Coalition Pledges to Cut Insurance Capital and Compliance Costs
Coalition Pledges to Cut Insurance Capital and Compliance Costs
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.
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.
In a significant development for the Australian travel insurance market, Cover-More, a subsidiary of Zurich's Cover-More Group, has entered into a strategic partnership with global brokerage firm Aon. This collaboration designates Cover-More as the exclusive provider of travel insurance products to Aon's Australian retail customers and employees. - read more
The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) is actively campaigning to secure the permanent right for travel agents, tour operators, and accredited travel businesses to sell travel insurance at the time of booking. This initiative follows an exemption granted in 2021, which is set to expire in October 2026. - read more
Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI) has reported a significant increase in domestic travel insurance claims, shedding light on the existing coverage gaps among Australian travellers. In the first eight and a half months of 2025, SCTI settled over $240,000 in claims related to local and interstate trips. - read more
In 2026, Australian insurers are grappling with significant challenges, notably premium affordability and cybersecurity threats. Gallagher Bassett's annual industry survey sheds light on these pressing issues, revealing a shift in insurer priorities amid evolving market dynamics. - read more
The Australian commercial insurance sector has witnessed a notable 12% decline in rates during the first quarter of 2026, as reported by Marsh's Global Insurance Market Index. This marks the seventh consecutive quarter of rate reductions, reflecting a sustained trend in the market. - read more
In 2025, the Australian general insurance industry demonstrated resilience by achieving a profit after tax of $5.2 billion, according to KPMG's annual review. This solid performance comes despite a decrease from the $6.2 billion profit recorded in 2024, primarily due to multiple weather events impacting the sector. - read more
Ocean Underwriting has unveiled a new facility designed to support complex or hard-to-place liability risks, particularly targeting higher-hazard occupations with unique exposures. This initiative aims to provide tailored insurance solutions that address the specific needs of businesses operating in challenging sectors. - read more
The financial services industry is currently experiencing a significant uptick in professional indemnity (PI) claims, a trend largely attributed to heightened regulatory scrutiny and enforcement actions by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). This development has substantial implications for financial professionals and their insurers. - read more
The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has recently highlighted the pressing need for reforms to civil liability laws, citing outdated legislation, escalating legal costs, and bureaucratic red tape as primary contributors to the rising insurance expenses faced by small businesses across the nation. - read more
In the first quarter of 2026, Australian commercial insurance rates experienced a notable decline of 12%, mirroring the decrease observed in the previous quarter. This trend, highlighted in Marsh's latest Global Insurance Market Index, underscores a period of sustained rate reductions in the Pacific region, predominantly led by Australia. - read more
Farming is inherently risky. With factors like weather, pests, and market fluctuations affecting crops, it's crucial to manage these risks effectively. - read more
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
Hobby farming has become increasingly popular in Australia, with many individuals and families embracing the joys of growing their own produce, raising livestock, and enjoying a rural lifestyle. Whether it's a small vegetable garden, a few chickens, or a larger mixed farming operation, hobby farms offer both relaxation and a connection to nature. - read more
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Need a Quote?
Start your free farm insurance quote comparison here.
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.