Farm Insurance Australia :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

Coalition Pledges to Cut Insurance Capital and Compliance Costs

Coalition Pledges to Cut Insurance Capital and Compliance Costs

Coalition Pledges to Cut Insurance Capital and Compliance Costs?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 Coalition has proposed significant changes to the insurance sector's capital requirements and regulatory compliance, a move supported by the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA).
This pledge comes in the lead-up to the federal election, with shadow treasurer Angus Taylor detailing the plans that aim to alleviate the industry's financial pressures.

The ICA has expressed approval, acknowledging the importance of regulation in protecting consumers and building trust in the industry. However, it highlighted the strain that rapid regulatory reforms over the last ten years have placed on resources, which in turn increases costs for customers. The proposed adjustments to capital liquidity rules could enhance productivity and cut consumer expenses, which insurers have long advocated for.

According to Angus Taylor, the financial services sector faces compliance costs exceeding $1 billion, with Australians remaining underinsured and underadvised. Taylor emphasised the need for a balance in APRA's (Australian Prudential Regulation Authority) capital rules to ensure stability while improving access to finance for households and businesses. The goal is to reflect risk more accurately in insurer portfolios, reducing consumer costs and unlocking capital for investment, all while maintaining financial stability.

Expert insights from Scott Duncan, a Taylor Fry actuary, highlight challenges such as natural disaster impacts and building material cost inflation on home insurance. Duncan suggests that while capital requirements are essential, they become secondary to these factors. Current prudential standards ensure insurers hold sufficient capital against rare catastrophic events, allowing for potential higher-risk investments.

As regulatory frameworks assess the alignment of assets and liabilities, the asset risk charge mechanism remains vital. The experience of recent catastrophic events underscores the rapid changes in liabilities and the significant impact they can have, reinforcing the need for adaptable regulatory approaches.

Published:Wednesday, 26th Feb 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

Hutch Underwriting's New Landlord Insurance Policy Integrates Cyber Protection
Hutch Underwriting's New Landlord Insurance Policy Integrates Cyber Protection
20 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
In August 2025, Hutch Underwriting unveiled a new landlord insurance product tailored for Australian residential property owners. This policy stands out by incorporating built-in cyber protection, addressing the growing digital risks landlords face in today's interconnected world. - read more
Insurance Council Calls for Reforms to Support Small Business Resilience
Insurance Council Calls for Reforms to Support Small Business Resilience
20 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
In February 2026, the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) submitted four proposals to the Parliamentary Joint Committee's inquiry into small business insurance, highlighting the urgent need for reforms to enhance the resilience of Australia's 2.5 million small businesses. These enterprises, which employ nearly half of the private sector workforce, are increasingly burdened by escalating insurance premiums driven by extreme weather events, inflation, and complex regulatory requirements. - read more
Australian Home Insurance Premiums Climb 51% in Five Years
Australian Home Insurance Premiums Climb 51% in Five Years
20 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
Recent data from analytics firm Finity reveals a significant 51% increase in Australian home insurance premiums over the past five years. The average premium rose from $1,940 in 2020 to $2,938 by October 2025, outpacing general inflation and raising concerns about affordability for homeowners. - read more
Insurance Claims Getting Slower and More Expensive in 2026
Insurance Claims Getting Slower and More Expensive in 2026
20 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
In 2026, Australian insurance claims are facing prolonged processing times and increased costs, primarily due to persistent labour shortages and escalating repair expenses. According to a recent update from Crawford & Company (Australia), these challenges are affecting the efficiency and affordability of claims settlements across the industry. - read more
Australian Insurers Face Challenges in Risk Preparedness
Australian Insurers Face Challenges in Risk Preparedness
20 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
Recent findings from the PwC Insurance Banana Skins Survey reveal that Australian insurers are trailing behind their global counterparts in terms of risk preparedness. The survey, which gathered insights from 698 insurance executives across 42 territories, indicates that Australian insurers scored 6.6% lower on the Preparedness Index compared to the global average. - read more
Market Concentration in Australian Insurance Industry Sparks Debate
Market Concentration in Australian Insurance Industry Sparks Debate
20 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian general insurance market is currently dominated by four major companies-Insurance Australia Group (IAG), Suncorp, QBE, and Allianz-which collectively control nearly 75% of the market. This high level of concentration has raised concerns about its impact on consumers, particularly regarding rising premiums and limited competition. - read more
Surge in Profits for Australian Insurers Amid Premium Hikes
Surge in Profits for Australian Insurers Amid Premium Hikes
20 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
In 2024, Australia's insurance industry reported an after-tax profit of $6.1 billion, a figure that is three times higher than the five-year average of $2 billion. This substantial increase in profitability coincides with significant hikes in insurance premiums, raising questions about the balance between industry earnings and consumer affordability. - read more
Surging Insurance Premiums Pose Challenges for Australian Retirees
Surging Insurance Premiums Pose Challenges for Australian Retirees
20 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
Australian retirees are increasingly facing financial challenges due to escalating insurance premiums. Reports indicate that some individuals have experienced premium hikes of up to 400%, placing significant strain on those living on fixed incomes. - read more
Australian Insurers Face Challenges in Risk Preparedness
Australian Insurers Face Challenges in Risk Preparedness
20 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
Recent findings from the PwC Insurance Banana Skins Survey reveal that Australian insurers are trailing their global counterparts in risk preparedness. The survey, which gathered insights from 698 insurance executives across 42 territories, indicates that Australian insurers scored 6.6% lower on the Preparedness Index compared to the global average. - read more
Health Insurance Premiums in Australia to Rise by 4.41% in 2026
Health Insurance Premiums in Australia to Rise by 4.41% in 2026
20 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
Australian health insurance policyholders are set to experience a 4.41% increase in premiums, effective from April 1, 2026. Health Minister Mark Butler approved this adjustment, marking the most substantial annual hike since 2017. - read more


