Compare Life Insurance :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

Urgency in Financial Reform: A Call for Swift Action

Urgency in Financial Reform: A Call for Swift Action

Christine Cupitt, CEO of the Council of Australian Life Insurers, has strongly expressed the urgent need for rapid legislative reform in financial advice.
With an upcoming election threatening to stall legislation, time is of the essence to ensure timely implementation.

The financial sector is poised for the release of the second tranche of the Delivering Better Financial Outcomes (DBFO) legislation. On 10-11 February, the sold-out Professional Planner Advice Policy Summit will convene at Old Parliament House in Canberra, ACT, focusing on how essential reforms can broaden access to financial and life insurance advice.

During the summit, Cupitt will speak at the 'Reviving Life Insurance Advice Ecosystem' session to highlight the potential of onboarding a new class of adviser. This initiative aims to make life insurance advice more accessible, with the hope that legislative action will precede the forthcoming federal election.

Cupitt emphasizes the necessity for the government to expedite the legislative process. “Millions of Australians and their families are waiting in line for that affordable advice, and delays to the legislation mean that people are going to be waiting longer and not having access to the advice they need to build their financial safety nets,” she insisted to Professional Planner.

The urgency is amplified by the recent resignation of Minister for Financial Services, Stephen Jones, with no replacement yet announced. This development occurs as Labor signals its dedication to pushing forward advice reforms.

The forthcoming DBFO reform is especially critical in establishing the new advisory class. Cupitt asserts that, “Life insurance stands ready to implement the new class of adviser, but it can’t happen overnight.”

She further explains that developing and authorizing new educational courses for incoming advisers is a step-by-step process that requires time. These courses aim to equip advisers with the necessary training for effective service delivery, and also to set a foundation for their journey towards becoming fully qualified advisers.

Cupitt envisions these preparatory programs as initial steps towards more extensive adviser qualifications. “We want to make sure that the settings are right to encourage people to work for life insurance and provide that more simple advice, but also see that as a pathway for people to go away and get qualified to become a more comprehensive, fully qualified adviser,” she explained.

The summit discussions will additionally address potential improvements to the Life Insurance Framework, although the Council of Australian Life Insurers remains supportive of its current structure. This framework, which regulates commissions at 60 percent upfront and 20 percent ongoing, has drawn backing from Cupitt. She stated, “We have been very clear that we support commissions in relation to life insurance advice, and we support the Life Insurance Framework in its current form.”

If the government initiates consultations regarding changes to the framework, Cupitt assured, “We would participate in that consultation.”

This article references content originally reported by Professional Planner.

Published:Tuesday, 4th Feb 2025
Source: Paige Estritori

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Hutch Underwriting's New Landlord Insurance: A Digital Age Solution Hutch Underwriting's New Landlord Insurance: A Digital Age Solution
20 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori

In August 2025, Hutch Underwriting unveiled a pioneering landlord insurance product tailored for the Australian market. This policy stands out by integrating cyber protection, addressing the evolving digital risks that modern landlords face. - read more
Allianz Identifies Australian Suburbs with Elevated Landlord Insurance Claims Allianz Identifies Australian Suburbs with Elevated Landlord Insurance Claims
20 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori

In April 2025, Allianz Australia released a report highlighting Australian suburbs with the highest number of landlord insurance claims. The findings provide valuable insights for property investors, emphasizing the importance of understanding regional risks. - read more
QBE's 2025 Survey Highlights Financial Vulnerabilities Among Australian Landlords QBE's 2025 Survey Highlights Financial Vulnerabilities Among Australian Landlords
20 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori

In June 2025, QBE released a comprehensive survey shedding light on the financial resilience of Australian landlords. The findings are particularly concerning: 38% of landlords indicated they would encounter financial difficulties if their rental properties became uninhabitable or if tenants defaulted on rent for a period exceeding two to six weeks. - read more
Hutch Underwriting's New Landlord Insurance Policy Integrates Cyber Protection Hutch Underwriting's New Landlord Insurance Policy Integrates Cyber Protection
20 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori

In August 2025, Hutch Underwriting unveiled a new landlord insurance product tailored for Australian residential property owners. This policy stands out by incorporating built-in cyber protection, addressing the growing digital risks landlords face in today's interconnected world. - read more


Life Insurance Articles

What Does It All Mean? Navigating Life Insurance Terminology What Does It All Mean? Navigating Life Insurance Terminology
When it comes to life insurance, understanding the terminology is crucial for anyone looking to secure their family's financial future. Unfortunately, life insurance can often seem like a confusing maze of complex terms and legal jargon. - read more
Comparing Income Protection Policies: What Australians Should Look For Comparing Income Protection Policies: What Australians Should Look For
Income protection insurance serves as a financial safety net for countless Australians, offering a replacement income when unforeseen circumstances such as illness or injury impede their ability to earn. For the self-employed and entrepreneurs who may not have the safety nets offered by corporate employment, such protection is particularly important. - read more
Deciphering Your Policy: A Beginner's Guide to Insurance Terminology Deciphering Your Policy: A Beginner's Guide to Insurance Terminology
Welcome to the world of insurance – a domain where words like 'deductible' and 'premium' can significantly impact your financial protection and peace of mind. As a beginner, grasping the basics of insurance terminology is the first step towards making informed decisions about the policies that safeguard your assets and future. In this guide, we will embark on a journey through the language of insurance, which can often seem as complex as the policies themselves. - read more
The Importance of Life Insurance for Business Partners The Importance of Life Insurance for Business Partners
In the dynamic world of business, safeguarding your interests often requires more than just market acumen and financial investment. Life insurance plays a pivotal role in ensuring the continuity and stability of a business, particularly when business partnerships are involved. It serves not only as a cushion for unforeseen events but also as a strategic tool for risk management. - read more


Start Here !
life insurance
Apply now for your free Insurance assessment and price comparisons!

Start Here

Life Cover Amount:
Postcode:


All quotes are provided free and without obligation. We respect your privacy.
Knowledgebase
Reinsurance:
Insurance that an insurance company purchases from another insurance company to mitigate risk.