| APRA Implements Cap on High DTI Home Loans to Address Housing Market Concerns Tue, 02 Dec: The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has announced a significant policy change aimed at mitigating emerging risks in the housing market. Effective February 2026, APRA will impose a cap on high debt-to-income (DTI) home loans, limiting banks to issuing no more than 20% of new home loans with DTI ratios of six times or higher. This measure applies to both owner-occupier and investor loans, excluding new housing developments. - read more
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| Australian Home Prices Continue Upward Trend Amidst Affordability Challenges Tue, 02 Dec: In November 2025, Australia's housing market experienced a 1% month-on-month increase in home prices, bringing the national median value to A$888,941. This follows a 1.1% rise in October, indicating a persistent upward trend in property values. The growth was particularly pronounced in mid-sized state capitals, with Perth leading at a 2.4% increase. Sydney and Melbourne saw more modest gains of 0.5% and 0.3%, respectively. - read more
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| Analysts Predict Continued Growth in Australian Home Prices Through 2026 Tue, 02 Dec: Recent analyses indicate that Australian home prices are expected to rise by approximately 6.9% in 2026, an upward revision from earlier projections of 5.6%. This forecast follows an anticipated 8% increase in 2025, highlighting a sustained upward trajectory in property values. The primary drivers behind this growth include limited housing supply and resilient demand, particularly in major cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth. - read more
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| Celebrating the Success of the 2025 Sydney International On-Water Boat Show Tue, 02 Dec: The 56th Sydney International On-Water Boat Show, held from 13 to 16 November 2025 at Darling Harbour, has concluded with remarkable success. This year's event attracted over 20,000 visitors, underscoring the enduring appeal of Australia's marine lifestyle and industry. - read more
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| Victoria's Arcadia Hatchery: A Milestone in Native Fish Production Tue, 02 Dec: Victoria has taken a significant step forward in native fish conservation with the opening of the Arcadia Native Fish Hatchery, now the largest facility of its kind in Australia. Located just south of Shepparton, this state-of-the-art hatchery is set to revolutionise the state's fisheries sector and bolster recreational fishing opportunities. - read more
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| Unveiling the Cause of South Australia's Harmful Algal Bloom Tue, 02 Dec: Since March 2025, South Australia's coastline has been grappling with a harmful algal bloom (HAB) that has severely impacted marine life, the fishing industry, and tourism. Recent research has identified Karenia cristata as the dominant species responsible for this environmental crisis. - read more
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| MotorCycle Holdings Achieves Record Sales in FY2025 Tue, 02 Dec: MotorCycle Holdings Limited (MCH), a prominent player in the Australian motorcycle retail and wholesale sector, has announced a record-breaking sales revenue of $650 million for the fiscal year 2025. This figure represents an 11.6% increase compared to the previous year, underscoring the company's robust growth trajectory in a competitive market. - read more
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| RAA Highlights Alarming Rise in Serious Motorcycle Crashes Tue, 02 Dec: The Royal Automobile Association (RAA) has raised concerns following a significant 58% increase in serious motorcycle crashes in South Australia over a five-year period. Between 2019 and 2023, the state recorded 966 serious motorcycle crashes, up from 611 in the preceding five years. - read more
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| Stark Future Accelerates Growth with €100 Million Investment Tue, 02 Dec: Spanish electric motorcycle manufacturer Stark Future has successfully completed a new investment round, raising over €100 million to support its ambitious growth plans and model range expansion. This funding round was notably swift, closing within a few weeks, and was predominantly backed by existing shareholders. Additionally, a select group of new high-profile investors from the MotoGP community, including current riders and a former World Champion, participated in this round. - read more
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| Surge in Mental Health Claims Reshapes Australia's Insurance Landscape Tue, 02 Dec: Australia's insurance industry is experiencing a significant shift as mental health conditions have become the leading cause of total and permanent disability (TPD) claims. Recent data from the Council of Australian Life Insurers (CALI) indicates that mental health issues now account for nearly one-third of all TPD claims, marking a substantial change in the industry's claim patterns. - read more
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| Australian Insurance Premiums See Notable Decrease Tue, 02 Dec: Recent data indicates a notable decline in life and income protection insurance premiums across Australia, providing consumers with more affordable coverage options. According to the latest Direct Life Insurance Report from Rainmaker Information, direct life premiums have decreased by 7% since 2024. Similarly, direct income protection premiums have seen significant reductions, with average premiums for waiting periods of 30 days and 90 days decreasing by 12% and 13%, respectively. - read more
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| TAL's Health Sense Plus Now Covers Income Protection Policies Tue, 02 Dec: In a significant development for policyholders, TAL has expanded its Health Sense Plus program to encompass income protection (IP) policies. This initiative, effective from August 8, 2025, aims to incentivise proactive health management by offering premium discounts to clients who engage in preventative health checks. - read more
