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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.
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The Australian Medical Association (AMA) has intensified its call for comprehensive reforms in the private health insurance sector, particularly in response to the recent 4.41% average premium increase effective from April 2026. This hike, the largest in nearly a decade, has raised concerns about the affordability and value of private health coverage for Australians. - read more
The Australian government has introduced legislation to prohibit the practice known as 'product phoenixing' within the private health insurance sector. This move aims to enhance transparency and fairness for consumers by preventing insurers from closing existing policies and reintroducing nearly identical ones at higher premiums. - read more
HCF, Australia's largest not-for-profit health fund, has announced the extension of its major partnership with Netball Australia and Super Netball, continuing as the sport's official health insurance partner through to the end of 2027. This renewal underscores HCF's dedication to improving the health and wellbeing of Australian women by supporting netball at all levels-from grassroots participation to elite competition. - read more
Recent analysis by consumer advocacy group CHOICE has revealed that Australians holding gold-level health insurance policies may face premium increases of up to 25% starting in April 2026. This substantial hike significantly exceeds the average 4.41% increase approved by the government for private health insurance premiums. - read more
Instanda, a leading provider of insurance technology solutions, has unveiled an artificial intelligence (AI) system designed to revolutionize commercial underwriting. This innovative system addresses the longstanding challenge of balancing speed and accuracy in the underwriting process, a critical aspect for consultants seeking efficient and reliable insurance coverage. - read more
When it comes to financial planning, life insurance often takes a backseat. Many married couples in Australia overlook its importance, thinking that it's not immediately necessary or that they can simply put it off for later. However, life insurance should be regarded as a cornerstone of a solid financial strategy. - read more
Defining life insurance and its importance: Life insurance is a pivotal financial product designed to protect your loved ones from economic hardship in case of your untimely death. It acts as a safety net, ensuring that your family can maintain their standard of living, cover outstanding debts, and afford future expenses like education and retirement. - read more
Shareholder agreements lay the cornerstone for stable business relationships and continuity in Australia. Acting as a contract among business owners, these agreements set forth the expectations, rights, and obligations of all parties involved. They are particularly vital in delineating clear paths for dispute resolution, succession planning, and the transfer of ownership shares under varied circumstances, including the untimely death or departure of a shareholder. - 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 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
Knowledgebase
Double Indemnity: A clause or provision in a life insurance policy that doubles the payout in cases of accidental death.