Mr Oakeshott said he was pleased that lobbying from flood-affected residents in the Manning, Hastings and Macleay Valleys had helped to drive change on the issue.

“The floods of 2010 and 2011 were devastating for many in our region who suffered major damage to property, stock and business premises,” Mr Oakeshott said.

“However, for many residents the heartache from the floods was compounded by prolonged and frustrating disputes over insurance claims and policy coverage.

“As a result of widespread community lobbying on this issue, a Natural Disaster Insurance Review was commissioned to examine insurance for flood and other natural disasters.

“The government delivered its response to the report and has just released draft regulations that include a proposed standard definition of ‘flood’ to help overcome the problem of varying policy definitions and confusion for consumers over what is covered.” Mr Oakeshott encouraged local residents with an interest in the issue to have their say.

“It is important that the Parliament gets this right and I therefore welcome as much feedback as possible from our region prior to the closing date of February 3,” he said.

“Residents also have until March 30 to provide feedback on other issues arising from the government’s response to the insurance review, including efforts to simplify the insurance process and improve transparency and choice for consumers. Comments on both the draft guidelines and the insurance review can be made via the Treasury website at www.treasury.gov.au or by contacting my office on 6552 4780 (Taree) or 6584 2911 (Port Macquarie),” he said.