NSW Budget Prioritizes Resilience, Aimed at Insurance Affordability
NSW Budget Prioritizes Resilience, Aimed at Insurance Affordability
Unveiling the 2024-25 budget, the Minns government has announced a substantial allocation of $5.7 billion over the next four years focused on disaster response and natural calamities, with Australian government contributions included.
Among the key initiatives, $525 million is set aside for the Resilient Homes Program in the Northern Rivers and Central West, promoting voluntary home buybacks and flood-proofing just to name a few enhancements. Meanwhile, the Resilient Lands Program will receive $87.4 million aimed at creating new housing and land opportunities in Northern Rivers.
"The focus on resilience is truly commendable," stated Andrew Hall, CEO of the Insurance Council of Australia. "By proactively addressing the need to safeguard properties and human lives from the increasing menace of severe weather, the government is paving the path for improved insurance scenarios."
An equally notable aspect of the budget is the government's renewed commitment to replacing the current insurance-based emergency services levy (ESL) with a property levy mechanism.
According to the budget documents, growing needs for emergency services spurred by climate change and frequent natural disasters are driving the push for change. The documents mention, "Transitioning from the ESL to a broader-based property levy would alleviate the pressure on insurance premiums and distribute the cost more equitably among all property owners."
Insurers have long been advocating for such reforms. Mr. Hall praised the move, remarking, "Eliminating the ESL will definitely reduce insurance costs for customers in NSW. The existing system has long penalized policyholders especially those living in flood-prone areas, already burdened by hefty insurance premiums."
IAG, another major player in the insurance arena, also lauded the budget. Nick Hawkins, CEO and MD, commented, "Measures like voluntary home buybacks, planned relocations, house raising, and retrofits are critical. These steps will not only enhance safety but also secure long-term protection for residents in high-risk zones."
The budget papers project a significant growth in ESL-related revenue, estimating an uptick of $205.6 million by 2027-28 when compared to the previous half-year review of 2023-24. This increase highlights the provisioning of additional resources to elevate emergency services for the NSW community.
For the fiscal year 2024-25, the government anticipates collecting around $1.32 billion in ESL revenue, with projections for the subsequent years being $1.27 billion in 2025-26, $1.22 billion in 2026-27, and $1.24 billion in 2027-28.
However, insurance duty revenues have observed a slight decline, revised downward by $7 million for 2023-24 and by $34 million over the next four years up to 2027-28, a situation attributed to fluctuations in year-to-date collections.
From Insurance News Magazine: How Government Disaster Payouts Could Drive the Search for a "Better Way" on Climate Adaptation.
Published:Thursday, 20th Jun 2024
Source: Paige Estritori
Share this news item:
| Allianz Australia Penalised for Misleading Travel Insurance Information 30 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori In a significant ruling, Allianz Australia Insurance and its subsidiary, AWP Australia, have been fined a total of $16.8 million for providing misleading information about their travel insurance products. The Supreme Court of New South Wales found that between 2016 and 2018, the companies misrepresented the extent of coverage available to consumers, leading to potential misunderstandings about policy benefits. - read more |
| Allianz Partners Highlights Risks of Travelling Uninsured 30 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori Recent research conducted by the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has unveiled a concerning trend: approximately 14% of Australian travellers embark on international journeys without any form of travel insurance. This statistic has prompted Allianz Partners to urge Australians to reconsider the importance of securing adequate coverage before travelling abroad. - read more |
| Surge in Medical Claims Among Australian Travellers Highlights Importance of Comprehensive Insurance 30 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori In 2024, medical incidents emerged as the leading cause of travel insurance claims among Australian travellers, accounting for more than 40% of all claims handled by nib Travel. This trend underscores the critical importance of securing comprehensive travel insurance to mitigate the financial risks associated with medical emergencies abroad. - read more |
| Allianz Australia Penalised $16.8 Million for Misleading Conduct 30 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori In a significant regulatory action, Allianz Australia and its subsidiary, AWP Australia, have been fined $16.8 million for making false and misleading statements. This penalty was imposed following an investigation by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), underscoring the critical need for transparency and honesty in the insurance sector. - read more |
| Protecting Your Future: A Simple Approach to Life and Disability Insurance Welcome to the crucial conversation about safeguarding your future through life and disability insurance. Many of us ponder the distant horizon of life's 'what ifs,' but are we truly prepared? The reality is that our financial security can be drastically affected by unforeseen events—a serious illness or a sudden disability that prevents us from working. That's where life and disability insurance come into play, serving as critical safety nets that can keep us afloat during tough times. - read more
|
| Understanding the Process: A Beginner's Guide to Income Insurance Claims Income insurance, an often-overlooked component of financial security, is gaining traction among Australia's burgeoning self-employed population. In an economy where traditional employment is no longer the sole path to success, this form of insurance has become a cornerstone for proactive financial planning. Touted as a safety net, it ensures that personal livelihoods and business operations remain secure in the face of adversity. - read more
|
| Too Young to Insure? and Other Life Insurance Misconceptions in Australia Many Australians recognise the importance of life insurance, yet a substantial number believe that it's a concern for the later stages of life. This common oversight can lead to missed opportunities for financial security and peace of mind. In this introductory section, we'll address why life insurance is a pivotal component of financial planning for individuals at any age, including the young adults just starting their careers. - read more
|
| A Millennial's Guide to Life Insurance For many millennials, navigating the complexities of personal finance and future planning can feel like a bewildering journey. Among these financial responsibilities, life insurance emerges as a paramount consideration. More than just a safety net, life insurance can be the cornerstone of a sound financial strategy, providing peace of mind for both the policyholder and their loved ones. - read more
|
The person or entity designated to receive the death benefit from a life insurance policy.