Focusing primarily on the threats posed by climate change to residential properties, the agency predicts that within the next five years, an additional 589,000 homes could face high risks of becoming uninsurable mainly due to the increasing threat of floods. The agency's chair, Matt Kean, pointed out the recent floods on the NSW Mid North Coast as indicative of future challenges, underscoring the urgent need for policy changes and stricter building codes, especially in areas of coastal Queensland and Western Australia that might soon require cyclone construction standards.
The report praises the frameworks outlined in the government's National Adaptation Plan as critical steps but insists further actions are necessary to adequately address Australians' needs. It advocates for increased coordinated investment in infrastructure and services which can provide additional benefits, such as reducing energy and insurance costs, alongside risk mitigation.
Emphasizing the necessity of up-to-date building standards, Kean affirmed the importance of taking practical steps to enhance Australia's resilience to climate change. He noted that investing in risk reduction is financially prudent, potentially saving up to $11 in recovery costs for every dollar spent.
The authority also highlights the importance of educating households about climate risks, enabling Australians to make informed decisions regarding property investments, rebuilding, or relocation following climate-related disasters, and implementing risk reduction strategies for their homes.
The Insurance Council of Australia has endorsed the report, applauding its practical and achievable recommendations. The council stated that these recommendations align with the long-term advocacy efforts of the insurance industry to bolster Australia's resilience in the face of climate change challenges.
Published:Saturday, 21st Jun 2025
Source: Paige Estritori
![]() | Impact of Trump Tariffs on Global Insurance Industry 11 Jul 2025: Paige Estritori According to Swiss Re’s latest Sigma report, the growth of property and casualty premiums is moderating in both Australia and globally. This moderation is primarily driven by a slowdown in rate hikes. Additionally, the Trump administration's America First trade policy is putting further pressure on the insurance sector. - read more |
![]() | Navigating Changes in Australia's Life Insurance Advice Landscape 10 Jul 2025: Paige Estritori The conversation on the shifting dynamics in Australia's life insurance advice sector featured Zurich Australia's head of adviser channel, Kieran Forde, and Hayes & Co director, Katherine Hayes. They engaged with editor Chris Dastoor to spotlight the current market conditions and future prospects for financial advisers in this domain. - read more |
![]() | ASIC Challenges Federal Court's 'Fair Term' Ruling 09 Jul 2025: Paige Estritori The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) is appealing a Federal Court decision regarding the wording of a 'pre-existing condition' clause in certain HCF Life insurance products. The court previously determined that while the wording had the potential to mislead consumers, it did not constitute an unfair contract term under the current laws set out in the ASIC Act 2001. - read more |
![]() | ICA Advocates for Strata Law Reform in the ACT to Enhance Building Management 08 Jul 2025: Paige Estritori The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) is urging the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) to adopt strata transparency regulations, aiming to enhance oversight of building repairs and maintenance by owners’ committees. This call was made during a parliamentary inquiry, where the ICA pushed for measures akin to recent legislative changes in New South Wales. - read more |
![]() | Tasmanian Government Insurance Proposal Faces Industry Backlash 07 Jul 2025: Paige Estritori The Tasmanian government's recent proposal to establish a state-run insurance entity has drawn significant criticism from key players in the insurance industry. The plan, spearheaded by Premier Jeremy Rockliff, aims to expand the Motor Accidents Insurance Board into a broader service named TasInsure, offering products including home and contents insurance, small business coverage, and more. The RACT, a major player in Tasmania's insurance sector, expressed considerable concern, labelling the initiative as a simplistic answer to complex problems. - read more |
![]() | Protecting Your Legacy: Estate Planning and Life Insurance for Australians When thinking about the future, it's essential to have a comprehensive strategy that ensures the well-being of your loved ones and the security of your assets. Estate planning and life insurance are two critical pillars in safeguarding your family's financial stability. Despite the complexity often associated with these topics, understanding their importance and implementing them correctly can provide immense peace of mind. - read more
|
![]() | Estate Planning and Insurance: Safeguarding Your Legacy in Australia Estate planning is a critical process often overlooked, yet it serves as the cornerstone of ensuring that your legacy is protected and seamlessly passed on to your loved ones. It's about securing your financial future and guaranteeing that the assets you've toiled to amass are distributed according to your wishes. In the intricate world of asset protection and family security, being well-informed can make all the difference. - read more
|
![]() | Income Protection Insurance and Tax Benefits: What You Should Know Income protection insurance is a type of cover designed to provide you with a safety net if you are unable to work due to illness or injury. By offering regular payments that replace a portion of your income, it helps ensure that you can maintain your lifestyle and cover essential expenses during challenging times. - read more
|
![]() | Top Strategies for Long-Term Income Protection in Australia Income protection is a safeguard that ensures you have a steady stream of income if you're unable to work due to illness or injury. This type of insurance can be a lifesaver, providing peace of mind and financial stability during challenging times. - read more
|
![]() | Decoding Disability: How Your Policy's Definition Affects Your Security In the quest for economic stability and peace of mind, income security stands as a critical foundation. The assurance that one can rely on a stable financial inflow, regardless of life's unpredictabilities, is what keeps many individuals focused on their present while confidently planning for their future. However, the seldom-discussed intricacies of disability definitions within insurance policies can significantly influence this security. - read more
|