Insurance Council of Australia Statement on NSW Election Result

SYDNEY, Australia, March 23 -- The Insurance Council of Australia issued the following statement by CEO Rob Whelan:

"The Insurance Council of Australia congratulates Gladys Berejiklian on the return of her government.

"The Coalition's re-election should provide political and economic certainty for New South Wales.

"The general insurance industry looks forward to a continuing constructive working relationship with the Coalition Government.

"The ICA encourages Premier Berejiklian to harness the state's economic strength in her new term of office.

"Infrastructure was a strong element of the campaign, and the ICA urges the Berejiklian Government to prioritise a program of investments in permanent mitigation infrastructure for flood-prone towns.

"The Government should add to its list of priorities:

* Recommitting to abolishing the unfair Emergency Services Levy on household and business insurance premiums

* Renewal of its commitment to establishing a timetable for the removal of stamp duties on insurance

* Working with the insurance industry and other key stakeholders on tackling the impact of climate change?"