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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.
The Australian government has enacted legislation prohibiting life insurers from using the results of genetic tests to refuse coverage or increase premiums. This landmark decision aims to eliminate genetic discrimination and encourage individuals to undergo potentially life-saving genetic testing without fear of financial repercussions. - read more
Recent findings from the PwC Insurance Banana Skins Survey have raised concerns about the preparedness of Australian insurers in managing emerging risks, particularly those associated with cyber threats and artificial intelligence (AI). The survey, which gathered insights from 698 insurance executives across 42 territories, including 37 from Australia, indicates that Australian insurers scored 6.6% lower on the Preparedness Index compared to their global counterparts. - read more
Businesses across New South Wales are grappling with substantial increases in insurance premiums, prompting calls for urgent reforms to alleviate financial pressures. According to Business NSW's latest Business Conditions Survey, nearly 80% of businesses have experienced double-digit hikes in insurance costs over the past year, with one in three reporting increases of 30% or more. These surges significantly outpace the annual inflation rate of 2.5%, placing an undue burden on the business community. - read more
Recent bushfires in Victoria have caused significant devastation, leading to concerns about rising insurance premiums for homeowners in affected areas. The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has declared the fires a catastrophic event, with over 2,600 claims already lodged. This situation underscores the financial challenges faced by residents in regions prone to natural disasters. - read more
A recent report by the Actuaries Institute has highlighted a concerning trend: approximately 1.6 million Australian households are now facing home insurance affordability stress. This marks a significant increase from the 1.24 million reported the previous year, indicating a growing financial burden on homeowners due to escalating insurance premiums. - read more
Single parenting brings with it a mosaic of responsibilities and challenges, not least of which is securing a stable financial future for your child. The rollercoaster of raising a child alone often means that planning for the future can take a back seat to the day-to-day demands of parenting. Unexpected illnesses and injuries can compound these challenges, causing stress to multiply and plans to go awry. - read more
Life insurance is a financial product designed to provide peace of mind by offering a safety net for your loved ones in the event of your passing. The primary purpose of life insurance is to ensure that your family is financially protected, allowing them to maintain their standard of living even without your income. - read more
There's often confusion surrounding the amount of life insurance one truly needs. Common misconceptions cloud our judgment, leading some to undervalue their coverage, while others may overinsure, unnecessarily straining their financial resources. It is a delicate balance to strike, and understanding the nuances of life insurance is pivotal to making informed decisions. - 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
Financial security for families is an essential consideration in any household. Life can be unpredictable, and ensuring that your loved ones are protected from financial hardship in your absence is a critical part of financial planning. - read more
Knowledgebase
Occupational Hazard: A risk associated with the nature of a particular occupation, which may affect insurance premiums.