Urgency in Financial Reform: A Call for Swift Action

2

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 financial sector is poised for the release of the second tranche of the Delivering Better Financial Outcomes (DBFO) legislation. On 10-11 February, the sold-out Professional Planner Advice Policy Summit will convene at Old Parliament House in Canberra, ACT, focusing on how essential reforms can broaden access to financial and life insurance advice.

During the summit, Cupitt will speak at the 'Reviving Life Insurance Advice Ecosystem' session to highlight the potential of onboarding a new class of adviser. This initiative aims to make life insurance advice more accessible, with the hope that legislative action will precede the forthcoming federal election.

Cupitt emphasizes the necessity for the government to expedite the legislative process. “Millions of Australians and their families are waiting in line for that affordable advice, and delays to the legislation mean that people are going to be waiting longer and not having access to the advice they need to build their financial safety nets,” she insisted to Professional Planner.

The urgency is amplified by the recent resignation of Minister for Financial Services, Stephen Jones, with no replacement yet announced. This development occurs as Labor signals its dedication to pushing forward advice reforms.

The forthcoming DBFO reform is especially critical in establishing the new advisory class. Cupitt asserts that, “Life insurance stands ready to implement the new class of adviser, but it can’t happen overnight.”

She further explains that developing and authorizing new educational courses for incoming advisers is a step-by-step process that requires time. These courses aim to equip advisers with the necessary training for effective service delivery, and also to set a foundation for their journey towards becoming fully qualified advisers.

Cupitt envisions these preparatory programs as initial steps towards more extensive adviser qualifications. “We want to make sure that the settings are right to encourage people to work for life insurance and provide that more simple advice, but also see that as a pathway for people to go away and get qualified to become a more comprehensive, fully qualified adviser,” she explained.

The summit discussions will additionally address potential improvements to the Life Insurance Framework, although the Council of Australian Life Insurers remains supportive of its current structure. This framework, which regulates commissions at 60 percent upfront and 20 percent ongoing, has drawn backing from Cupitt. She stated, “We have been very clear that we support commissions in relation to life insurance advice, and we support the Life Insurance Framework in its current form.”

If the government initiates consultations regarding changes to the framework, Cupitt assured, “We would participate in that consultation.”

This article references content originally reported by Professional Planner.

Published:Tuesday, 4th Feb 2025
Source: Paige Estritori

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

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Clear

EQT's $3.41 Billion Bid for AUB Group: A Game-Changer in Australian Insurance

31 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori

In a significant development within the Australian insurance sector, Swedish private equity firm EQT has proposed a takeover of AUB Group, valuing the company at A$5.25 billion (US$3.41 billion). This offer represents a 25.1% premium over AUB's last closing price, indicating EQT's strong interest in expanding its footprint in the Australian market. - read more

AIG Australia Penalised for Breaching Insurance Code Obligations

31 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori

The Insurance Code Governance Committee has imposed a $30,000 penalty on AIG Australia for breaching its obligations under the insurance code. The breaches pertain to the insurer's failure to inform customers about delays in handling their complaints and neglecting to notify them of their right to escalate matters to the ombudsman. - read more

Reinsurance: The Backbone of Stability for Australian Insurers

31 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori

A recent report by the Actuaries Institute has shed light on the pivotal role of reinsurance in maintaining the stability and affordability of Australia's insurance sector. The study reveals that without investing approximately $2.5 billion in reinsurance, local insurers would need to hold an additional $70 billion in capital to meet current regulatory requirements. - read more

ASIC Initiates Legal Action Against RACQ Insurance Over Misleading Premium Practices

23 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has commenced Federal Court proceedings against RACQ Insurance, a subsidiary of Insurance Australia Group (IAG), alleging that the insurer misled over 570,000 customers through deceptive premium comparison pricing in renewal notices issued between September 2019 and December 2024. - read more

Australian Insurance Industry Reports Record $6.1 Billion Profit Amid Rising Premiums

23 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori

Australia's insurance industry has reported an after-tax profit of $6.1 billion for the year 2024, a figure that is three times higher than the five-year average of $2 billion. This substantial increase is attributed to significant premium hikes and a relatively benign year for natural disasters. - read more

Click for more Insurance News