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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.
QBE Insurance Group, a prominent player in the Australian insurance sector, has recently experienced a notable decline in its share value, reaching a seven-month low. This downturn is primarily attributed to a slowdown in the company's premium rate growth during the third quarter of the 2025 fiscal year. - read more
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has recently voiced concerns regarding Insurance Australia Group's (IAG) proposed acquisition of the Royal Automobile Club of Western Australia's (RAC) insurance business. Valued at A$1.35 billion, this deal aims to expand IAG's footprint in Western Australia. However, the ACCC warns that such consolidation could diminish competition in the state's motor and home insurance markets, potentially leading to higher premiums and reduced service quality for consumers. - read more
QBE Insurance Group, Australia's largest insurer by market value, has recently experienced a significant downturn in its share price, reaching a seven-month low. This decline is primarily attributed to a slowdown in the company's premium rate growth during the third quarter of fiscal 2025. For tradespeople across Australia, this development could have notable implications, particularly concerning insurance premiums and coverage options. - read more
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has recently raised significant concerns regarding the quality of financial advice provided to individuals about self-managed superannuation funds (SMSFs). This development is particularly relevant for tradespeople considering SMSFs as a means to manage their retirement savings. - read more
Australia's financial regulators, the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), have issued a strong warning to the country's A$4.5 trillion superannuation industry. They emphasize the urgent need to prepare for an anticipated influx of approximately 2.5 million retirees over the next decade. This development holds significant implications for tradespeople, many of whom rely on superannuation funds for their retirement savings. - read more
Life insurance remains one of the most crucial considerations for new parents aspiring to provide a secure future for their growing families. The arrival of a child marks a transformative moment, redefining priorities and responsibilities. At its core, life insurance is a safety net, designed to offer financial protection and stability to loved ones in the event of an unforeseen tragedy. - read more
Life insurance is an essential financial protection that provides peace of mind to policyholders and their loved ones. The premiums you pay are determined by various factors, including age, health, lifestyle, and occupation. - 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
Life insurance is one of those cornerstones of financial planning that often gets overlooked. Yet, the importance of life insurance in safeguarding your family's future cannot be overstated. It's a robust financial instrument that provides peace of mind, knowing that your loved ones will be financially secure in the event of your untimely passing. This introductory section lays the groundwork for understanding why life insurance is pivotal in your family's financial health. - 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
Underwriting: The process by which an insurer determines the risk of insuring a client and decides the terms of coverage.