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Federal Members of Parliament (MPs) are set to investigate Northern Tasmania as part of their ongoing review of the insurance sector’s handling of the unprecedented 2022 floods.
The House Standing Committee on Economics will convene at the Paranaple Convention Centre in Devonport on July 17. Chairman Daniel Mulino expressed a keen interest in gaining comprehensive insights from local councils, businesses, and residents regarding their flood-related experiences.
In October 2022, flooding affected Northern Tasmania, alongside significant parts of Victoria and New South Wales (NSW). The Insurance Council of Australia reported that these floods led to $884 million in insured losses and nearly 23,000 claims being lodged, with an impressive closure rate of 95% for these claims.
The committee has reached out to councils, business groups, and community organizations, inviting them to participate in the hearing. Individuals are also encouraged to voice their experiences through submissions at the event or by completing the committee’s survey.
In recent months, the inquiry has reviewed flood-impacted areas across Victoria, NSW, and Queensland. Future hearings are planned for Cairns and Townsville on July 24 and 25, respectively.
The committee aims to publish its final report by September 30.
As mentioned in Insurance News Magazine, Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones emphasized his decision to avoid "populist politics" when addressing affordability barriers in the insurance industry amidst these discussions.
Insuregroup, a specialist insurance brokerage serving Australia's transport and logistics sector, has recently announced a significant milestone: processing over 10,000 insurance policies since its inception, with a 25% increase in policy volume over the past year. This growth underscores the escalating demand for comprehensive truck insurance solutions tailored to the unique needs of Australian freight operators. - read more
The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has unveiled a comprehensive report titled 'Motor Insurance Policy Paper - A Roadmap for Reducing Rising Premiums,' addressing the significant 42% increase in comprehensive motor insurance premiums since 2019. This surge has brought the average annual premium to $1,052 in 2024, prompting the need for coordinated action to alleviate the financial burden on consumers. - read more
As the Australian summer school holidays coincide with peak freight activity, insurers and transport specialists are raising concerns about heightened road risks. The surge in freight traffic, coupled with increased holiday travel, amplifies the potential for road incidents, particularly involving heavy vehicles. - read more
AustralianSuper, one of Australia's largest superannuation funds, has announced a significant change to its default income protection insurance. Effective from 28 February 2026, the fund will reduce the default income protection cover to $1,000 per month. This adjustment aims to align insurance coverage with members' actual income levels and prevent over-insurance, which can erode retirement savings. - read more
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has announced a suspension of the planned changes to individual disability income insurance (IDII) policy contract terms. Originally set to take effect from 1 October 2022, the implementation has been deferred for at least two years, providing insurers and policyholders additional time to adapt to the forthcoming regulations. - read more
Estate planning is a critical process that often goes overlooked, but it's essential for securing the financial future of your loved ones and ensuring your assets are distributed according to your wishes. It involves the careful organization and protection of an individual’s estate to minimize uncertainties and facilitate the smooth transfer of assets after their passing. While it may seem complex, understanding the basics of estate planning is necessary for every Australian adult, regardless of wealth. - read more
Life is a tapestry of precious moments, each framed by the inevitable uncertainty that the future holds. The awareness that our paths are peppered with unpredictability can often cast a shadow of concern, affecting how we cherish the present. For many, the well-being of family remains the cornerstone of life's purpose, driving the need for a foundation that offers stability and reassurance in the face of life's unexpected challenges. - read more
Trauma insurance, also known as critical illness insurance, is a type of coverage that provides a lump sum payment in the event that the insured suffers from a critical illness or injury. Unlike health insurance, which covers medical expenses, trauma insurance is designed to provide financial protection by helping to cover the additional costs associated with recovery from a severe illness or injury. - read more
Life insurance serves as a crucial safety net, guarding your loved ones against the unforeseen. Just as you would take care of your health through regular check-ups, it is equally important to ensure that your life insurance policy remains in sound condition to provide the necessary protection. - read more
Life insurance is a financial product that provides a lump sum payment to your beneficiaries in the event of your death. It is designed to offer financial security by covering debts, daily living expenses, and future financial obligations. - read more
Knowledgebase
Term Life Insurance: A form of life insurance that is a pure protection policy with no cash or maturity value which lasts for a specific length of time, called a term.