Border closures add to impact of disasters

THE Insurance Council of Australia has warned the country faces slower and far costlier recoveries from natural catastrophes while closed state borders remain in place.

ICA chief executive Andrew Hall said the country had already seen the cost of closed borders clashing with catastrophic weather events.

Mr Hall said the looming summer, which could portend fires, floods, storms, cyclones and wild weather was set to be worsened by restrictions.

The industry is calling on premiers to agree on a national approach to allow the movement of essential recovery workers.

Mr Hall warned any attempt to meet catastrophes in the coming months would be hamstrung by border controls and quarantine requirements.

“Floods and fires do not respect state borders,” he said. “As it is likely that restrictions will remain in place for the remainder of 2021, it is essential that a national framework is agreed now so border restrictions do not unnecessarily add to the pain of those devastated by a natural disaster this spring and summer,” he said.