Farm Insurance Australia :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

ACT Targets Rising Insurance Costs with Comprehensive Inquiry

ACT Targets Rising Insurance Costs with Comprehensive Inquiry

ACT Targets Rising Insurance Costs with Comprehensive Inquiry?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 Australian Capital Territory (ACT) is launching a thorough investigation into the escalating insurance costs that have been a cause for concern for businesses and community organizations.
This inquiry aims to shed light on the factors contributing to rising premiums and their broader impact.

Driven by the Legislative Assembly’s Standing Committee on Economics, Industry, and Recreation, the inquiry will explore several pivotal issues, including how insurance costs in the ACT measure against those in other regions, with a keen focus on workers' compensation and climate change impacts. "We are particularly interested in suggestions for improving the insurance sector to make it easier for small businesses and organisations to operate in the ACT," said committee chair Taimus Werner-Gibbings.

The investigation is set to delve into important topics like public liability claim trends, litigation behaviors influencing premium costs, and the challenges non-governmental and community projects face in accessing insurance coverage.

Part of the inquiry will also evaluate how insurance entities assess risks and consider public and private sector efforts in risk reduction. This is especially pertinent for community sports, recreation, and the creative arts when using government venues and facilities, as these requirements significantly affect their operations.

Additionally, the inquiry will examine models for offering public sector policies to community organizations, extending the scope to those that operate across state lines or on an international level.

According to the Canberra Business Chamber, there’s been a pressing need for action regarding insurance costs, which have been soaring to levels that many companies find unsustainable. "Increases in insurance premiums ultimately translate into price increases for customers and make it harder for businesses to operate sustainably," remarked CEO Greg Harford.

The chamber highlighted in its September-quarter Canberra Business Beat report that 44% of surveyed businesses experienced premium hikes exceeding 20% over two years, with these increases surpassing inflation rates.

Mr. Harford pointed out that although insurance costs are generally concerning, workers' compensation in the ACT stands out as particularly troublesome. "The chamber is hearing about huge price hikes for workers’ compensation insurance, and members report that it is substantially more expensive here in the ACT than in NSW or other jurisdictions," he added, noting the competitive disadvantage this creates for ACT-based businesses compared to those in other states.

Submissions for the inquiry are open until March 14, with the committee yet to announce when the findings will be reported.

The source of this information is from previous reports and statements, including insights from Greg Harford of the Canberra Business Chamber.

Published:Tuesday, 28th Jan 2025
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

Record Complaints Highlight Challenges in Australian Insurance Claims Processing
Record Complaints Highlight Challenges in Australian Insurance Claims Processing
29 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian insurance industry is currently facing an unprecedented surge in consumer complaints, primarily due to delays in processing claims. This development underscores significant challenges within the sector, particularly affecting tradespeople and small business owners who depend on timely claim resolutions to maintain their operations. - read more
Assessing the Impact of Market Consolidation on Australian Insurance Competition
Assessing the Impact of Market Consolidation on Australian Insurance Competition
29 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian insurance industry has undergone significant consolidation in recent years, leading to concerns about reduced competition and its potential impact on consumers, particularly tradespeople and small business owners who rely on diverse and competitive insurance options. - read more
Australian Senate Prohibits Use of Genetic Test Results in Life Insurance Underwriting
Australian Senate Prohibits Use of Genetic Test Results in Life Insurance Underwriting
29 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian Senate has recently passed legislation that prohibits life insurers from using genetic test results in their underwriting processes. This landmark decision aims to protect consumers from potential discrimination based on their genetic information and to ensure fairness in the assessment of life insurance policies. - read more
Government Steps In to Secure Fertiliser Supply for Australian Farmers
Government Steps In to Secure Fertiliser Supply for Australian Farmers
29 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
In response to global supply chain disruptions affecting fertiliser availability, the Australian government has partnered with chemical companies CSBP and Incitec Pivot to ensure a steady supply for the nation's farmers. This initiative comes amid challenges posed by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for global trade, which has led to increased prices and uncertainty in the fertiliser market. - read more
CGU and WFI Insurance Collaborate with Ag Guard to Boost Agricultural Coverage
CGU and WFI Insurance Collaborate with Ag Guard to Boost Agricultural Coverage
29 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
In a strategic move to bolster agricultural insurance offerings, IAG's Intermediated Insurance Australia business, encompassing the CGU and WFI Insurance brands, has announced an exclusive partnership with Ag Guard, a technology-driven agricultural insurance agency. This collaboration, set to commence in June 2026, aims to enhance risk selection processes and claims handling capabilities. - read more
Significant Decline in Australian Commercial Insurance Rates in Early 2026
Significant Decline in Australian Commercial Insurance Rates in Early 2026
29 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
In the first quarter of 2026, Australian commercial insurance rates experienced a notable decline, with prices dropping by 12%. This trend mirrors the decrease observed in the previous quarter, indicating a sustained softening in the market. The latest Marsh Global Insurance Market Index highlights this development, attributing the decline to increased competition among insurers and a strategic focus on growth and client retention. - read more
APRA Warns of Increased Risks Facing Australian Insurers
APRA Warns of Increased Risks Facing Australian Insurers
29 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has issued a cautionary statement regarding the heightened risks confronting Australian insurers, despite their current financial and operational resilience. APRA Chair John Lonsdale highlighted several factors contributing to this elevated risk environment, including geopolitical tensions, cyberattacks, operational outages, and the potential for regulatory fragmentation across jurisdictions. - read more
Understanding the Surge in Australian Insurance Premiums
Understanding the Surge in Australian Insurance Premiums
28 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
In recent years, Australian insurance premiums have experienced a notable increase, driven primarily by escalating claims costs and the frequency of natural disasters. This trend has significant implications for homeowners and businesses across the country. - read more
Surge in Insurance Complaints in Australia Due to Claim Processing Delays
Surge in Insurance Complaints in Australia Due to Claim Processing Delays
28 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
Australia's insurance industry is currently grappling with an unprecedented surge in consumer complaints, primarily stemming from significant delays in processing claims. This trend has raised concerns about the efficiency and responsiveness of insurers in meeting policyholders' needs. - read more
Examining the Impact of Market Concentration in Australia's Insurance Industry
Examining the Impact of Market Concentration in Australia's Insurance Industry
28 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
Australia's insurance industry is characterised by a high level of market concentration, with four major companies-Insurance Australia Group (IAG), Suncorp, QBE, and Allianz-controlling nearly 75% of the general insurance market. This dominance has sparked discussions about the implications for competition and consumer choice. - read more


