❓ Question on Notice regarding the handling of compensation claims related to the 2003 Bridgetown bushfire, specifically questioning the fairness, efficiency, and transparency of the process.
AnsweredQoN 4755Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
Regarding compensation claims from the Bridgetown bushfire on Boxing Day 2003 and referring to an article in
The West Australian,
of 7 March 2007, ‘Long Fight for Compo after Big Bushfire’, I ask -
(1) How many compensation claims have been settled?
(2) Is the Minister satisfied that they have been settled fairly?
(3) How many compensation claims are still outstanding?
(4) How many affected land owners are yet to lodge a claim?
(5) Who is the insurer of Western Power?
(6) What arrangement exists between this insurer and Risk Cover with regard to liability and compensation for the fire?
(7) What role did loss adjuster Ron Norris have at his appointment in 2004?
(8) Has his role changed since then?
(9) If yes to (8), why was his role changed?
(10) Will the Minister please explain why Ron Norris has been instructed to no longer deal with at least one claimant?
(11) Is the Minister satisfied with the implementation of the Government's promise, made by Conservation and Land Management’s (CALM) Executive Director, on 4 February 2004 and after, that CALM had set up a ‘one stop shop so that affected land owners could have their claims dealt with efficiently and quickly?’
(12) In light of the time elapsed since the bushfire, the emotional stress suffered by fire victims and the 2004 Government promise, will the Minister ensure a review all outstanding claims with a brief to avoid court proceedings?
The West Australian,
of 7 March 2007, ‘Long Fight for Compo after Big Bushfire’, I ask -
(1) How many compensation claims have been settled?
(2) Is the Minister satisfied that they have been settled fairly?
(3) How many compensation claims are still outstanding?
(4) How many affected land owners are yet to lodge a claim?
(5) Who is the insurer of Western Power?
(6) What arrangement exists between this insurer and Risk Cover with regard to liability and compensation for the fire?
(7) What role did loss adjuster Ron Norris have at his appointment in 2004?
(8) Has his role changed since then?
(9) If yes to (8), why was his role changed?
(10) Will the Minister please explain why Ron Norris has been instructed to no longer deal with at least one claimant?
(11) Is the Minister satisfied with the implementation of the Government's promise, made by Conservation and Land Management’s (CALM) Executive Director, on 4 February 2004 and after, that CALM had set up a ‘one stop shop so that affected land owners could have their claims dealt with efficiently and quickly?’
(12) In light of the time elapsed since the bushfire, the emotional stress suffered by fire victims and the 2004 Government promise, will the Minister ensure a review all outstanding claims with a brief to avoid court proceedings?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
5 June 2007
Responded by
Leader of the House representing the Minister for Energy
Response time
35 days
Insurance matters relating to the Bridgetown fire on Boxing Day 2003 are handled by RiskCover. This Question should therefore be addressed to the Minister for Government Enterprises who is responsible for RiskCover.
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