High-density housing is being built in South Hedland at the moment, and there are hotel proposals for the waterfront in Port Hedland. There is a massive amount of construction going on. I would have thought that it would be very possible for our government to work closely with the insurance industry, firstly, to try to understand why it is making that decision and, secondly, to ensure that we — Mr P.C. Tinley : Why haven’t you? Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I have. Mr P.C. Tinley : You haven’t told us what you’ve actually done; you’ve only told us what you might do. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Again, I am well and truly aware of it. I do not endorse it. Mr P.C. Tinley : The Minister for Environment is aware of a fire in Margaret River, but what’s he doing about it? The SPEAKER : Member for Willagee! Mr B.J. GRYLLS : It must have been very disappointing to the member for Willagee when the Treasurer stood today and detailed how the local content in Western Australia seems to be increasing rapidly. That means that his load of rhetoric over months and months amounts to nothing. That is probably what he adds to the Parliament—nothing. We have seen today a clear example of how a government governs and how an opposition opposes. The member for Pilbara has asked a valuable question. I am well and truly aware of it. It is a problem that I not only am aware of, but also will be actively involved in solving.
(1)–(3) Yes, I am aware of that. In fact, just a couple of days ago I met with an insurance agent who provides those services, and we had a long and detailed discussion about this. My office is currently looking at how we might meet with some of the representative bodies of insurance companies to look at this issue. The member is right that, after the floods in Queensland, insurance companies have taken a look at issues in the far north of Australia and have decided that that might be an area in which they no longer wish to be involved. Obviously, we are very concerned about that happening in a state such as Western Australia, with a major development proposal for the north west. We certainly do not endorse it. In fact, I will be working very hard to ensure that we get a clear understanding of why that is occurring, and the government will work with them to ensure that that does not happen. We are currently looking at the building methods being undertaken for the apartments being constructed in Karratha through the Karratha City of the North proposal. High-density housing is being built in South Hedland at the moment, and there are hotel proposals for the waterfront in Port Hedland. There is a massive amount of construction going on. I would have thought that it would be very possible for our government to work closely with the insurance industry, firstly, to try to understand why it is making that decision and, secondly, to ensure that we — Mr P.C. Tinley : Why haven’t you? Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I have. Mr P.C. Tinley : You haven’t told us what you’ve actually done; you’ve only told us what you might do. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Again, I am well and truly aware of it. I do not endorse it. Mr P.C. Tinley : The Minister for Environment is aware of a fire in Margaret River, but what’s he doing about it? The SPEAKER : Member for Willagee! Mr B.J. GRYLLS : It must have been very disappointing to the member for Willagee when the Treasurer stood today and detailed how the local content in Western Australia seems to be increasing rapidly. That means that his load of rhetoric over months and months amounts to nothing. That is probably what he adds to the Parliament—nothing. We have seen today a clear example of how a government governs and how an opposition opposes. The member for Pilbara has asked a valuable question. I am well and truly aware of it. It is a problem that I not only am aware of, but also will be actively involved in solving.
Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I have. Mr P.C. Tinley : You haven’t told us what you’ve actually done; you’ve only told us what you might do. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Again, I am well and truly aware of it. I do not endorse it. Mr P.C. Tinley : The Minister for Environment is aware of a fire in Margaret River, but what’s he doing about it? The SPEAKER : Member for Willagee! Mr B.J. GRYLLS : It must have been very disappointing to the member for Willagee when the Treasurer stood today and detailed how the local content in Western Australia seems to be increasing rapidly. That means that his load of rhetoric over months and months amounts to nothing. That is probably what he adds to the Parliament—nothing. We have seen today a clear example of how a government governs and how an opposition opposes. The member for Pilbara has asked a valuable question. I am well and truly aware of it. It is a problem that I not only am aware of, but also will be actively involved in solving.
Mr P.C. Tinley : You haven’t told us what you’ve actually done; you’ve only told us what you might do. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Again, I am well and truly aware of it. I do not endorse it. Mr P.C. Tinley : The Minister for Environment is aware of a fire in Margaret River, but what’s he doing about it? The SPEAKER : Member for Willagee! Mr B.J. GRYLLS : It must have been very disappointing to the member for Willagee when the Treasurer stood today and detailed how the local content in Western Australia seems to be increasing rapidly. That means that his load of rhetoric over months and months amounts to nothing. That is probably what he adds to the Parliament—nothing. We have seen today a clear example of how a government governs and how an opposition opposes. The member for Pilbara has asked a valuable question. I am well and truly aware of it. It is a problem that I not only am aware of, but also will be actively involved in solving.
Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Again, I am well and truly aware of it. I do not endorse it. Mr P.C. Tinley : The Minister for Environment is aware of a fire in Margaret River, but what’s he doing about it? The SPEAKER : Member for Willagee! Mr B.J. GRYLLS : It must have been very disappointing to the member for Willagee when the Treasurer stood today and detailed how the local content in Western Australia seems to be increasing rapidly. That means that his load of rhetoric over months and months amounts to nothing. That is probably what he adds to the Parliament—nothing. We have seen today a clear example of how a government governs and how an opposition opposes. The member for Pilbara has asked a valuable question. I am well and truly aware of it. It is a problem that I not only am aware of, but also will be actively involved in solving.
Mr P.C. Tinley : The Minister for Environment is aware of a fire in Margaret River, but what’s he doing about it? The SPEAKER : Member for Willagee! Mr B.J. GRYLLS : It must have been very disappointing to the member for Willagee when the Treasurer stood today and detailed how the local content in Western Australia seems to be increasing rapidly. That means that his load of rhetoric over months and months amounts to nothing. That is probably what he adds to the Parliament—nothing. We have seen today a clear example of how a government governs and how an opposition opposes. The member for Pilbara has asked a valuable question. I am well and truly aware of it. It is a problem that I not only am aware of, but also will be actively involved in solving.
The SPEAKER : Member for Willagee! Mr B.J. GRYLLS : It must have been very disappointing to the member for Willagee when the Treasurer stood today and detailed how the local content in Western Australia seems to be increasing rapidly. That means that his load of rhetoric over months and months amounts to nothing. That is probably what he adds to the Parliament—nothing. We have seen today a clear example of how a government governs and how an opposition opposes. The member for Pilbara has asked a valuable question. I am well and truly aware of it. It is a problem that I not only am aware of, but also will be actively involved in solving.
Mr B.J. GRYLLS : It must have been very disappointing to the member for Willagee when the Treasurer stood today and detailed how the local content in Western Australia seems to be increasing rapidly. That means that his load of rhetoric over months and months amounts to nothing. That is probably what he adds to the Parliament—nothing. We have seen today a clear example of how a government governs and how an opposition opposes. The member for Pilbara has asked a valuable question. I am well and truly aware of it. It is a problem that I not only am aware of, but also will be actively involved in solving.
We have seen today a clear example of how a government governs and how an opposition opposes. The member for Pilbara has asked a valuable question. I am well and truly aware of it. It is a problem that I not only am aware of, but also will be actively involved in solving.
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