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

AustralianSuper Announces Reduction in Default Income Protection Cover
AustralianSuper Announces Reduction in Default Income Protection Cover
20 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
AustralianSuper, one of Australia's largest superannuation funds, has announced a significant change to its default income protection insurance. Effective from 28 February 2026, the fund will reduce the default income protection cover to $1,000 per month. This adjustment aims to align insurance coverage with members' actual income levels and prevent over-insurance, which can erode retirement savings. - read more
APRA Postpones Changes to Individual Disability Income Insurance Policy Terms
APRA Postpones Changes to Individual Disability Income Insurance Policy Terms
20 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has announced a suspension of the planned changes to individual disability income insurance (IDII) policy contract terms. Originally set to take effect from 1 October 2022, the implementation has been deferred for at least two years, providing insurers and policyholders additional time to adapt to the forthcoming regulations. - read more
Ocean Underwriting Expands Product Suite with Cyber Insurance for SMEs
Ocean Underwriting Expands Product Suite with Cyber Insurance for SMEs
20 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
Ocean Underwriting, in collaboration with Tokio Marine Management Australasia, has launched a new cyber insurance product tailored for Australian small and medium enterprises (SMEs). This addition marks a significant expansion of Ocean's offerings, which already include property, liability, and professional indemnity insurance. - read more
Club Marine Revamps Policies to Reflect Modern Boating Innovations
Club Marine Revamps Policies to Reflect Modern Boating Innovations
20 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
Club Marine, Australia's leading provider of recreational boat insurance, has undertaken a comprehensive review of its product disclosure statements (PDS) to better align with contemporary boating trends and technologies. This initiative reflects the company's commitment to staying at the forefront of the marine insurance industry. - read more
AUB Group's Strategic Acquisition of Prestige Marks Global Growth
AUB Group's Strategic Acquisition of Prestige Marks Global Growth
20 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
In a strategic move to bolster its international footprint, AUB Group, a prominent Australian insurance broker, has announced the acquisition of UK-based Prestige for $432 million. This acquisition signifies a pivotal step in AUB Group's global expansion strategy, enhancing its presence in the international insurance market. - read more
ACCC Halts IAG's Proposed Acquisition of RAC Insurance
ACCC Halts IAG's Proposed Acquisition of RAC Insurance
20 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has recently opposed Insurance Australia Group's (IAG) proposed $1.35 billion acquisition of RAC Insurance. The regulator's decision is rooted in concerns that the merger could substantially reduce competition in Western Australia's home and motor insurance markets. - read more
Rising Mental Health Claims Impact Australia's Income Protection Insurance
Rising Mental Health Claims Impact Australia's Income Protection Insurance
19 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
Recent data from the Council of Australian Life Insurers (CALI) reveals a significant increase in mental health-related claims within Australia's income protection insurance sector. In 2024, mental health conditions accounted for 20% of income protection claims, resulting in payouts totaling $887 million. This marks a substantial rise compared to previous years, indicating a growing trend that insurers and policyholders must address. - read more
Australian Super Under Fire for Prolonged Insurance Claim Delays
Australian Super Under Fire for Prolonged Insurance Claim Delays
19 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
Australian Super, the nation's largest superannuation fund, is facing criticism over significant delays in processing insurance claims. Reports indicate that some members have experienced prolonged waiting periods, with delays extending up to four years in certain cases. These delays have raised concerns about the efficiency and fairness of the fund's claims handling processes. - read more
Australia's Income Protection Insurance Sales Experience Notable Decline
Australia's Income Protection Insurance Sales Experience Notable Decline
19 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
Recent data from Plan For Life indicates an 8.3% decline in new income protection insurance sales in Australia for the year ending September 2024. This downturn contrasts with previous periods of growth, where sales had increased by nearly 7% in the year ending December 2023 and 6.5% in the year to March 2024. The shift suggests changing consumer behavior and market dynamics within the insurance sector. - read more
IAG Highlights Climate Change's Impact on Home Insurance Costs
IAG Highlights Climate Change's Impact on Home Insurance Costs
19 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
Insurance Australia Group (IAG), a leading insurer in Australia, has recently raised concerns about the escalating costs of home insurance premiums, attributing this trend to the increasing frequency and severity of climate-related weather events. The company emphasizes that without immediate and concerted efforts to address climate change, homeowners should anticipate continued rises in insurance costs. - read more


Farm Insurance Articles

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
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
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
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
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
5 Essential Farm Insurance Policies Every Australian Farmer Needs
5 Essential Farm Insurance Policies Every Australian Farmer Needs
Farming in Australia is not just a job, it's a way of life. However, it’s also a livelihood that comes with its own unique set of risks. From unexpected weather events to machinery breakdowns, the life of an Australian farmer is fraught with uncertainties. - 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
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
Insurance for Hobby Farms: Finding the Right Coverage
Insurance for Hobby Farms: Finding the Right Coverage
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
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


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
Claim Adjuster:
An insurance professional who investigates and evaluates insurance claims to determine the amount the insurance company should pay.