AICLA seeks longer catastrophe work visas

A submission to this week’s jobs summit seeks that three-month temporary work visas allocated during times of catastrophe to overseas insurance loss adjusters be extended to a minimum of six months.

The submission – from Australasian Institute of Chartered Loss Adjusters (AICLA) President Glyn Lloyd and CEO Tony Libke – also requests that qualified loss adjusters be added to the Strategic Skills List under Australia’s 482 visa.

Politicians, unions, business and community leaders gathered today in Canberra to address a shortage of skilled workers in Australia at a second day of the Federal Government job summit, which Mr Lloyd says he was first alerted to at a meeting with Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) in July.

ICA CEO Andrew Hall revealed in May more than 100 assessors had been brought in from overseas on special visas after the flood catastrophe that hit NSW and Queensland in March, and said he was “talking with government actively” when struggling to find staff and fill the gap.

“AICLA was encouraged to make a submission relating to the challenges that loss adjusters face, particularly during times of catastrophes, which are occurring on a more frequent basis due to climate change,” Mr Lloyd said. “It is inefficient and highly expensive to have these loss adjusters available for only three months.

“There is a compelling case that during times of declared catastrophes, qualified overseas loss adjusters be granted a temporary work visa for at least six months.”

Due to global warming, AICLA says it is essential the industry be able to resource adequately qualified loss adjusters at short notice.

During a catastrophe, loss adjusters will travel from interstate for extended periods to assist as required. AICLA says the total resources available in Australia have during recent catastrophes been “inadequate for the demands placed on the claims industry”.

“Loss adjusters and assessors play a vital role in times of a catastrophe, and are responsible for determining the entitlement of policy holders following an insurance claim,” the submission, seen by insuranceNEWS.com.au, says.

“Loss adjusters are critical in prompt assessment of a loss, and the evaluation and reinstatement of private properties and businesses, which is fulfilment of the insurance promise.”

The work of a loss adjuster to settle a claim is complex and may take considerable time to complete, the submission said. When major loss adjusting firms recruit qualified overseas adjusters to assist to meet the demand for loss adjusting services, they require training to become familiar with Australian laws, regulations and building codes.

“It will never be possible to have available enough trained loss adjusters who can be mobilised during a catastrophe event, as these trained loss adjusters would not have sufficient work during other times to sustain their employment,” AICLA said.

Australia’s insurance companies and ICA would strongly support its submission, it added.