Health Insurance Online :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

Insurance Brokers Challenge Opposition’s Divestment Strategy

Insurance Brokers Challenge Opposition’s Divestment Strategy

Insurance Brokers Challenge Opposition’s Divestment Strategy?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.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton’s proposal to dismantle major insurance companies to boost competitiveness and reduce premiums has sparked significant pushback from industry brokers.
The suggestion, criticized as ineffective, faces opposition from those who argue that the root causes of high premiums lie elsewhere.

As noted by insurtech pioneer Scott Norton, whose alternatives have gained traction, the real issue lies in inadequate disaster preparedness. According to broker Petara Tanuvasa, premium increases are driven by insufficient measures like flood defences and firebreaks. These gaps lead insurers to elevate premiums to offset rising claims. Taxes further burden consumers, with levies such as GST, stamp duties, and fire service contributions inflating costs more.

Stacy Finnegan, COO of RepX, backed Norton’s viewpoint and stressed that local governments play a critical role in reducing home insurance claims. Enforcing building standards, avoiding development in risk-prone areas, and incorporating flood and fire-resistant requirements are crucial steps. "We stand united against severe weather patterns that heighten market volatility, instead of targeting the industry unfairly," she commented.

Additionally, some industry voices, like Tasmanian broker Greg Lewer, suggest that the real financial burdens come from other sectors. Lewer highlights the disparity between insurance and bank profits, noting that while 85 insurers collectively earned $5.9 billion last year, the Commonwealth Bank of Australia alone garnered $5.1 billion in half that time.

Given the challenges, industry stakeholders believe addressing fundamental issues rather than resorting to divestment is vital for achieving sustainable premium reductions and fostering healthy market competition.

As the debate unfolds, it remains to be seen whether policymakers will shift focus towards holistic solutions that encompass broader economic and environmental strategies, addressing taxes, disaster mitigation, and proactive local governance.

Published:Thursday, 6th Mar 2025
Author: Paige Estritori

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.

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Strata Communities Endorse Call for Enhanced Resilience Reforms
Strata Communities Endorse Call for Enhanced Resilience Reforms
04 Apr 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
Push for Strata Insurance Reform Escalates After PICA's Withdrawal Threat
Push for Strata Insurance Reform Escalates After PICA's Withdrawal Threat
04 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
The debate over transparency in strata insurance has intensified following reports that PICA Group, Australia's largest strata management company, threatened to withdraw its membership from the Strata Community Association (SCA) New South Wales. This move comes as the SCA pushes to phase out commissions on strata insurance, a practice long criticised for creating conflicts of interest between strata managers and property owners. - read more
Australian Insurers Tackle Premium Affordability Challenges in 2026
Australian Insurers Tackle Premium Affordability Challenges in 2026
04 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
In 2026, Australian insurers are placing a strong emphasis on premium affordability as they confront escalating claims costs and climate-related losses. This shift in focus is driven by a combination of factors that are reshaping the insurance landscape. - read more
ASIC's 2026 Enforcement Agenda: Implications for the Insurance Sector
ASIC's 2026 Enforcement Agenda: Implications for the Insurance Sector
04 Apr 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. Key areas of focus include failures in insurance claims and complaints handling, as well as misleading pricing practices that may impact Australians' cost of living. - read more
Rising Insurance Premiums: A Growing Concern for Australian Retirees
Rising Insurance Premiums: A Growing Concern for Australian Retirees
04 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
Australian retirees are increasingly facing financial strain due to rising insurance premiums, which are impacting affordability and quality of life. This trend is particularly concerning for those on fixed incomes, who find it challenging to absorb the escalating costs. - read more
Click for more Insurance News


Health Insurance Articles

The Role of Health Insurance in Supporting Preventive Care
The Role of Health Insurance in Supporting Preventive Care
Preventive healthcare refers to measures taken to prevent diseases, rather than treating them after they occur. This includes actions like regular health screenings, vaccinations, and adopting healthy lifestyle practices. - read more
Health Fund Rebates 101: What Every Australian Needs to Know
Health Fund Rebates 101: What Every Australian Needs to Know
Exploring the realm of health insurance can be like navigating a labyrinth, replete with complex terms and varying policies. Among these, health fund rebates emerge as a crucial element, particularly for young Australians embarking on their journey of health coverage. Fund rebates can significantly lighten the financial burden, transforming the quest for health insurance from daunting to empowering. - read more
Demystifying Individual Coverage: Your Guide to Personal Health Insurance in Australia
Demystifying Individual Coverage: Your Guide to Personal Health Insurance in Australia
In the realm of securing one’s health and wellbeing, navigating the Australian health insurance landscape can be as critical as the care received. It stands as a complex tapestry, woven with policies, premiums, and government incentives, affecting individuals and families nationwide. - read more
5 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Selecting Family Health Insurance
5 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Selecting Family Health Insurance
Choosing the right family health insurance can feel like navigating a maze. With so many options and factors to consider, it's no wonder many Australians find the process overwhelming. The stakes are high, as the wrong choice could not only impact your family's access to healthcare but also strain your finances. - read more
Affordable Health Insurance: How to Find the Best Plan for You
Affordable Health Insurance: How to Find the Best Plan for You
Affordable health insurance refers to insurance plans that offer necessary health coverage at a price within one's financial means. These plans aim to balance cost with the quality of care, providing essential services without excessive financial burden. The goal is to make healthcare accessible to a wider population, ensuring that everyone can maintain their health without going into debt. - read more

Knowledgebase
Insurance Claim:
Notification to an insurance company requesting payment of an amount due under the terms of the policy.

Quick Links: | Private Health Insurance Australia | Best Private Health Insurance | Compare Health Insurance Plans | Affordable Health Insurance | Health Insurance Quotes | Private Health Cover | Health Insurance Comparison | Top Health Insurance Providers | Health Insurance Benefits | Health Insurance Premiums | Health Insurance Policies
This website is owned and operated by Clark Family Pty Ltd (ACN 010 281 008) as Trustee for the Clark Family Trust (ABN 35 957 893 714), 43 Larch Street Tallebudgera QLD 4228. Clark Family Pty Ltd is an Authorised Representative (AR 1298860) of Unique Group Broker Services Pty Ltd (AFSL 509434) for financial product referrals and an Authorised Credit Representative (ACR 401491) of Saccasan Pty Ltd (ACL 386297). Check our licensing details on the ASIC registers: Clark Family Pty Ltd ACR, Clark Family Pty Ltd AR, Saccasan Pty Ltd, Unique Group Broker Services.
IMPORTANT: We act solely as an introducer and refer enquiries to licensed third-party brokers, insurers, and lenders. We do not provide financial product advice or credit assistance. We may receive a fee or commission from these third parties in consideration for the referral. Before any action is taken to obtain a product or service referred to by this website, advice should be obtained (from either the third party to whom we refer you or from another qualified intermediary) as to the appropriateness of obtaining those products having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. Whilst we have our own process for validating the legitimacy of our referral partners, you should independently verify the credentials and licensing of any adviser or provider you engage. Visit the ASIC website for further information.