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:

Rate this article

0 Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.

Insurance News

Cyclone Cover Debate Highlights Strata Insurance Pressure Points
Cyclone Cover Debate Highlights Strata Insurance Pressure Points
12 Aug 2026: Paige Estritori
The latest industry attention on Australia's cyclone reinsurance arrangements is a timely reminder that premium relief for strata schemes is rarely driven by one policy lever alone. The cyclone pool was designed to reduce insurer exposure to cyclone-related losses in higher-risk regions, particularly across northern Australia. However, for owners corporations and body corporates, the practical impact can still vary sharply from building to building. - read more
Why Apartment Defect Scrutiny Matters for Strata Insurance
Why Apartment Defect Scrutiny Matters for Strata Insurance
12 Aug 2026: Paige Estritori
Renewed attention on apartment building defects is a timely reminder that strata insurance is not assessed in isolation from the physical condition of a scheme. For owners corporations and body corporates, the issue is not only whether cover is in place, but whether the building can be clearly presented to insurers as a well-managed and understood risk. - read more
Insurance Complaint Trends Put Policy Clarity Back in Focus
Insurance Complaint Trends Put Policy Clarity Back in Focus
12 Aug 2026: Paige Estritori
Fresh complaints data from the Australian Financial Complaints Authority has again put pressure on the general insurance sector, with policy disputes, delays and communication breakdowns remaining a major source of frustration for customers. For Australian tradies, the headline is not just that complaints are being lodged; it is that many disputes appear to begin with mismatched expectations between what a policyholder thought was covered and how the insurer interpreted the wording when a claim arrived. - read more
Insurance Complaint Trends Put Claims Discipline Back in Focus
Insurance Complaint Trends Put Claims Discipline Back in Focus
12 Aug 2026: Paige Estritori
Fresh attention on insurance complaints data is a timely warning for truck operators: the quality of your policy set-up and claim preparation can matter just as much as the premium you pay. While complaint volumes across insurance are influenced by many factors, including weather events, repair delays and affordability pressure, the practical lesson for transport businesses is clear. - read more
Why Battery Fire Risk Is Now on the Menu for Restaurants
Why Battery Fire Risk Is Now on the Menu for Restaurants
12 Aug 2026: Paige Estritori
Renewed insurance industry attention on lithium-ion battery fires is a practical warning for Australian restaurants, cafes and takeaway venues. The risk is no longer limited to consumer gadgets at home. Many hospitality businesses now rely on battery-powered delivery equipment, cordless tools, portable payment devices, tablets, power banks and rechargeable cleaning equipment, often used across long trading hours and charged on site after closing. - read more


Health Insurance Articles

Is Private Health Insurance Worth It for Families? Benefits, Costs and Cover Choices
Is Private Health Insurance Worth It for Families? Benefits, Costs and Cover Choices
Private health insurance can help families manage some healthcare costs, access private hospital treatment options and claim benefits for services Medicare does not typically cover. Whether it is worth the cost depends on your household's health needs, budget, life stage and the type of cover you choose. - read more
Understanding the Basics of Australian Health Insurance
Understanding the Basics of Australian Health Insurance
Health insurance is a critical part of maintaining your well-being and financial stability. In Australia, understanding the basics of health insurance can help you make informed decisions that protect you during unforeseen medical events. - read more
How to Choose the Best Family Health Cover for Your Needs
How to Choose the Best Family Health Cover for Your Needs
With healthcare being a critical aspect of every family's well-being in Australia, securing the right family health insurance is not just a necessity but a responsibility. Recognizing the importance of this safety net is the first step towards safeguarding the future health needs of your loved ones. Balancing comprehensive coverage against affordable premiums can seem overwhelming with a multitude of plans available. - read more
Don't Fall for These Health Insurance Misconceptions
Don't Fall for These Health Insurance Misconceptions
Private health insurance is an essential consideration for many Australians. It provides peace of mind, knowing that you and your family have access to the best possible healthcare when needed. - read more
Smart Strategies to Lower Your Health Insurance Premiums
Smart Strategies to Lower Your Health Insurance Premiums
In today's rapidly changing health insurance landscape in Australia, keeping track of costs and coverage can be daunting. Many Australians find themselves grappling with high premiums that seem to increase year after year. - read more

Knowledgebase
Subrogation:
An insurance carrier may reserve the "right of subrogation" in the event of a loss. This means that the company may choose to take action to recover the amount of a claim paid to a covered insured if the loss was caused by a third party.