| First Home Buyer Loan Applications Surge Following Government's 5% Deposit Scheme Expansion Thu, 12 Feb: October 2025 marked a significant milestone for first-time homebuyers in Australia, with loan applications surging by 39.2%. This remarkable increase is largely attributed to the federal government's expansion of the 5% Deposit Scheme, which has made homeownership more accessible to a broader segment of the population. - read more
|
| Investor Home Loans Surge Amid Record Borrowing in Australian Property Market Thu, 12 Feb: In the third quarter of 2025, Australia's property market witnessed a significant shift as investors accounted for two out of every five home loans. Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) revealed that over 57,000 investors borrowed nearly $40 billion during this period, marking a 17.6% increase from the previous quarter. This surge underscores a growing trend of investor dominance in the housing sector. - read more
|
| Sydney Boat Show 2026: Bigger and Better at Sydney Olympic Park Thu, 12 Feb: The Boating Industry Association Ltd (BIA) has officially announced that the 2026 Sydney Boat Show will take place at the Sydney Showgrounds at Sydney Olympic Park from Thursday, 30 July to Sunday, 2 August 2026. This four-day event is set to expand following the success of its debut in 2025 and strong interest from the industry. - read more
|
| Australian Superyacht Conference 2026: New Format and Sydney Location Thu, 12 Feb: Superyacht Australia has announced the return of the Australian Superyacht Conference in 2026, introducing a refreshed format and a new location in Sydney. Traditionally held on the Gold Coast in May ahead of the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, the conference will now take place immediately following the inaugural Sydney Charter Show, creating an exciting week of activity for Australia’s growing superyacht sector. - read more
|
| d’Albora Marinas Strengthens Southeast Queensland Presence with New Acquisition Thu, 12 Feb: d’Albora Marinas, Australia’s largest premium marina and hospitality network, has expanded its national footprint with the acquisition of Tin Can Bay Marina, strengthening its presence in Southeast Queensland and reinforcing its commitment to investing in standout coastal destinations. - read more
|
| AFCA Upholds Policyholder's Income Protection Benefits Against Zurich Thu, 12 Feb: The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has recently ruled against Zurich Insurance, instructing the insurer to maintain the current income protection benefits for a policyholder after an 11-year delay in proposing a reduction. This decision underscores the critical importance of timely and transparent communication between insurers and their clients. - read more
|
| Neos Recognized as Leading Income Protection Insurer in 2025 Thu, 12 Feb: In the 2025 Life Insurance Awards presented by Money Magazine, Neos has been honored as the top provider in the Income Protection Insurance category. This accolade reflects Neos's commitment to delivering comprehensive and reliable income protection solutions to Australians. - read more
|
| Northern Australian Marinas Struggle with Rising Insurance Costs Thu, 12 Feb: Marina operators in Northern Australia are confronting a significant crisis as insurance premiums escalate dramatically, with some experiencing increases exceeding 300% over recent years. This surge in costs is placing immense financial strain on the industry, prompting urgent calls for government intervention. - read more
|
| GT Insurance Provides Flexible Solutions Amid Global Trade Shifts Thu, 12 Feb: As global trade dynamics undergo significant shifts, GT Insurance is reaffirming its commitment to supporting marine clients navigating these challenges. The recent imposition of US tariffs—25% on Australian steel and aluminium, and 10% on other exported goods—has introduced new uncertainties for local exporters, particularly in sectors like beef and bulk freight. These tariffs, effective from April 5, 2025, have prompted concerns about declining export volumes and reduced freight margins. - read more
|
| Business NSW Advocates for Urgent Insurance Reforms to Alleviate Rising Premiums Thu, 12 Feb: Business NSW, the leading business advocacy group in New South Wales, has raised alarms over the escalating insurance premiums that are placing significant financial strain on businesses across the state. Recent findings from their Business Conditions Survey reveal that nearly 80% of businesses have encountered double-digit increases in insurance costs over the past year, with one in three reporting hikes of 30% or more. - read more
|
| Australian and New Zealand Insurers Leverage AI to Transform Services Thu, 12 Feb: Insurance companies across Australia and New Zealand are increasingly investing in artificial intelligence (AI) technologies as part of their digital transformation strategies. This shift aims to enhance operational efficiency, improve customer service, and strengthen risk management practices. - read more
|
| AFCA Identifies Widespread Issues in Australian Insurance Industry Thu, 12 Feb: The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has released its latest Systemic Issues Insights Report, covering the second half of the 2024-25 financial year. The report details the identification and resolution of systemic issues across Australia’s financial services sector, with a significant focus on insurance and related products. - read more
|
| TAL's Health Sense Plus Now Covers Income Protection Policies Wed, 11 Feb: In a strategic move to make life insurance more relevant to younger Australians, TAL has expanded its Health Sense Plus program to encompass income protection policies. This initiative allows advisers to offer clients enhanced value through a straightforward preventative health engagement. - read more
