Liability Insurance Australia :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

Calls for Transparency Surge as Disclosure Debate Continues

Calls for Transparency Surge as Disclosure Debate Continues

Calls for Transparency Surge as Disclosure Debate Continues?w=400

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.

In the evolving landscape of insurance broking, the push for greater transparency surrounding broker remuneration has gained renewed momentum.
Amidst ongoing assessments of the Insurance Brokers Code, the Code Compliance Committee has vocally advocated for a reinstatement of mandatory remuneration disclosures to small business clients, with a strategic focus on refreshing trust through clarity.

This appeal places pressure on the National Insurance Brokers Association (NIBA) to reconsider its present stance during its upcoming code review. The last revision to the code, made in 2022, removed the mandate requiring brokers to divulge their remuneration methodologies to small businesses-a move that faced immediate backlash from those valuing consumer transparency and ethical conduct.

As stated in the Insurance Brokers Code Compliance Committee's 2023-24 annual report, this step back was seen as detrimental to small business protection. The report expressed displeasure over the rollback, urging for more robust guidelines that surpass legal minimums to inspire best practices in the industry.

The code under question took effect in late 2022, introducing a gradual implementation strategy which allowed brokers until November 2023 to comply with retailer remuneration disclosures. Engagement with NIBA is ongoing, the Committee Chair, Oscar Shub, told insuranceNEWS.com.au, emphasizing continued efforts for better communication and collaboration in revising the code to better serve community interests.

NIBA's acknowledgment of the report is tempered with a lack of firm commitment to reinstating small business remuneration disclosures. As clarified in their response, the association endorsed the strides made by the Compliance Committee towards improved client outcomes but stopped short of promising changes on the small business front.

In alignment with efforts to streamline reporting processes and enforce compliance, there has been a notable rise in the number of self-disclosures among brokers. NIBA reported an increase in indemnity breaches-from 23 to 106-even as they underscored that these numbers should be viewed within the context of recent enforcement of comprehensive disclosure obligations.

Alarming allegations remain under assessment, encompassing unlisted remuneration practices and conflicts of interest, which further underscores the necessity for stricter adherence to the guidelines initially proposed. Nonetheless, optimism pervades within stakeholder circles about achieving a balance that respects broker input while maintaining the integrity of small business relations.

This ongoing discourse reflects deep-rooted concerns within the insurance industry and preview’s potential shifts in how brokerage transparency is managed-a dialogue likely to persist as the code moves into its triennial review phase once more. As stakeholders brace for possible future amendments, the dialogue between due diligence and client trust gains intensity, propelling forward aspirations for transparent business practices.

Published:Friday, 4th Oct 2024
Author: Paige Estritori

Please Note: We do not endorse any specific products or companies. Some content is sourced from third parties, including press releases, and may not be independently verified for accuracy or completeness.

Share this news item:

Insurance News

NTI Speaks Up for Trucking Industry as Fuel Costs Double
NTI Speaks Up for Trucking Industry as Fuel Costs Double
15 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
Transport specialist NTI has been actively participating in government roundtables and working groups to advocate for the freight industry amid a significant surge in fuel costs. The doubling of fuel prices has presented substantial challenges for transport operators across Australia, prompting NTI to engage in discussions aimed at finding viable solutions. - read more
APRA's Call for Immediate Action on Extreme Weather Mitigation
APRA's Call for Immediate Action on Extreme Weather Mitigation
15 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has released a landmark report emphasising the urgent need for ambitious action and investment to protect communities from the escalating impact of extreme weather events. The Insurance Climate Vulnerability Assessment (ICVA) serves as a stress test, highlighting risks that are already materialising and supporting the insurance industry's calls for immediate mitigation efforts. - read more
Newline Group Strengthens Australian Presence with Sydney Office and Key Appointment
Newline Group Strengthens Australian Presence with Sydney Office and Key Appointment
14 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
Specialty insurer Newline Group has announced the opening of a new office in Sydney, marking a significant expansion of its Australian operations. This strategic move aims to bring the company closer to its distribution partners and clients in the region, enhancing service delivery and fostering stronger relationships. - read more
Markel Insurance Introduces Tailored Financial Institution Products for Australian Market
Markel Insurance Introduces Tailored Financial Institution Products for Australian Market
14 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
Markel Insurance has unveiled a suite of financial institution products specifically designed for the Australian market, featuring localized policy wordings to better address the unique needs of local businesses. This initiative reflects Markel's commitment to providing tailored insurance solutions that resonate with the specific requirements of Australian financial institutions. - read more
KPMG Survey Highlights Australian CEOs' Changing Views on Office Work
KPMG Survey Highlights Australian CEOs' Changing Views on Office Work
14 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
A recent survey conducted by KPMG has unveiled a significant shift in the expectations of Australian CEOs regarding office work. The findings indicate that only 22% of those surveyed anticipate a full-time return to the office for corporate employees within the next three years. This marks a substantial decrease from the 82% reported in the previous year, signaling a notable change in leadership perspectives on workplace dynamics. - read more


Business Insurance Articles

Understanding Liability Insurance: A Must-Read for Australian Business Owners
Understanding Liability Insurance: A Must-Read for Australian Business Owners
As a business owner in Australia, navigating the complexities of insurance is crucial to safeguard your enterprise against unforeseen events. Liability insurance emerges as a cornerstone of a sound risk management plan, protecting you financially when held responsible for accidents, injuries or negligence. Its importance cannot be understated, as it serves not only to defend your business assets but also to ensure peace of mind in a climate of continually evolving liabilities. - read more
Reducing Your Risks: Public Liability Coverage Tips for Trade Professionals
Reducing Your Risks: Public Liability Coverage Tips for Trade Professionals
For tradesmen and trade professionals, venturing into the world of business comes with its set of challenges and risks. Among the myriad of precautions to consider, one critical safeguard stands out for its ability to protect both the tradesperson and their clients: Public Liability Insurance. This form of coverage is not just a safety net; it is a cornerstone of a responsible business practice within the trade industry. - read more
Proven Strategies for Slashing Your Business Liability Insurance Costs
Proven Strategies for Slashing Your Business Liability Insurance Costs
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on public liability insurance, an essential safeguard for businesses across Australia. Navigating the complexities of liability insurance can be a daunting task for many business owners, but it’s a critical component of your business protection plan. If incidents such as accidents or property damage occur, liability insurance is the barrier that stands between your business and financial calamity. - read more
How Public Liability Insurance Can Save Your Business During a Crisis
How Public Liability Insurance Can Save Your Business During a Crisis
Public liability insurance is designed to protect your business from financial loss if you are found liable for causing injury or property damage to a third party. This type of insurance covers legal costs and any compensation claims that might arise from accidents or incidents involving your business operations. - read more
Understanding The Costs: How Much Does Public Liability Insurance Typically Cost?
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 !

Start here!

Cover Amount:
Postcode:
All quotes are provided obligation-free by a participating broker from our national referral partner network. We respect your Privacy.

Knowledgebase
Claim:
A formal request made by the policyholder to the insurance company for payment of a loss covered by the insurance policy.