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Federal Members of Parliament (MPs) are set to investigate Northern Tasmania as part of their ongoing review of the insurance sector’s handling of the unprecedented 2022 floods.
The House Standing Committee on Economics will convene at the Paranaple Convention Centre in Devonport on July 17. Chairman Daniel Mulino expressed a keen interest in gaining comprehensive insights from local councils, businesses, and residents regarding their flood-related experiences.
In October 2022, flooding affected Northern Tasmania, alongside significant parts of Victoria and New South Wales (NSW). The Insurance Council of Australia reported that these floods led to $884 million in insured losses and nearly 23,000 claims being lodged, with an impressive closure rate of 95% for these claims.
The committee has reached out to councils, business groups, and community organizations, inviting them to participate in the hearing. Individuals are also encouraged to voice their experiences through submissions at the event or by completing the committee’s survey.
In recent months, the inquiry has reviewed flood-impacted areas across Victoria, NSW, and Queensland. Future hearings are planned for Cairns and Townsville on July 24 and 25, respectively.
The committee aims to publish its final report by September 30.
As mentioned in Insurance News Magazine, Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones emphasized his decision to avoid "populist politics" when addressing affordability barriers in the insurance industry amidst these discussions.
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
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
A recent ruling by the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has significant implications for businesses seeking insurance compensation for losses due to power outages caused by natural disasters. In this case, a seafood distribution company experienced substantial stock losses when a storm-induced power outage left its refrigeration systems inoperable for a week. The insurer initially denied the claim, citing a flood exclusion clause. - read more
The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has called for urgent reforms to civil liability laws to address the escalating costs of liability insurance premiums affecting businesses nationwide. In a recently released white paper, the ICA highlights the need to review state-based civil liability laws that have remained unchanged for nearly 25 years. The report identifies key areas requiring attention, including psychological injuries, worker-to-worker claims, and leisure and recreational risks. - read more
In the third quarter of 2025, Australian general insurers reported a significant after-tax profit of nearly AUD 2.3 billion, marking an increase from approximately AUD 2.1 billion in the same period of 2024. This uptick reflects a combination of rising premium revenues and a reduction in claims, contributing to the industry's robust financial performance. - read more
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
Public liability insurance is an integral safety net designed to protect businesses from the financial risks associated with lawsuits or claims. It provides coverage when a business is found legally responsible for personal injury to a third party or damage to their property. This form of insurance can significantly reduce the burden of legal fees, compensation claims, and other associated costs that may arise from unforeseen incidents. - read more
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
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
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
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Knowledgebase
Insurance Deductible: the amount that an insured is required to contribute toward an insurance claim as stipulated in an insurance policy. Otherwise known as the "policy excess".