Farm Insurance Australia :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

ACCC Strengthens Position Against Broker Commissions

ACCC Strengthens Position Against Broker Commissions

ACCC Strengthens Position Against Broker Commissions?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.

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.

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Sure Insurance's Enhanced Strata Coverage: A Boon for Queensland
Sure Insurance's Enhanced Strata Coverage: A Boon for Queensland
24 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
In a significant move to tackle affordability issues and improve access to insurance, Sure Insurance has increased its residential strata insurance cover to $20 million in replacement value for apartment complexes. This expansion aims to include higher-valued apartment complexes and boost competition in Northern and Regional Queensland. - read more
Insights from CHU's 2025 Strata Market Report
Insights from CHU's 2025 Strata Market Report
24 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
CHU, Australia's leading strata insurance underwriting agency, has released its 2025 State of the Strata Market report, providing a comprehensive analysis of the current trends and challenges within the strata industry. The report offers valuable insights into premium trends, climate-related risks, regulatory developments, and emerging sector challenges. - read more
Addressing Rising Insurance Costs: ICA's Call for Strata Law Reforms in Victoria
Addressing Rising Insurance Costs: ICA's Call for Strata Law Reforms in Victoria
24 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has called for significant reforms to Victoria's strata legislation, highlighting that inadequate governance and deferred maintenance are leading to increased insurance premiums for residents. With approximately one in five Victorians living in strata-titled properties, the impact of these issues is widespread and pressing. - read more
CHU's 2025 Report Highlights Stability in Strata Insurance Premiums
CHU's 2025 Report Highlights Stability in Strata Insurance Premiums
23 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
In its recently released 2025 State of the Strata Market report, CHU, Australia's leading strata insurance underwriting agency, provides a comprehensive analysis of the current state of the industry. The report indicates that strata insurance premiums have experienced a modest increase of 2.8%, rising from an average of $954 to $981 per lot annually in the year leading up to June 2025. This increment is notably lower than the 14% surge observed in house insurance premiums during the same period. - read more
ICA Advocates for Strata Law Reforms to Mitigate Rising Insurance Costs in Victoria
ICA Advocates for Strata Law Reforms to Mitigate Rising Insurance Costs in Victoria
23 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has recently called for substantial reforms to Victoria's strata legislation, citing a direct correlation between inadequate governance and escalating insurance premiums for residents. With approximately one in five Victorians residing in strata-titled properties, the need for effective management and oversight has become increasingly critical. - read more
Strata Communities Endorse Call for Enhanced Resilience Reforms
Strata Communities Endorse Call for Enhanced Resilience Reforms
23 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
Strata communities are at the forefront of Australia's resilience battle, facing escalating costs, declining coverage, and prolonged recovery periods following disasters. Strata Community Association Australasia (SCA) has expressed strong support for the Insurance Council of Australia's (ICA) recent call for coordinated, long-term resilience reforms to protect communities from these challenges. - read more
Allianz Australia Triumphs in 2026 Finder Home Insurance Awards
Allianz Australia Triumphs in 2026 Finder Home Insurance Awards
23 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
Allianz Australia has been honoured with the top accolade in the Comprehensive Home Insurance category at the 2026 Finder Product Awards. This recognition underscores the company's dedication to delivering high-quality insurance solutions tailored to the needs of Australian homeowners. - read more
Escalating Home Insurance Costs Deepen Australia's Protection Gap
Escalating Home Insurance Costs Deepen Australia's Protection Gap
23 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
Australian homeowners are facing a growing protection gap as escalating home insurance premiums render adequate coverage increasingly unaffordable. Recent data indicates that average home insurance premiums have risen by 16% over the past year, with some insurers implementing hikes exceeding 30%. - read more
Key Challenges Facing Australian Insurers in 2026
Key Challenges Facing Australian Insurers in 2026
23 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
As 2026 unfolds, Australian insurers are confronting a trio of pressing challenges: premium affordability, escalating cyber threats, and difficulties in attracting and retaining skilled talent. These issues are reshaping the industry's landscape and influencing strategic priorities. - read more
ASIC Announces 2026 Enforcement Priorities for the Insurance Sector
ASIC Announces 2026 Enforcement Priorities for the Insurance Sector
23 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has unveiled its enforcement priorities for 2026, placing a significant emphasis on the insurance sector. The regulator aims to address concerns related to misleading pricing practices, claims handling, and complaints processes within the industry. - read more


Farm Insurance Articles

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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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


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:
A formal request made by the policyholder to the insurance company for payment of a loss covered by the insurance policy.