Compare Life Insurance :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

Consumer Advocacy Calls for $250 Million Annual Insurer Contribution Fund

Consumer Advocacy Calls for $250 Million Annual Insurer Contribution Fund

A prominent consumer advocacy group, the Australian Consumers Insurance Lobby (ACIL), is advocating for insurers to contribute $250 million annually to support disaster risk mitigation, as well as the affordability and availability of insurance coverage.
This initiative seeks to address what the organization describes as an escalating crisis within the insurance industry.

Tyrone Shandiman, Chair of ACIL, suggests that distributing the $250 million expense across all members of the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) would have minimal financial impact on individual insurers. He asserts that insurers have an obligation to redirect a portion of their substantial profits back to policyholders, rather than focusing solely on shareholder returns. According to Shandiman, the industry should actively participate in solutions rather than relying on government intervention alone.

The proposed funds would be allocated to support mitigation efforts in high-risk regions, offer premium relief for vulnerable consumers, create a research foundation to investigate long-term insurance affordability and availability strategies, and pilot programs that could justify significant government investment. ACIL emphasizes that insurers need to financially support these initiatives if they genuinely endorse mitigation and resilience measures.

Shandiman stresses that establishing such a fund would be a crucial step in rebuilding public trust in the insurance sector. He notes that insurers tend to propose solutions that do not require them to provide financial contributions, casting doubt on their commitment to true reform. This reluctance is juxtaposed with their record profit levels, while consumers in high-risk areas continue to face challenges in securing affordable insurance coverage.

The ACIL initiative suggests that the proposed funding could also be used to test and model strategies in support of the ICA's previously proposed $30 billion flood defense program. This program, outlined by ICA last month, calls for governmental investment over the next decade to alleviate growing concerns surrounding home insurance affordability.

The Insurance Council of Australia has acknowledged Mr. Shandiman's proposal but has not publicly committed to the initiative.

Published:Tuesday, 18th Mar 2025
Source: Paige Estritori

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Europ Assistance Australia Now Underwrites Its Own Travel Insurance Policies Europ Assistance Australia Now Underwrites Its Own Travel Insurance Policies
21 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori

Europ Assistance Australia (EAA) has achieved a significant milestone by obtaining a general insurance licence from the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA). This development allows EAA to underwrite its own travel insurance products, marking a new chapter in its commitment to Australian travellers. - read more
RACV Highlights Risks of Last-Minute Travel Insurance Purchases RACV Highlights Risks of Last-Minute Travel Insurance Purchases
21 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori

Recent insights from the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV) reveal a concerning trend among Australian travellers: 35% are purchasing travel insurance within seven days of departure, with 5% waiting until the day they leave. This last-minute approach can lead to significant gaps in coverage and benefits. - read more
Allianz Partners Highlights Risks of Travelling Uninsured for Australians Allianz Partners Highlights Risks of Travelling Uninsured for Australians
21 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori

Allianz Partners is calling on Australian travellers to reassess their approach to travel insurance, following research revealing that 14% of Australians embark on overseas trips without any coverage. This statistic is even more pronounced among younger travellers under 30, with 23% travelling uninsured. - read more
Surge in Insurance Complaints Highlights Industry Challenges Surge in Insurance Complaints Highlights Industry Challenges
21 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori

Recent data from the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) reveals a significant increase in consumer complaints against insurance companies, reaching an unprecedented average of 100 complaints per day. This surge is primarily attributed to delays in processing routine claims, rather than issues arising from natural disasters. - read more


Life Insurance Articles

The Savvy Traveller's Checklist for Affordable Travel Insurance The Savvy Traveller's Checklist for Affordable Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is an indispensable component for any savvy traveller from Australia, playing a protective role in a myriad of situations that may occur away from home. Whether it's encountering flight delays, requiring medical assistance, or facing luggage theft, having a solid travel insurance policy can convert potential nightmares into manageable inconveniences. Yet, despite its importance, the process of finding a policy that won't break the bank is increasingly challenging. - read more
Decoding Disability: How Your Policy's Definition Affects Your Security Decoding Disability: How Your Policy's Definition Affects Your Security
In the quest for economic stability and peace of mind, income security stands as a critical foundation. The assurance that one can rely on a stable financial inflow, regardless of life's unpredictabilities, is what keeps many individuals focused on their present while confidently planning for their future. However, the seldom-discussed intricacies of disability definitions within insurance policies can significantly influence this security. - read more
Decoding the Fine Print: What to Look out for in Your Income Protection Policy Decoding the Fine Print: What to Look out for in Your Income Protection Policy
Income protection insurance serves as a vital safety net for Australian workers, ensuring financial stability in the face of unexpected illness or injury. As the landscape of work and health continues to evolve, understanding the essentials of income protection becomes increasingly crucial for anyone who relies on a steady income to support themselves and their loved ones. - read more
A Guide to the Australian Income Protection Insurance Landscape A Guide to the Australian Income Protection Insurance Landscape
Income protection insurance stands as an unsung hero in the tapestry of financial security, often overlooked but irreplaceable in its role. Designed to provide a safety net, it ensures that individuals can continue to receive a portion of their income should they become unable to work due to illness or injury. It’s about peace of mind, knowing that life's unforeseen events won't sweep the ground from beneath you. - 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
Exclusion:
Specific conditions or circumstances for which the insurance policy does not provide coverage.