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| Northern Australian Marinas Appeal for Government Support Amid Escalating Insurance Costs Tue, 02 Dec: Marina operators across Northern Australia are sounding the alarm over surging insurance premiums, with some reporting increases exceeding 300% in recent years. This financial strain is prompting urgent calls for government intervention to ensure the sustainability of the industry. - read more
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| Coast Insurance Announces New Co-CEOs to Propel Strategic Growth Tue, 02 Dec: In a significant move within the Australian insurance sector, Coast Insurance has appointed Stephanie Muller and Jordan Brindley as Co-Chief Executive Officers. This strategic decision underscores the company's commitment to robust leadership and sustained growth. - read more
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| Suncorp Braces for $350 Million Reinsurance Impact Following Severe Storms Tue, 02 Dec: Recent supercell thunderstorms have wreaked havoc across South East Queensland and northern New South Wales, leading to significant financial implications for insurers. Suncorp, a major player in the Australian insurance market, is preparing for a substantial reinsurance retention of $350 million as a result of these events. - read more
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| QBE Insurance Faces Market Challenges as Premium Growth Slows Tue, 02 Dec: QBE Insurance Group, Australia's largest insurer by market value, recently experienced a significant decline in its share price, reaching a seven-month low. This downturn is primarily attributed to a noticeable slowdown in the company's premium rate growth during the third quarter of the 2025 fiscal year. - read more
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| Climate Change's Impact on Rising Home Insurance Premiums in Australia Tue, 02 Dec: Insurance Australia Group (IAG), a leading insurer in Australia, has highlighted the significant role of climate change in driving up home insurance premiums. The company reports that the increasing frequency and severity of weather events are major factors contributing to these rising costs. - read more
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| Australian Insurers' Preparedness for Emerging Risks Falls Short Tue, 02 Dec: Recent findings from PwC's Insurance Banana Skins Survey indicate that Australian insurers are trailing behind their global counterparts in terms of preparedness for emerging risks, particularly in areas such as cyber threats and artificial intelligence (AI). - read more
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| QBE Insurance Faces Market Challenges with Slower Premium Growth Tue, 02 Dec: QBE Insurance Group, Australia's largest insurer by market value, recently experienced a significant decline in its share price, reaching a seven-month low. This downturn is primarily attributed to a noticeable slowdown in the company's premium rate growth during the third quarter of fiscal 2025. - read more
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| Australian Insurers Face Challenges in Risk Preparedness Tue, 02 Dec: Recent findings from the PwC Insurance Banana Skins Survey have highlighted a concerning trend: Australian insurers are trailing behind their global counterparts in terms of preparedness for emerging risks. This survey, now in its tenth iteration, gathered insights from 698 insurance executives across 42 territories, including 37 from Australia, encompassing leaders from major general, life, and composite insurance organisations. - read more
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| Allianz Australia Penalised for Misleading Insurance Practices Tue, 02 Dec: In a significant regulatory development, Allianz Australia and its subsidiary, AWP Australia, have been fined $16.8 million for making false and misleading statements. This penalty underscores the critical importance of transparency and honesty in the insurance industry. - read more
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| Businesses Advocate for Reforms Amid Rising Insurance Premiums Mon, 01 Dec: The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in collaboration with the Insurance Council of Australia, has released a report highlighting the urgent need for coordinated reforms to address the escalating insurance premiums affecting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The report underscores that soaring premiums are compelling many SMEs, including beauty salons, to either forgo insurance or reduce coverage, posing significant risks to their operations. - read more
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| AFCA Determines Home-Based Waxing Salon Is a Business Mon, 01 Dec: The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) recently ruled that a home-based waxing salon operated by a Suncorp customer 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
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| ASIC Announces 2025 Focus on Insurance Pricing and Claims Handling Mon, 01 Dec: The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has unveiled its enforcement priorities for 2025, placing a significant emphasis on insurance pricing practices, claims handling, and complaints processes. This initiative aims to enhance consumer protection and ensure fair practices within the insurance industry. - read more
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| ASIC Highlights Risks in Self-Managed Super Fund Advice Mon, 01 Dec: The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has conducted a comprehensive review of financial advice provided to individuals considering self-managed superannuation funds (SMSFs). The findings have raised significant concerns about the quality and suitability of such advice, highlighting potential risks to Australians' retirement savings. - read more
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