ACCC Strengthens Position Against Broker Commissions
ACCC Strengthens Position Against Broker Commissions
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.
In a recent submission to the professional code of practice review, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has reiterated its position against broker commissions.
Echoing findings from its 2020 Northern Australia Insurance Inquiry, the ACCC advocates for extending the ban on conflicted remuneration to include brokers.
The issue stems from the practice where broker commissions are often based on premium amounts, potentially discouraging brokers from pursuing more cost-effective coverage or options that pay lower or no commissions for clients. Despite full disclosure of such remuneration to consumers, the ACCC argues that the inherent conflict remains problematic.
ACCC Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb, in the submission, underlined that while some consumers might resist an upfront fee akin to commissions, the transition challenges away from conflicted remuneration models do not justify retaining exemptions permitting them. This echoes a broader reform ethos initiated by the federal government in 2023, stipulating that brokers must secure client consent to receive commissions when providing personal advice.
NSW Fair Trading, in its independent review of strata sector practices, has also highlighted the need for the broking code of practice to enhance commission practices. Commissioner Natasha Mann advocates for bolstered disclosure obligations, promoting transparency in brokers' remuneration and ownership structures, coupled with robust compliance monitoring mechanisms.
Further perspectives include those from consultant John Trowbridge, who supports the continuation of commissions but emphasizes the necessity for brokers to transparently disclose all commission-related earnings. Trowbridge also suggests that the National Insurance Brokers Association offer guidelines to elucidate conflict management and fiduciary responsibilities within the industry.
The WA Small Business Development Corporation has expressed support for widening the disclosure requirements scope, advocating for the inclusion of small businesses. By aligning with the Australian Financial Complaints Authority rules, small enterprises, often with limited resources, stand to benefit from an expanded definition that enhances clarity on financial incentives influencing broker services.
The industry awaits further developments from the review, led by Phil Khoury, as its submission deadline approaches.
Published:Friday, 2nd May 2025 Source: Paige Estritori
Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.
In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court of New South Wales has imposed fines totaling $16.8 million on Allianz Australia Insurance and its subsidiary, AWP Australia, for disseminating misleading information about their travel insurance products between 2016 and 2018. This decision underscores the critical importance of transparency and accuracy in the insurance sector. - read more
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 industry leaders to urge Australians to reconsider the importance of securing adequate coverage before travelling abroad. - read more
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
Australia's general insurance industry has reported a remarkable financial performance for the 2025 financial year (FY25), achieving a return on equity (ROE) of 19%, the highest in a decade. This significant milestone reflects a combination of favourable conditions and strategic premium adjustments within the sector. - read more
Insurance Australia Group (IAG) has announced robust financial results for the fiscal year 2025 (FY25), reporting a 4.3% increase in gross written premium (GWP) to $17.1 billion. This performance has led the company to upgrade its guidance for the upcoming fiscal year 2026 (FY26), signalling confidence in sustained growth. - read more
Recent findings from PwC's Insurance Banana Skins Survey indicate that Australian insurers are trailing their global counterparts in preparedness for emerging risks. The survey, which gathered insights from 698 insurance executives across 42 territories, reveals that Australian insurers scored 6.6% lower on the Preparedness Index compared to the global industry average. - read more
Insurance Australia Group (IAG), a leading insurer in Australia, has reported a significant 91% increase in net profit for the first half of the 2024-2025 financial year, reaching $778 million. This surge is largely attributed to favourable weather conditions resulting in fewer natural disaster claims. ([abc.net.au](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-02-14/iag-ceo-nick-hawkins-warns-of-further-premium-increases/104931074?utm_source=openai)) - read more
Insurance Australia Group (IAG) has issued a warning to Australian homeowners about the escalating impact of climate change on home insurance premiums. The insurer's recent report indicates that the increasing frequency and severity of weather events are leading to higher claims costs, which are subsequently driving up premiums. ([abc.net.au](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-11-04/climate-change-plays-role-in-growing-home-insurance-iag-warns/105964560?utm_source=openai)) - read more
Consumer advocacy group Choice has released a report highlighting substantial increases in home insurance premiums across Australia. The findings indicate that while the average premium rose by 16% over the past year, certain insurers have implemented hikes exceeding 30%. ([theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/feb/28/choice-australian-insurance-provider-review-kogan-rac-honey?utm_source=openai)) - read more
A recent case underscores the critical importance of ensuring adequate insurance coverage for businesses. A cafe and catering business, forced to close after a storm, faced a significant reduction in its insurance claim due to underinsurance. - read more
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
Farming is inherently risky. With factors like weather, pests, and market fluctuations affecting crops, it's crucial to manage these risks effectively. - read more
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
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 riskāthe financial burden of damage or loss can be devastating to a farmer's livelihood. - read more
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
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
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
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
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
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
Need a Quote?
Start your free farm insurance quote comparison here.
Knowledgebase
Exclusion: Specific conditions or circumstances for which the insurance policy does not provide coverage.