Senate Pushes for Transparency in Insurance Premiums
Senate Pushes for Transparency in Insurance Premiums
The final report of a Senate inquiry underscores the urgent need for government intervention aimed at mitigating risks as a strategy to boost the affordability of insurance premiums.
"Insurance premiums cannot continue to rise unchecked and out of the reach of a growing number of people," remarked Greens senator Mehreen Faruqi, chair of the pivotal committee overseeing the inquiry.
The Senate Select Committee scrutinizing the Impact of Climate Risk on Insurance Premiums and Availability engaged in hearings across key Australian cities, including Canberra and Sydney. Participating members also feature figures from various parties, including Labor’s Tony Sheldon and Liberal senator Dave Sharma.
The inquiry report, with its suite of eight recommendations, advocates for heightened transparency in premiums. A particular proposal involves marching orders for the ACCC to oversee premium pricing and issuing regular updates.
The committee's comments point to "a national affordability crisis," suggesting the imperative of an independent watchdog to oversee premium structures.
Insurers are under the spotlight, expected to furnish policyholders with a thorough breakdown of premium dynamics, especially amidst consumer-driven resilience endeavors and disaster preparedness efforts. As Senator Faruqi indicates, the current opaque nature of insurance is leaving many, particularly in disaster-prone locales, in the dark.
The Senate report further recommends instituting a national platform mapping all natural disaster data, urging for reforms in land use planning, and batting for the abolishment of insurance taxes through consultations with governmental councils.
In addition, the inquiry encourages the Australian government to amplify the Disaster Ready Fund to $400 million annually, ensuring increased investment in disaster-preparedness strategies, a suggestion echoed by Labor senators who note the government's existing financial commitments in this area.
Consideration is also given to extending the cyclone reinsurance pool to encompass a greater array of natural disasters. While this is resisted by some Liberal members, there exists a call for fiscal incentives encouraging insurers to take an active stake in mitigation activities.
Debate also surrounds the potential for a levy on mineral extraction corporations, intended to channel additional funds into preventive measures for disaster impacts and escalating insurance costs. However, there's contention among lawmakers regarding the lack of definitive modeling on the repercussions of such a levy.
Labor senators propose a review of governance structures in strata schemes at the state and territory level, advocating for refined transparency practices to safeguard residents' interests.
According to reports from the Insurance Council of Australia, they foresee a collaborative engagement on the inquiry's findings. Notably, as pointed out by CEO Andrew Hall, this situation highlights synergies between climate risk policies and insurance cost strategies as were similarly explored following the 2022 flood events.
Published:Thursday, 28th Nov 2024
Source: Paige Estritori
Share this news item:
| Insurance Industry Calls for Liability Law Reforms as Costs Skyrocket for Entertainment Sectors 16 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) is advocating for comprehensive reforms in liability laws to tackle rising insurance premiums, particularly impacting sectors such as live music venues, festivals, caravan parks, and amusement venues. The call comes with the release of a white paper highlighting that outdated state-based civil liability laws, untouched for nearly 25 years, are inflating costs significantly. - read more |
| Surge in Profits for Australian Insurers Amid Rising Premiums 15 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori In 2024, Australia's insurance industry reported a collective after-tax profit of $6.1 billion, a significant increase from the five-year average of $2 billion. This surge is attributed to substantial premium hikes and a relatively quiet year for natural disasters. - read more |
| Rising Insurance Costs Challenge Australian Businesses Amid Crime Surge 15 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori Australian businesses are confronting escalating insurance premiums, driven by a surge in break-ins and thefts. This trend is placing additional financial strain on business owners already navigating a complex economic environment. - read more |
| Allianz Australia Penalised for Misleading Insurance Practices 15 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori In a significant regulatory development, Allianz Australia and its subsidiary, AWP Australia, have been fined $16.8 million for making false and misleading statements. This penalty underscores the critical importance of transparency and honesty in the insurance industry. - read more |
| Income Protection Insurance: Understanding Waiting Periods and Benefit Periods Income protection insurance is a financial product designed to support individuals in the event that they are unable to work due to illness or injury. This type of insurance provides a regular income, helping to replace a portion of lost earnings and meet daily living expenses. Virtually anyone earning an income, especially those with financial dependents or significant debts, should consider the peace of mind that income protection can offer. - read more
|
| Life Insurance for Millennials: Why It's Essential. As a millennial, you may believe that you're young, healthy, and have plenty of time to prepare for the future. However, it's essential to understand that life is unpredictable, and unexpected events can occur at any time. This is why it's essential to consider life insurance, particularly if you have financial responsibilities, dependents, or both. - read more
|
| Understanding Income Replacement Benefits: A Complete Guide for Australians Income replacement benefits are designed to provide financial support when you're unable to earn a salary due to illness or injury. They act as a safety net, ensuring you can maintain your lifestyle and meet ongoing expenses during unexpected interruptions. - read more
|
| Tackling Unexpected Illness: How Income Insurance Can Help Maintain Your Standard of Living Illness limps in unannounced, derailing both physical health and financial stability without warning. When you're sideswiped by unexpected medical conditions, the uncertainty can compound, leading to a precarious balance of meeting health needs and financial commitments. Many are left pondering how to maintain their lifestyle amidst this turmoil. - read more
|
A life insurance that provides a cover for a specific period of time - usually one to five years or until the insured reaches age 65 or 70.