Farm Insurance Articles

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
A Farmer's Guide to Essential Farm Insurance Terminology
A Farmer's Guide to Essential Farm Insurance Terminology
Farming is a vital industry in Australia, requiring significant investment in equipment, crops, livestock, and labour. As with any major investment, protecting it is crucial. That's where farm insurance comes in. - 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
Future-Proofing the Farm: What Every Tech-Savvy Australian Farmer Needs to Know About Insurance
Future-Proofing the Farm: What Every Tech-Savvy Australian Farmer Needs to Know About Insurance
Welcome to the first steps in future-proofing your farming legacy. When we think about the hustle and bustle of daily farm life, it's easy to overlook the critical importance of estate planning. For the Australian farmer, estate planning is not just a matter of securing your assets; it's about ensuring the survival and progression of your hard-earned labour to the next generation. - 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
Tractors, Livestock, and Crops: Tailoring Your Farm Insurance to Fit Your Needs
Tractors, Livestock, and Crops: Tailoring Your Farm Insurance to Fit Your Needs
Welcome to the world of farming, where the fruits of your labor are as tangible as the soil you till. But just as the land is subject to the whims of nature, so too is the business of agriculture. This is where farm insurance becomes essential. Farmers face a set of challenges and uncertainties unlike any other industry, primarily due to the unpredictable forces of weather. - read more
Customized Insurance Solutions: The Advantage of Specialized Farm Brokers
Customized Insurance Solutions: The Advantage of Specialized Farm Brokers
Farming in Australia is more than just a way of life; it is a critical sector that supports the nation’s economy and food supply. However, managing a farm comes with its own set of unique risks. From natural disasters to equipment failures, farmers face numerous challenges that can impact their livelihood. - read more
The Modern Farmer's Checklist for Assessing Farm Equipment Insurance Needs
The Modern Farmer's Checklist for Assessing Farm Equipment Insurance Needs
As the backbone of Australian agriculture, farm equipment plays an essential role in day-to-day operations across our expansive and diverse landscapes. From the vast wheat belts to the tropical fruit farms, machinery ensures efficiency and productivity in the face of constant challenges. But with reliance on such equipment comes significant risk—the financial burden of damage or loss can be devastating to a farmer's livelihood. - read more
Building Resilience Against Natural Disasters: Practical Steps for Aussie Farmers
Building Resilience Against Natural Disasters: Practical Steps for Aussie Farmers
Australian farmers face an array of natural disasters that can threaten livelihoods and disrupt the delicate balance of agricultural ecosystems. From devastating bushfires and droughts to powerful storms and floods, these catastrophic events pose serious risks to the farming community. Understanding and preparing for these forces is not just about survival; it's about building a sustainable future for farms across the continent. - read more
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


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
Replacement Cost:
The amount it would cost to replace or rebuild an insured asset with one of similar kind and quality, without depreciation.