Insurance Online :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

Senate Pushes for Transparency in Insurance Premiums

Senate Pushes for Transparency in Insurance Premiums

Senate Pushes for Transparency in Insurance Premiums?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.

The Senate has called on the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to adopt a more active role in monitoring insurance premiums.
This comes as part of a broader recommendation advocating for insurers to enhance pricing transparency to assist consumers better understand their policies.

The final report of a Senate inquiry underscores the urgent need for government intervention aimed at mitigating risks as a strategy to boost the affordability of insurance premiums.

"Insurance premiums cannot continue to rise unchecked and out of the reach of a growing number of people," remarked Greens senator Mehreen Faruqi, chair of the pivotal committee overseeing the inquiry.

The Senate Select Committee scrutinizing the Impact of Climate Risk on Insurance Premiums and Availability engaged in hearings across key Australian cities, including Canberra and Sydney. Participating members also feature figures from various parties, including Labor’s Tony Sheldon and Liberal senator Dave Sharma.

The inquiry report, with its suite of eight recommendations, advocates for heightened transparency in premiums. A particular proposal involves marching orders for the ACCC to oversee premium pricing and issuing regular updates.

The committee's comments point to "a national affordability crisis," suggesting the imperative of an independent watchdog to oversee premium structures.

Insurers are under the spotlight, expected to furnish policyholders with a thorough breakdown of premium dynamics, especially amidst consumer-driven resilience endeavors and disaster preparedness efforts. As Senator Faruqi indicates, the current opaque nature of insurance is leaving many, particularly in disaster-prone locales, in the dark.

The Senate report further recommends instituting a national platform mapping all natural disaster data, urging for reforms in land use planning, and batting for the abolishment of insurance taxes through consultations with governmental councils.

In addition, the inquiry encourages the Australian government to amplify the Disaster Ready Fund to $400 million annually, ensuring increased investment in disaster-preparedness strategies, a suggestion echoed by Labor senators who note the government's existing financial commitments in this area.

Consideration is also given to extending the cyclone reinsurance pool to encompass a greater array of natural disasters. While this is resisted by some Liberal members, there exists a call for fiscal incentives encouraging insurers to take an active stake in mitigation activities.

Debate also surrounds the potential for a levy on mineral extraction corporations, intended to channel additional funds into preventive measures for disaster impacts and escalating insurance costs. However, there's contention among lawmakers regarding the lack of definitive modeling on the repercussions of such a levy.

Labor senators propose a review of governance structures in strata schemes at the state and territory level, advocating for refined transparency practices to safeguard residents' interests.

According to reports from the Insurance Council of Australia, they foresee a collaborative engagement on the inquiry's findings. Notably, as pointed out by CEO Andrew Hall, this situation highlights synergies between climate risk policies and insurance cost strategies as were similarly explored following the 2022 flood events.

 

Published:Thursday, 28th Nov 2024
Source: Paige Estritori

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

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Australian Insurers Face Challenges in Cyber and AI Risk Preparedness
Australian Insurers Face Challenges in Cyber and AI Risk Preparedness
03 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori
Recent findings from the PwC Insurance Banana Skins Survey indicate that Australian insurers are trailing their global counterparts in preparedness for emerging risks, particularly in the realms of cyber threats and artificial intelligence (AI). This lag poses significant challenges as the industry confronts an increasingly complex risk landscape. - read more
AI and Machine Learning Revolutionise Australian Insurance Industry
AI and Machine Learning Revolutionise Australian Insurance Industry
03 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori
Australia's insurance sector is undergoing a significant transformation as companies increasingly adopt artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies to enhance operations, improve customer service, and strengthen fraud detection capabilities. This shift comes in response to mounting regulatory pressures, escalating climate-related risks, and the need to modernise legacy systems. - read more
Australian Insurers Falling Behind in Cyber Risk Preparedness
Australian Insurers Falling Behind in Cyber Risk Preparedness
26 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
Recent findings from the PwC Insurance Banana Skins Survey reveal that Australian insurers are trailing their global counterparts in preparedness for emerging risks, particularly in the realms of cyber threats and artificial intelligence (AI). This lag poses significant challenges as the industry confronts an increasingly complex risk landscape. - read more
Australian General Insurers Report Decade-High Return on Equity
Australian General Insurers Report Decade-High Return on Equity
26 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
Australia's general insurance industry has reported a remarkable 19% return on equity (ROE) for the financial year 2025 (FY25), marking the highest level in a decade. This significant achievement is detailed in the latest Optima Report by actuarial consultancy Finity, which attributes the strong performance to a combination of favorable factors. - read more
Australian Life Insurance Market Set for Steady Growth
Australian Life Insurance Market Set for Steady Growth
26 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
Australia's life insurance sector is on track for moderate expansion over the next four years, with gross written premiums (GWP) forecasted to increase from $26.2 billion in 2025 to $30.5 billion by 2029. This represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.9%, according to recent analysis by GlobalData. - read more
Click for more Insurance News


