Income Protection Insurance Australia :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

Perth Construction Firm Penalised for Insurance Lapse

Perth Construction Firm Penalised for Insurance Lapse

Perth Construction Firm Penalised for Insurance Lapse?w=400

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

A construction company in Perth has been penalised for initiating building works without securing the legally-required home indemnity insurance, resulting in a $3500 fine and an additional $736 in costs.

In Western Australia, legislation mandates that builders obtain a Home Indemnity Insurance (HII) policy for any residential construction projects exceeding $20,000 prior to receiving payment or commencing with construction.

This insurance offers homeowners a safeguard against financial setbacks should a builder be unable to finish or rectify construction due to reasons such as death, disappearance, financial insolvency, or the revocation of the builder's registration due to financial reasons.

The Armadale Magistrates' Court heard the case where DBD Developments had proceeded with laying the concrete foundation and other preliminary installations for a client's two-storey home in January 2022. However, the requisite HII was not procured until six months later, in July.

Saj Abdoolakhan, the Building Commissioner, highlighted the homeowner's dilemma, noting that two interim payments had been made in the absence of insurance protection.

He stated, "The builder was eligible for this insurance and should have obtained it before commencing work, rather than six months later. This conduct undermines the protections provided by WA’s home building contract laws and the overall integrity of the building approvals process."

This incident resonates amidst ongoing reviews in the construction sector focusing on enhancing compliance and safeguarding consumer interests, as highlighted in the original report from Armadale News.

Instances like these underline the crucial importance of transparency and adherence to legal obligations in the construction industry, particularly in protecting homeowners from potential financial vulnerabilities.

The case serves as a potent reminder for builders across the region to prioritise due diligence and adhere to statutory regulations to maintain trust and uphold industry standards.

The penalty not only enforces existing laws but also signals to other builders the serious repercussions of bypassing essential mandates that protect both builders and clients alike.

Published:Tuesday, 11th Feb 2025
Source: Paige Estritori

Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.

Share this news item:

Insurance News

AFCA Upholds Policyholder's Income Protection Benefits Against Zurich
AFCA Upholds Policyholder's Income Protection Benefits Against Zurich
12 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has recently ruled against Zurich Insurance, instructing the insurer to maintain the current income protection benefits for a policyholder after an 11-year delay in proposing a reduction. This decision underscores the critical importance of timely and transparent communication between insurers and their clients. - read more
Neos Recognized as Leading Income Protection Insurer in 2025
Neos Recognized as Leading Income Protection Insurer in 2025
12 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
In the 2025 Life Insurance Awards presented by Money Magazine, Neos has been honored as the top provider in the Income Protection Insurance category. This accolade reflects Neos's commitment to delivering comprehensive and reliable income protection solutions to Australians. - read more
TAL's Health Sense Plus Now Covers Income Protection Policies
TAL's Health Sense Plus Now Covers Income Protection Policies
04 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
In a significant development for policyholders, TAL has expanded its Health Sense Plus program to encompass income protection (IP) policies. This initiative, effective from August 8, 2025, aims to incentivise proactive health management by offering premium discounts to clients who engage in preventative health checks. - read more
Surge in Mental Health Claims Puts Pressure on Australia's Insurance Industry
Surge in Mental Health Claims Puts Pressure on Australia's Insurance Industry
04 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
Australia's insurance sector is facing unprecedented challenges as mental health conditions have become the leading cause of total and permanent disability (TPD) claims. Recent data from the Council of Australian Life Insurers (CALI) reveals that mental health issues now account for nearly one-third of all TPD claims paid out. - read more
Rest Super Faces Class Action Over Alleged Wrongful Deduction of Income Protection Premiums
Rest Super Faces Class Action Over Alleged Wrongful Deduction of Income Protection Premiums
04 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
Shine Lawyers has initiated class action proceedings in the Federal Court against Rest Superannuation, alleging that the fund wrongfully deducted income protection premiums from members' accounts between December 2008 and June 2019. The lawsuit claims that up to 500,000 Rest members may have been affected by these deductions. - read more
TAL's Health Sense Plus Now Covers Income Protection Policies
TAL's Health Sense Plus Now Covers Income Protection Policies
27 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori
In a strategic move to enhance the value of its offerings, TAL has announced the expansion of its Health Sense Plus program to encompass income protection insurance. This initiative, effective from 8 August 2025, aims to incentivise proactive health management among policyholders by providing premium discounts. - read more


Life Insurance Articles

Important Tips to Streamline Your Income Protection Claim in Australia
Important Tips to Streamline Your Income Protection Claim in Australia
In today's unpredictable world, securing your financial future is more important than ever. Income protection insurance plays a pivotal role for working Australians by providing a safety net in case illness or injury prevents you from earning an income. As an essential part of your overall financial planning, understanding income protection is crucial for peace of mind and stability. - read more
Avoiding Overinsurance: How to Choose Adequate Coverage Without Wasting Money
Avoiding Overinsurance: How to Choose Adequate Coverage Without Wasting Money
Income protection insurance is a key component of financial planning that safeguards your earning potential in the untimely event of illness or injury. In Australia, it reassures individuals that their most valuable asset, the ability to earn, is shielded against unforeseen circumstances. Adequate income protection can provide peace of mind, with the security of a regular income even when you're unable to work. - read more
The Myth of Unaffordability: How to Find Value in Income Insurance Policies
The Myth of Unaffordability: How to Find Value in Income Insurance Policies
Income protection insurance is often surrounded by the myth of being unaffordable, deterring many Australians from safeguarding their most valuable asset—their ability to earn. This introduction aims to address this misconception head on, revealing the real value that income insurance policies can provide. It is crucial to understand that the cost of such a policy pales in comparison to the potential financial hardship faced without one. - read more
How to Protect Your Income During Health Setbacks: A Complete Guide
How to Protect Your Income During Health Setbacks: A Complete Guide
Income protection is a crucial safety net for Australians, offering financial security when health setbacks strike. This type of insurance ensures that you continue to receive a portion of your income if illness or injury prevents you from working. It’s an essential aspect of financial planning, providing peace of mind knowing that you can maintain your lifestyle even when unforeseen health issues arise. - read more
Understanding Income Replacement Benefits: A Complete Guide for Australians
Understanding Income Replacement Benefits: A Complete Guide for Australians
Income replacement benefits are designed to provide financial support when you're unable to earn a salary due to illness or injury. They act as a safety net, ensuring you can maintain your lifestyle and meet ongoing expenses during unexpected interruptions. - read more
Dispelling the Myths: Why Income Protection is More Accessible Than You Think
Dispelling the Myths: Why Income Protection is More Accessible Than You Think
Income protection insurance serves as a financial safety net, designed to support individuals in the event that they are unable to work due to illness or injury. The significance of this type of insurance lies in its ability to provide a continuation of income during tough times, ensuring that one's financial responsibilities are taken care of. - read more


Start Here !
disability protection
Apply now for your free Insurance assessment and price comparisons!

Start Here

Monthly Income Benefit:
Postcode:

All quotes are provided free and without obligation by a Specialist from our National Broker referral panel. See our Privacy Statement for more details.

All quotes are provided free and without obligation. We respect your privacy.

Knowledgebase
Copayment:
A fixed amount you pay for a covered healthcare service, usually when you receive the service.