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

Queensland Farmers' Market Threatened with Eviction Over Insurance Dispute
Queensland Farmers' Market Threatened with Eviction Over Insurance Dispute
23 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
In a developing situation in south-east Queensland, the Three Creeks Farm Stall, a popular farmers' market operating in Eileen Hose Park near Gympie, is facing potential eviction due to a dispute over public liability insurance requirements imposed by the Gympie Regional Council. - read more
Record Surge in Insurance Complaints Due to Claim Processing Delays
Record Surge in Insurance Complaints Due to Claim Processing Delays
23 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
Recent data from the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) reveals a significant increase in complaints against insurance companies, with an average of 100 complaints per day. This surge is primarily attributed to delays in processing everyday claims, affecting both home-building and motor vehicle insurance sectors. - read more
Climate Change Contributing to Rising Home Insurance Premiums in Australia
Climate Change Contributing to Rising Home Insurance Premiums in Australia
23 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
Insurance Australia Group (IAG) has released a report indicating that climate change is increasingly influencing the rise in home insurance premiums across Australia. The report highlights that the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, such as severe storms and hailstorms, are escalating, particularly in densely populated regions. - read more
Insuret and ATL Unite to Strengthen Truck Fleet Insurance Services
Insuret and ATL Unite to Strengthen Truck Fleet Insurance Services
23 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
In a significant development for Australia's transport insurance sector, Insuret and ATL have merged to create a unified platform dedicated to fleet and trucking insurance. This strategic consolidation under the Envest underwriting group aims to provide comprehensive coverage and innovative solutions tailored to the evolving needs of the transport industry. - read more
Broker Held Accountable as Insurer Rejects Truck Damage Claim
Broker Held Accountable as Insurer Rejects Truck Damage Claim
23 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has recently ruled that a broker breached its duty of care, resulting in the denial of a truck damage claim by the insurer. This case underscores the critical importance of brokers thoroughly understanding and communicating policy exclusions to their clients, particularly concerning driver experience requirements. - read more
Click for more Insurance News


Health Insurance Articles

What to Look for in Basic Health Insurance Cover
What to Look for in Basic Health Insurance Cover
Welcome to our discussion on basic health insurance cover, a topic that is crucial yet often overlooked in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Navigating the world of health insurance can be daunting, but understanding your options is vital for peace of mind and financial stability. - read more
Insider Secrets to Finding Cost-Efficient Health Insurance
Insider Secrets to Finding Cost-Efficient Health Insurance
Health insurance in Australia is a crucial aspect of ensuring you and your family receive the medical care needed without facing exorbitant costs. The healthcare system, consisting of both public and private sectors, offers various options to suit different needs and budgets. While the public sector (Medicare) provides essential services, private health insurance offers additional benefits such as faster access to services, choice of doctor, and coverage for services not included in Medicare. - read more
The Digital Age of Health Insurance: Comparing Policies Online
The Digital Age of Health Insurance: Comparing Policies Online
The dawn of the digital age has significantly transformed the way we approach nearly every aspect of our lives, and the domain of health insurance is no exception. With the arrival of innovative digital tools, the health insurance landscape has undergone a striking evolution, allowing for unprecedented accessibility and convenience in managing healthcare coverage. - read more
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
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

Knowledgebase
Occupational Hazard:
A risk associated with the nature of a particular occupation, which may affect insurance premiums.

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.