Insurance Articles

Starting Out: How to Pick the Right Insurance As a Young Professional in Australia
Starting Out: How to Pick the Right Insurance As a Young Professional in Australia
Welcome to the journey of safeguarding your future! As a young professional in Australia, you're likely juggling the demands of a burgeoning career with personal goals and financial responsibilities. Navigating the world of insurance is critical in creating a safety net around these aspirations. But why exactly is insurance a cornerstone for those entering the professional realm, and how do you discern which coverage best aligns with your unique pathway? - read more
Income Protection: How to Safeguard Your Earnings in Uncertain Times
Income Protection: How to Safeguard Your Earnings in Uncertain Times
In the landscape of personal financial planning, income protection insurance emerges as a critical safeguard against the unpredictable nature of life's many uncertainties. As we navigate through economic turbulence and job market volatility, the importance of income protection becomes ever more apparent. This type of insurance serves as a financial backstop, designed to provide a stable flow of income when you're unable to work due to sickness or injury. - read more
Unlocking the Best Business Insurance: A Guide for Aussie Entrepreneurs
Unlocking the Best Business Insurance: A Guide for Aussie Entrepreneurs
Welcome to the guide designed to navigate Australian entrepreneurs through the intricate world of business insurance. In an era where risks are as diverse as they are frequent, choosing the right insurance is not just prudent—it's a critical element of sustaining and growing your enterprise. - read more
Comparing Comprehensive, Third Party, and Third Party Fire and Theft: Which Car Insurance is Right for You?
Comparing Comprehensive, Third Party, and Third Party Fire and Theft: Which Car Insurance is Right for You?
Car insurance is a crucial aspect of vehicle ownership in Australia, offering protection and peace of mind in the event of an accident or other unforeseen circumstances. However, with numerous options available on the market, choosing the right policy can be overwhelming. In this article, we'll explore the main types of car insurance available to help you understand your choices. - read more
Common Cyber Threats Facing Small Businesses and How Insurance Can Help
Common Cyber Threats Facing Small Businesses and How Insurance Can Help
In today's digital age, cybersecurity has become a critical factor for businesses of all sizes. Small businesses, in particular, are increasingly targeted by cybercriminals due to their perceived vulnerabilities. Cybersecurity involves implementing measures to protect computer systems, networks, and data from malicious attacks. Ensuring robust cybersecurity can significantly reduce the risks of data breaches, ransomware, and other cyber threats that could disrupt business operations. - read more


Your free insurance quote comparison starts here!
First Name:
Postcode:

All quotes are provided free and without obligation by a Specialist from our National Broker referral panel. See our Privacy Statement for more details.


Knowledgebase
Premium:
The amount paid for an insurance policy, usually on a regular basis, to maintain coverage.

Quick Links: | Personal And Business Insurance Quotes | Compare Insurance Online | Insurance Brokers Australia | Best Personal Insurance | Business Insurance Comparison | Insurance Coverage Options | Life Insurance Quotes | Income Protection Insurance | Public Liability Insurance | Small Business Insurance | Insurance Calculator
This website is owned and operated by Clark Family Pty Ltd (ACN 010 281 008) as Trustee for the Clark Family Trust (ABN 35 957 893 714), 43 Larch Street Tallebudgera QLD 4228. Clark Family Pty Ltd is an Authorised Representative (AR 1298860) of Unique Group Broker Services Pty Ltd (AFSL 509434) for financial product referrals and an Authorised Credit Representative (ACR 401491) of Saccasan Pty Ltd (ACL 386297). Check our licensing details on the ASIC registers: Clark Family Pty Ltd ACR, Clark Family Pty Ltd AR, Saccasan Pty Ltd, Unique Group Broker Services.
IMPORTANT: We do not provide financial product advice or credit assistance. We act solely as an introducer and refer enquiries to licensed 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 validating 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.