Liability Insurance Australia :: News

Share this news item!

icare Ushers in Major Changes Starting Next Week

⚠️The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

Commencing on October 8, icare is gearing up for significant structural changes aimed at streamlining operations and boosting efficiency.

This initiative comes in response to a comprehensive Operational Expenditure Review conducted by NSW Treasury, which outlines 14 pivotal findings to help reduce the state's insurer's service costs by 5%.

NSW Treasury's review sheds light on a complex legacy of governance, culture, and accountability issues within icare. The review highlights the need for proactive management and closer collaboration between NSW Treasury, icare, and the State Insurance Regulatory Authority to establish an enhanced reporting framework that supports greater accountability.

The review has been seen as a guiding document for icare’s next phase. According to a spokesperson for icare, "This is an opportunity to deepen our commitment to transformation and address the recommendations comprehensively. Our internal initiatives already indicate that we can achieve more than a 5% reduction in core operational expenses."

Work Health and Safety Minister Sophie Cotsis emphasized the necessity of these changes to restore public confidence in icare. "Transparency and operational efficiency are paramount. This review will serve as a road map to elevate accountability within icare and across the state insurance system," she said.

A noteworthy alteration includes amendments to the State Insurance and Care Governance Act 2015. These changes are intended to bolster the accountability and transparency of icare's business performance. A significant shift will see icare's CEO no longer serving on the board, and the Secretary of the Treasury Department joining the board. Additionally, CEO appointments will now require ministerial approval.

icare has had a challenging few months, including the July departure of CEO Richard Harding. The insurer, which handles around 80,000 claims annually for about four million workers, is actively searching for a new CEO. In the interim, focused efforts are being made to save approximately $23 million a year. Talks with union representatives and staff are underway, with potential impacts on up to 130 jobs among icare’s approximately 1,800 employees.

Cotsis has also directed a letter to icare chair John Robertson seeking detailed plans on how the review's findings will be implemented. "Thorough and clear responses will be necessary to navigate these changes effectively," she added.

The information and insights shared in this article originate from a similar piece published on insuranceNEWS.com.au, ensuring that all steps are taken to offer a fresh perspective while keeping you informed of the pivotal structural changes within icare.

Published:Tuesday, 1st Oct 2024
Source: Paige Estritori

Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.

Share this news item:

Insurance News

NSW Enforces Stricter Strata Maintenance Laws

25 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

New South Wales has introduced a series of reforms aimed at strengthening the maintenance and repair obligations of strata properties, enhancing the safety and integrity of these communities. Effective from November 2025, these changes grant NSW Fair Trading the authority to issue compliance notices and enter enforceable undertakings with owners' corporations that fail to meet their maintenance responsibilities. - read more

Whitbread Insurance Brokers Appoints Lia de Sousa as CEO

25 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

Whitbread Insurance Brokers has announced the appointment of Lia de Sousa as its new Chief Executive Officer, marking a significant strategic shift towards exclusive specialization in strata insurance services. With nearly four decades of experience in the insurance industry, including over 25 years at Whitbread, Ms. de Sousa brings a wealth of expertise to her new role. - read more

CHU Revamps Residential Strata Insurance Policy

25 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

CHU Underwriting Agencies, Australia's leading strata insurance provider, has announced significant enhancements to its residential strata insurance policy, reflecting the evolving needs of property owners and strata communities. These updates aim to simplify insurance processes, bridge coverage gaps, and provide more comprehensive protection for strata residents. - read more

Allianz Australia Penalised for Misleading Travel Insurance Information

24 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court of New South Wales has imposed fines totaling $16.8 million on Allianz Australia Insurance and its subsidiary, AWP Australia, for disseminating misleading information about their travel insurance products between 2016 and 2018. This decision underscores the critical importance of transparency and accuracy in the insurance sector. - read more

Survey Highlights Alarming Number of Australians Travelling Uninsured

24 Feb 2026: 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 travelers embark on international journeys without any form of travel insurance. This statistic has prompted industry leaders to urge Australians to reconsider the importance of securing adequate coverage before traveling abroad. - read more

Click for more Insurance News

Business Insurance Articles

Key Benefits of Comparing Public Liability Insurance Rates for Australian Businesses

As an Australian business owner, you face numerous financial risks daily. Accidents can happen at any time, whether it's a slip and fall on your premises or damage caused by your products or services. These incidents can lead to costly legal actions that may put significant strain on your business finances. - read more

Insurance Essentials: Protecting Your Small Business with Public Liability Coverage

Running a small business in Australia comes with its own set of challenges and risks. One crucial aspect that should never be overlooked is insurance, particularly public liability insurance. The reason is simple: it offers essential protection against claims of property damage or personal injury caused by your business operations. - read more

The Smart Business Approach: How to Effectively Compare Public Liability Insurance Rates

Running a business comes with inherent financial risks. Whether you own a small café or a large construction company, unforeseen incidents can lead to significant financial losses. - read more

5 Tips for Reducing Your Liability Insurance Premiums in Australia

Liability insurance is a crucial form of protection that offers coverage against claims resulting from injuries and damage to people or property. Within the bustling landscape of Australian businesses, possessing this form of insurance is key to financial security and continuity. It acts as a safety net, ensuring businesses can manage risks without bearing the full brunt of potentially costly legal claims. - read more

Understanding The Costs: How Much Does Public Liability Insurance Typically Cost?

Public liability insurance is a crucial form of protection for both businesses and individuals, safeguarding them against potential claims for personal injury or property damage that occur as a result of their operations or services. In an increasingly litigious society, having this coverage can mean the difference between staying afloat financially and facing business closure due to unexpected claims. - read more

Start Here !

Knowledgebase

Subrogation:
An insurance carrier may reserve the "right of subrogation" in the event of a loss. This means that the company may choose to take action to recover the amount of a claim paid to a covered insured if the loss was caused by a third party.

This website is owned and operated by Clark Family Pty Ltd (as Trustee for the Clark Family Trust) 43 Larch Street Tallebudgera QLD 4228, A.C.N. 010281008, authorised Financial Services Representative of Unique Group Broker Services Pty Ltd, Australian Financial Services License 509434. Visit the ASIC website for additional licensing information.

IMPORTANT: We are neither authorised nor licensed to provide finance or financial products and we do not offer any form of credit or other financial advice. All product enquiries and requests for financial and/or other advice on this website are referred to third party intermediaries, insurers and lenders - with whom you can then deal directly. We may receive a fee or commission from these third parties in consideration for the referral. Before any action is taken to obtain a product or service referred to by this website, advice should be obtained (from either the third party to whom we refer you or from another qualified intermediary) as to the appropriateness of obtaining those products having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. Whilst we have our own process for vaidating the legitimacy of our referral partners, you should always verify the credentials of your financial adviser before proceeding with recommendations that they may present. Visit the ASIC website for further information.