Urgency in Financial Reform: A Call for Swift Action

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.

The financial sector is poised for the release of the second tranche of the Delivering Better Financial Outcomes (DBFO) legislation. On 10-11 February, the sold-out Professional Planner Advice Policy Summit will convene at Old Parliament House in Canberra, ACT, focusing on how essential reforms can broaden access to financial and life insurance advice.

During the summit, Cupitt will speak at the 'Reviving Life Insurance Advice Ecosystem' session to highlight the potential of onboarding a new class of adviser. This initiative aims to make life insurance advice more accessible, with the hope that legislative action will precede the forthcoming federal election.

Cupitt emphasizes the necessity for the government to expedite the legislative process. “Millions of Australians and their families are waiting in line for that affordable advice, and delays to the legislation mean that people are going to be waiting longer and not having access to the advice they need to build their financial safety nets,” she insisted to Professional Planner.

The urgency is amplified by the recent resignation of Minister for Financial Services, Stephen Jones, with no replacement yet announced. This development occurs as Labor signals its dedication to pushing forward advice reforms.

The forthcoming DBFO reform is especially critical in establishing the new advisory class. Cupitt asserts that, “Life insurance stands ready to implement the new class of adviser, but it can’t happen overnight.”

She further explains that developing and authorizing new educational courses for incoming advisers is a step-by-step process that requires time. These courses aim to equip advisers with the necessary training for effective service delivery, and also to set a foundation for their journey towards becoming fully qualified advisers.

Cupitt envisions these preparatory programs as initial steps towards more extensive adviser qualifications. “We want to make sure that the settings are right to encourage people to work for life insurance and provide that more simple advice, but also see that as a pathway for people to go away and get qualified to become a more comprehensive, fully qualified adviser,” she explained.

The summit discussions will additionally address potential improvements to the Life Insurance Framework, although the Council of Australian Life Insurers remains supportive of its current structure. This framework, which regulates commissions at 60 percent upfront and 20 percent ongoing, has drawn backing from Cupitt. She stated, “We have been very clear that we support commissions in relation to life insurance advice, and we support the Life Insurance Framework in its current form.”

If the government initiates consultations regarding changes to the framework, Cupitt assured, “We would participate in that consultation.”

This article references content originally reported by Professional Planner.

Published:Tuesday, 4th Feb 2025
Author: Paige Estritori

Please Note: We do not endorse any specific products or companies. Some content is sourced from third parties, including press releases, and may not be independently verified for accuracy or completeness.

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Clear

Australian Truck Drivers Seek Relief Amid Fuel Price Surge

28 May 2026: Paige Estritori

The Australian trucking industry is confronting a severe challenge as escalating fuel prices place immense financial pressure on drivers and operators. This crisis has led to urgent appeals for major clients, including retailers and manufacturers, to share the burden to prevent widespread business closures. - read more

Easing Conditions in Australia's Commercial Insurance Market

28 May 2026: Paige Estritori

In the first half of 2026, Australia's commercial insurance market has experienced a notable softening, characterized by easing pricing across various lines and a broadening of insurer appetite. This trend is detailed in the latest Insurance Market Trends and Outlook report released by EBM Insurance & Risk on May 11, 2026. - read more

APRA Freezes Unjustified Premium Increases in Commercial Auto Insurance

28 May 2026: Paige Estritori

In March 2026, the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) took decisive action to address significant premium hikes in the commercial auto insurance sector. Responding to widespread industry concerns, APRA issued emergency regulations to freeze unjustified baseline premium increases exceeding 25%, pending external review. - read more

Rising Mental Health Claims Lead to Surge in Income Support Access

27 May 2026: Paige Estritori

Recent data reveals a concerning trend: over 8 million Australians are now accessing some form of income support, marking an increase of approximately 2 million individuals over the past decade. This surge is predominantly driven by a rise in mental health-related claims, underscoring the pressing need for comprehensive mental health support and effective income protection strategies. - read more

Acenda Life Introduces Higher Coverage Limits in Income Protection Policies

27 May 2026: Paige Estritori

Acenda Life has recently implemented a series of updates to its Retail Life Insurance portfolio, effective from 11 April 2026. These changes are designed to provide greater flexibility and accessibility for Australians seeking income protection insurance, addressing common concerns about policy limitations and entry age restrictions. - read more

Click for more Insurance News