Insurance Council Urges Action on Risk Reduction as Election Approaches

2

In preparation for the election, the ICA has already outlined a comprehensive platform consisting of 16 proposals aimed at tackling insurance affordability challenges. A centerpiece of these proposals is the establishment of a $30 billion flood defence fund, which the ICA argues is essential for mitigating the impact of floods, identified as Australia's most costly natural disaster.

Despite the apparent urgency, the recent federal budget did not address these measures, leaving the upcoming election as a critical opportunity for the ICA to continue its advocacy for meaningful reforms. The ICA expressed dissatisfaction with the absence of long-term resilience investments, highlighting the government’s budget emphasis on immediate cost-of-living relief instead.

The ICA maintains that abolishing state insurance taxes presents the most direct solution to alleviating insurance premium pressures. They argue that such a policy change, paired with government-led risk reduction commitments, would significantly lower costs and enhance the availability of insurance coverage.

As the federal election draws near, the ICA remains steadfast in its mission to persuade the future Australian government to adopt the recommendations laid out in their "Advancing Australia’s Resilience" document. By championing these recommendations, the ICA aims to ensure significant mitigation investments are made, promoting a more resilient and financially stable future for Australians.

Published:Wednesday, 2nd Apr 2025
Source: Paige Estritori

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Clear

Climate Change Threatens Australian Suburbs with Unaffordable Insurance 17 Apr 2025: Paige Estritori More than 4% of Australian properties are currently facing heightened risks from natural hazards exacerbated by climate change, rendering insurance coverage often unaffordable or unavailable, according to recent findings by Climate Valuation. An analysis of over 15 million properties across 15,000 suburbs also highlights that an additional 10% are at moderate risk from disasters such as floods, bushfires, tropical cyclones, coastal inundation, and extreme winds. - read more

Insurer Rejects Claim Over Diesel Fluid Mix-Up 16 Apr 2025: Paige Estritori A contentious insurance claim has ended unfavourably for a motor policyholder after her husband mistakenly poured diesel exhaust fluid into her car's fuel tank. Although the policyholder initially received assurances from a Suncorp representative that the use of AdBlue fluid wouldn't be considered improper fuelling – supposedly an excluded scenario under her policy – the claim was later denied. This decision has sparked debate around policy definitions and customer service communication. - read more

ASIC Takes Hollard Insurance to Court Over Significant Claim Handling Issues 14 Apr 2025: Paige Estritori The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has initiated legal proceedings in the Federal Court against Hollard Insurance, alleging a breach of the duty of utmost good faith. This action is in response to what ASIC describes as Hollard's 'egregious' handling of a home and contents insurance claim filed by a couple from regional Victoria. - read more

Suncorp to Slash Jobs and Offshore Work in Motor Claims 11 Apr 2025: Paige Estritori Suncorp, a leading Australian insurer, has announced plans to reduce its workforce by cutting 30 of the 70 positions within its motor claims assessing coordinator team, with an intention to offshore some of these functions. This decision has prompted a response from the Finance Sector Union (FSU), which is currently gathering feedback from its members and intends to challenge the proposed changes. - read more

AFCA Ruling: Trucking Firm's Claim Invalid Due to Misrepresentation 10 Apr 2025: Paige Estritori A recent decision by the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has highlighted the importance of accurate disclosure in insurance applications. A trucking company's claim under an NTI commercial motor vehicle policy was denied after discrepancies were found in the company's insurance history and operational radius claims. - read more