“90% of their customers did not have flood insurance”

In this episode, Anna Svenson, Director of Svenson Barristers, meets with Barrister, Michael Whitten KC to unpack how climate change and natural disasters are reshaping the insurance landscape. From the devastating LA fires in the US, to ex-tropical Cyclone Alfred closer to home, they explore why premiums are rising, how reinsurance and government schemes like the Cyclone Reinsurance Pool aim to help, and what the future holds for insurance affordability. They discuss the growing tension between increasing risk and consumers' ability to access coverage—and why underinsurance is becoming a national concern.

Get in contact with Svenson Barristers:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-svenson-2610b790/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/svenson-barristers/?viewAsMember=true

https://svensonbarristers.com.au/

Key Highlights:

• The LA fires highlighted a catastrophic gap between damage and insurance coverage.
• Ex-tropical Cyclone Alfred exposed vulnerabilities in Australia’s insurance framework.
• Climate change is fuelling the frequency and severity of natural disasters.
• 15% of Australians face premium stress, making coverage unaffordable.
• Reinsurance and government-backed pools are vital to managing risk.
• The FAIR Plan in California and Australia’s Cyclone Reinsurance Pool offer insights into insurance as a public good.
• Flood insurance remains disproportionately expensive compared to storm coverage.
• There's a growing disconnect between insurance as a financial product and its accessibility to everyday Australians.

• Many Australians remain underinsured or uninsured due to high costs.
• Future solutions must balance affordability, climate resilience, and consumer protection.

• "The tension is between climate change and consumer outcome."
  
  

Chapters:
00:00 – The Impact of Natural Disasters on Insurance
10:06 – Lessons from the LA Fires
12:44 – Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred and Its Aftermath
20:52 – The Rising Cost of Insurance
25:07 – Government Initiatives and Future Outlook

Support the show: https://www.linkedin.com/company/svenson-barristers/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Anna Svenson speaks with Andrew Kirkham AM RFD KC about the infamous Chamberlain case, a tragic story involving the disappearance of baby Azaria Chamberlain, who was taken by a dingo while sleeping in a tent at Uluru in 1980. The conversation delves into the media's role in shaping public perception, the evidence presented during the trial, and the subsequent miscarriage of justice that led to Lindy Chamberlain's wrongful conviction. The discussion also covers the bombshell discovery of new evidence, the Royal Commission's findings on incorrect forensics, and the lasting impact of this case on the Australian legal system.

Get in contact with Svenson Barristers:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-svenson-2610b790/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/svenson-barristers/?viewAsMember=true

https://svensonbarristers.com.au/

Key Takeaways

• Media portrayal can heavily influence public perception and jury decisions.
• The absence of a body, motive, or confession complicates the prosecution's case.
• The role of forensic evidence in trials is critical but can be flawed.
• Public opinion can be swayed by sensationalised media coverage.
• The discovery of new evidence can lead to exoneration after wrongful convictions.
• How juries can be influenced by societal expectations of grief and behaviour of an accused.
• The legal process can be deeply affected by the actions of law enforcement
• The Royal Commission highlighted failures in the original investigation and trial.
• The case has led to reforms in forensic science practices in Australia.

Podcast edited and produced by: SESSION in PROGRESS

Chapters
00:00 The Chamberlain Case: A Tragic Beginning

03:09 The Role of Media in Shaping Public Perception

06:04 Evidence and Inquests: The Path to Trial

09:12 Trial Dynamics: The Jury's Decision

11:54 The Aftermath: Discovering New Evidence

14:53 The Royal Commission and Its Findings

18:14 Legacy of the Chamberlain Case: Justice and Miscarriage

21:06 Reflections on a Miscarriage of Justice

Support the show: https://www.linkedin.com/company/svenson-barristers/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In our very first episode of Brief Chats, host Anna Svenson sits down with barrister Nik Dragojlovic to unravel the gripping saga of Novak Djokovic's deportation from Australia amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The conversation delves into the timeline of events leading to the tennis icon’s visa cancellation, the intricate legal hurdles encountered, and the broader implications of the court's rulings. Beyond the legal complexities, the episode offers insight into the global spotlight on Djokovic’s case, exploring how his celebrity status and perceived stance on vaccination shaped public opinion and the legal process.

Nik also shares personal reflections on working alongside a player of Djokovic’s calibre, whose determination and resilience on the court mirrored his fight off it.

Get in contact with Nik:

https://svensonbarristers.com.au/barristers/nik-dragojlovic/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nik-dragojlovic/

Get in contact with Svenson Barristers:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-svenson-2610b790/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/svenson-barristers/?viewAsMember=true

https://svensonbarristers.com.au/

Key Takeaways

- The case of Novak Djokovic's deportation was unprecedented and complex.

- Public sentiment around vaccination influenced the legal proceedings.

- Djokovic's legal team faced tight time constraints and high pressure.

- The initial visa cancellation was based on health and safety concerns.

- Procedural fairness was a key argument in the first court case.

- The minister's second decision to cancel Djokovic's visa was controversial.

- Judicial review is limited in scope compared to other legal challenges.

- The case attracted significant media attention and public interest.

- Working with Djokovic was a unique experience for his legal team.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Case

01:59 The Events Leading to Deportation

06:13 Legal Challenges and Initial Responses

18:13 The First Court Decision

25:30 The Minister's Second Decision

31:18 Judicial Review and Its Implications

37:02 Final Court Ruling and Reactions

40:49 Public Interest and Media Coverage

41:43 Reflections on Novak Djokovic

Support the show: https://www.linkedin.com/company/svenson-barristers/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.