Farm Insurance Australia :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

Consumer Advocacy Calls for $250 Million Annual Insurer Contribution Fund

Consumer Advocacy Calls for $250 Million Annual Insurer Contribution Fund

Consumer Advocacy Calls for $250 Million Annual Insurer Contribution Fund?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.

A prominent consumer advocacy group, the Australian Consumers Insurance Lobby (ACIL), is advocating for insurers to contribute $250 million annually to support disaster risk mitigation, as well as the affordability and availability of insurance coverage.
This initiative seeks to address what the organization describes as an escalating crisis within the insurance industry.

Tyrone Shandiman, Chair of ACIL, suggests that distributing the $250 million expense across all members of the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) would have minimal financial impact on individual insurers. He asserts that insurers have an obligation to redirect a portion of their substantial profits back to policyholders, rather than focusing solely on shareholder returns. According to Shandiman, the industry should actively participate in solutions rather than relying on government intervention alone.

The proposed funds would be allocated to support mitigation efforts in high-risk regions, offer premium relief for vulnerable consumers, create a research foundation to investigate long-term insurance affordability and availability strategies, and pilot programs that could justify significant government investment. ACIL emphasizes that insurers need to financially support these initiatives if they genuinely endorse mitigation and resilience measures.

Shandiman stresses that establishing such a fund would be a crucial step in rebuilding public trust in the insurance sector. He notes that insurers tend to propose solutions that do not require them to provide financial contributions, casting doubt on their commitment to true reform. This reluctance is juxtaposed with their record profit levels, while consumers in high-risk areas continue to face challenges in securing affordable insurance coverage.

The ACIL initiative suggests that the proposed funding could also be used to test and model strategies in support of the ICA's previously proposed $30 billion flood defense program. This program, outlined by ICA last month, calls for governmental investment over the next decade to alleviate growing concerns surrounding home insurance affordability.

The Insurance Council of Australia has acknowledged Mr. Shandiman's proposal but has not publicly committed to the initiative.

Published:Tuesday, 18th Mar 2025
Source: Paige Estritori

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

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Allianz Australia Penalised for Misleading Travel Insurance Information
Allianz Australia Penalised for Misleading Travel Insurance Information
30 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
In a significant ruling, Allianz Australia Insurance and its subsidiary, AWP Australia, have been fined a total of $16.8 million for providing misleading information about their travel insurance products. The Supreme Court of New South Wales found that between 2016 and 2018, the companies misrepresented the extent of coverage available to consumers, leading to potential misunderstandings about policy benefits. - read more
Allianz Partners Highlights Risks of Travelling Uninsured
Allianz Partners Highlights Risks of Travelling Uninsured
30 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
Recent research conducted by the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has unveiled a concerning trend: approximately 14% of Australian travellers embark on international journeys without any form of travel insurance. This statistic has prompted Allianz Partners to urge Australians to reconsider the importance of securing adequate coverage before travelling abroad. - read more
Surge in Medical Claims Among Australian Travellers Highlights Importance of Comprehensive Insurance
Surge in Medical Claims Among Australian Travellers Highlights Importance of Comprehensive Insurance
30 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
In 2024, medical incidents emerged as the leading cause of travel insurance claims among Australian travellers, accounting for more than 40% of all claims handled by nib Travel. This trend underscores the critical importance of securing comprehensive travel insurance to mitigate the financial risks associated with medical emergencies abroad. - read more
Allianz Australia Penalised $16.8 Million for Misleading Conduct
Allianz Australia Penalised $16.8 Million for Misleading Conduct
30 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
In a significant regulatory action, Allianz Australia and its subsidiary, AWP Australia, have been fined $16.8 million for making false and misleading statements. This penalty was imposed following an investigation by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), underscoring the critical need for transparency and honesty in the insurance sector. - read more
New Legislation Prohibits Use of Genetic Test Results in Life Insurance Underwriting
New Legislation Prohibits Use of Genetic Test Results in Life Insurance Underwriting
30 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
The Australian government has announced plans to introduce legislation that will ban life insurers from using adverse genetic test results in their underwriting processes. This move aims to eliminate genetic discrimination and encourage individuals to undergo genetic testing without fear of insurance repercussions. - read more
Bupa Penalised $35 Million for Misleading Conduct Towards Customers
Bupa Penalised $35 Million for Misleading Conduct Towards Customers
30 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
In a landmark decision, health insurer Bupa has been fined $35 million for misleading customers about the benefits they were entitled to under their policies. This penalty, imposed by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), underscores the necessity for transparency and accuracy in the health insurance sector. - read more
ICA Advocates for Overhaul of Civil Liability Laws to Curb Rising Insurance Premiums
ICA Advocates for Overhaul of Civil Liability Laws to Curb Rising Insurance Premiums
30 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has recently released a white paper highlighting the urgent need for reforms to state and territory civil liability laws, which have remained largely unchanged for nearly 25 years. These outdated laws are contributing to significant increases in public liability insurance premiums, affecting a wide range of businesses across the nation. - read more
APRA Data Shows Significant Rise in Public Liability Insurance Premiums
APRA Data Shows Significant Rise in Public Liability Insurance Premiums
30 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has released its latest National Claims and Policies Database (NCPD) statistics, revealing a substantial increase in public liability insurance premiums over recent years. According to the data, premiums have risen by 40% since 2015, a rate that surpasses general inflation and places additional financial strain on businesses across the country. - read more
AFCA Ruling: Insurer Must Honour Arson Claim Despite Director's Past
AFCA Ruling: Insurer Must Honour Arson Claim Despite Director's Past
30 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
In a significant decision, the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has directed an insurer to honour an arson claim for a restaurant, despite the director's failure to disclose his criminal history during the policy's inception. This ruling underscores the complexities surrounding disclosure obligations and the insurer's duty to assess risk appropriately. - read more
Navigating Insurance Challenges: A Call to Action for Perth's Hospitality Sector
Navigating Insurance Challenges: A Call to Action for Perth's Hospitality Sector
30 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
Perth's hospitality industry is currently grappling with escalating operational costs, prompting many businesses to reassess their insurance coverage to ensure both adequacy and affordability. Rising wages, tighter profit margins, and complex compliance requirements are compelling restaurants, cafes, and bars to scrutinize their insurance policies more closely. - read more


Farm Insurance Articles

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
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
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
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
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
Agroforestry Insurance Guide: Protecting Your Investment in Australia's Sustainable Future
Agroforestry Insurance Guide: Protecting Your Investment in Australia's Sustainable Future
Agroforestry is a transformative approach to land management that integrates trees into agricultural landscapes. In Australia, where farmers contend with variable climates and environmental challenges, agroforestry offers a resilient pathway to productivity and sustainability. - 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
How to Protect Your Harvest: Tips for Choosing the Right Crop Insurance
How to Protect Your Harvest: Tips for Choosing the Right Crop Insurance
Farming, at its core, is an enterprise fraught with uncertainty. Weather calamities, pests, diseases, and fluctuating market conditions can all impact the output and quality of produce. This is where crop insurance proves its worth, serving as a safety net for farmers against the myriad risks they face each season. - 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
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


Need a Quote?
Start your free farm insurance quote comparison here.
Farm Type:
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
Insurance Underwriter:
An insurance company, a financial institution that sells insurance.