|
| AFCA's Ruling: Home-Based Waxing Salon Deemed a Business Wed, 11 Feb: The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) recently ruled that a home-based waxing salon constitutes a business, not merely a hobby. This decision has significant implications for beauticians managing home-based operations, particularly concerning insurance disclosures and compliance. - read more
|
| Insurers Push for Overhaul of Civil Liability Laws Amid Rising Premiums Wed, 11 Feb: The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has recently called for comprehensive reforms to state and territory civil liability laws, citing significant increases in public liability insurance premiums. This development is particularly relevant for beauticians and small business owners in the beauty industry, who are experiencing escalating insurance costs. - read more
|
| Cosmetic Injectables Industry Booms Amid Safety Concerns Wed, 11 Feb: The cosmetic injectables industry in Australia has experienced significant growth, with the market valued at $4.1 billion in 2023 and projected to grow by 19.3% annually until 2030. This surge reflects increasing consumer demand for non-surgical cosmetic procedures, including anti-wrinkle injections and dermal fillers. - read more
|
| Escalating Insurance Costs Pose Challenges for Small Builders Wed, 11 Feb: Recent findings from the Housing Industry Association (HIA) reveal that a significant majority of small and medium-sized builders in Australia are grappling with the escalating costs of insurance premiums. In a comprehensive survey, 72% of respondents identified rising insurance expenses as the primary pressure point affecting their businesses. This concern surpasses other operational challenges such as planning approvals, skilled labour shortages, and compliance with building codes. - read more
|
| Australian Home Prices Hit Record Highs Following Rate Reduction Wed, 11 Feb: In March 2025, Australia's housing market experienced a significant milestone, with national home prices reaching a new peak. This surge was largely influenced by the Reserve Bank of Australia's (RBA) decision to cut interest rates in February, which reignited buyer demand across the country. - read more
|
| CommBank Expands Green Loan Options for Sustainable Homes Tue, 10 Feb: Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CommBank) has strengthened its commitment to environmental sustainability by expanding its Green Home Offer through a renewed partnership with the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC). This collaboration introduces enhanced financial incentives for homeowners aiming to improve their property's energy efficiency. - read more
|
| ASIC Cracks Down on Unlicensed Financial Influencers Tue, 10 Feb: The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has intensified its efforts to regulate financial content on social media by issuing warning notices to 18 'finfluencers'—individuals who use social media platforms to discuss financial products and investments. These actions are part of a coordinated international initiative targeting unlicensed promotion of high-risk financial products. - read more
|
| Virgin Australia Launches In-Cabin Flights for Pets Tue, 10 Feb: Virgin Australia has unveiled its 'Pets in Cabin' service, a pioneering initiative that allows passengers to travel with their pets in the aircraft cabin on select domestic routes. This service caters to Australia's substantial pet-owning population, offering a more comfortable and convenient travel option for both pets and their owners. - read more
|
| Honda Leads Australian Motorcycle Sales with 21,901 Units in 2025 Tue, 10 Feb: Honda Australia has emerged as the leading motorcycle brand in 2025, achieving a remarkable 10% increase in sales over the previous year. The company sold a total of 21,901 motorcycles, solidifying its position at the forefront of the Australian market. - read more
|
| Record Attendance at 2025 Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix Energizes Phillip Island Tue, 10 Feb: The 2025 Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix, held at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, attracted approximately 91,245 visitors, marking the highest attendance since 2012. This surge in spectators provided a substantial economic boost to the Phillip Island region, benefiting local businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and retail outlets. - read more
|
| ASIC Raises Concerns Over Payday Lenders' Compliance with Consumer Protection Laws Tue, 10 Feb: The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has recently highlighted significant concerns regarding the practices of certain payday lenders. A comprehensive review conducted by ASIC suggests that some providers of small amount credit contracts (SACCs) may be engaging in activities that contravene consumer protection laws. - read more
|
| So Money Launches Tailored Lending Solutions for Self-Employed and SMEs Tue, 10 Feb: Non-bank lender So Money is expanding its services to cater to Australia's burgeoning small business sector by introducing new lending solutions specifically designed for self-employed borrowers and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This strategic move aims to simplify the income verification process and provide more flexible financing options to a traditionally underserved market. - read more
|
Author:
Please Note: If this information affects you or is relevant to your circumstances, seek advice from a licensed professional.