Farm Insurance Articles

Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Insuring Your Farm Equipment
Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Insuring Your Farm Equipment
In the world of agriculture, having the right insurance coverage is essential. Farming is a high-risk industry that deals with unpredictable elements, and insuring your farm equipment can safeguard your livelihood. - read more
Farm Liability Insurance Costs vs. Benefits: Is It Worth It?
Farm Liability Insurance Costs vs. Benefits: Is It Worth It?
Farm liability insurance is a type of coverage that protects farmers from financial losses due to legal claims and lawsuits. This insurance is crucial for safeguarding your farm against various liabilities that may arise from farm operations. - read more
From Droughts to Floods: Understanding Weather-Related Coverage in Farm Insurance
From Droughts to Floods: Understanding Weather-Related Coverage in Farm Insurance
Australian farmers face a unique set of challenges due to the vast and varied climate conditions that sweep across the continent. From the scorching heat and prolonged droughts of the Outback to the tropical storms and torrential rains of the northern regions, weather-related risks are an integral part of agricultural life in Australia. - read more
Protecting Your Herd: The Aussie Farmer's Guide to Livestock Insurance
Protecting Your Herd: The Aussie Farmer's Guide to Livestock Insurance
For Australian farmers, livestock is more than just a vital asset; it's the heartbeat of their livelihood. In a land where the sunburnt plains are as relentless as they are beautiful, protecting your herd isn't just a duty; it's a necessity. That's where livestock insurance comes into play—a shield against the unpredictability of Mother Nature. - read more
Proven Strategies for Australian Farmers to Reduce Farm Insurance Premiums
Proven Strategies for Australian Farmers to Reduce Farm Insurance Premiums
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on navigating the complexities of farm insurance for Australian farmers. As an integral part of the agricultural industry, insurance provides a safety net that helps secure the livelihood of farmers against unpredictable events that can lead to financial hardship. From property damage due to natural disasters to loss of livestock or crops, having adequate farm insurance can make all the difference in keeping a farming operation afloat in times of crisis. - read more
Risk Management and Insurance Options for Farmers
Risk Management and Insurance Options for Farmers
Risk management is the practice of identifying, assessing, and prioritizing risks followed by coordinated efforts to minimize, monitor, and control the probability or impact of unfortunate events. In farming, risk management involves various strategies to protect the financial health and operational stability of the farm. - read more
The Digital Farmer's Guide to Insuring Your Agribusiness in the Tech Age
The Digital Farmer's Guide to Insuring Your Agribusiness in the Tech Age
Welcome to the defining era where technology and agriculture entwine, bringing forth the digital farmer's era. With the evolution of agribusiness in the tech age, comes an array of new tools, opportunities, and risks. As a custodian of the earth and steward of the latest innovations, safeguarding your digital farm is just as crucial as nurturing your crops and livestock. - read more
Investing in Your Farm's Legacy: Estate Planning and Farm Insurance Combined
Investing in Your Farm's Legacy: Estate Planning and Farm Insurance Combined
Farming is much more than an occupation; it's a way of life and a heritage that often spans generations. In today's ever-evolving agricultural landscape, embracing modern practices while preserving your farm's future has never been more crucial. Estate planning emerges as a pivotal strategy for safeguarding your agricultural legacy, ensuring that your hard-earned investments and the land you hold dear are passed on according to your wishes. - read more
What Australian Farmers Should Know About Crop Insurance
What Australian Farmers Should Know About Crop Insurance
Crop insurance is a type of insurance policy designed to protect farmers from the financial losses that arise from damages to their crops. This could be due to various risks, including adverse weather conditions, pests, and diseases. - read more
Understanding Farm Equipment Insurance: A Breakdown for Australian Farmers
Understanding Farm Equipment Insurance: A Breakdown for Australian Farmers
In the dynamic world of Australian agriculture, farm equipment plays a crucial role in the day-to-day operations of farms. From tractors to harvesters, having the right machinery means managing your farm more efficiently. However, the high value of this equipment makes it essential to protect it adequately through insurance. - read more


Need a Quote?
Start your free farm insurance quote comparison here.
Farm Type:
Postcode:

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


Knowledgebase
Moral Hazard:
The concept that individuals may take on more risk when they do not bear the full consequences of that risk, often relevant in insurance scenarios.