| The Boat Works Launches Pier 25 to Boost Marine Services Thu, 14 May: The Boat Works, a prominent marine maintenance and refit facility on the Gold Coast, has commenced construction on its latest project, Pier 25. This development aims to enhance the marine services offered within the precinct by introducing new showrooms, office suites, and crew accommodations. - read more
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| Lloyd's Register and Echo Marine Group to Deliver Electric Ferries in WA Thu, 14 May: Lloyd's Register (LR) has entered into a partnership with Echo Marine Group to support the delivery of Western Australia's first fully electric passenger ferries. This initiative marks a significant step towards sustainable public transport in Australia. - read more
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| RIC Introduces Marine Recovery Loan for SA Aquaculture and Fishing Sectors Thu, 14 May: The Regional Investment Corporation (RIC) has announced the opening of applications for the new Marine Recovery Loan, aimed at providing financial relief to South Australian aquaculture and wild catch fishing businesses affected by a recent harmful algal bloom. - read more
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| High-Risk SMEs Intensify Credit Shopping Amid Tightening Conditions Thu, 14 May: Recent data indicates a notable shift in borrowing behaviour among Australian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly those classified as high-risk. While overall business credit demand has remained relatively stable, subprime SMEs are increasingly approaching multiple lenders in search of financing solutions. - read more
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| AFIA and Government Collaborate to Support SMEs Amid Fuel Market Disruptions Thu, 14 May: The Australian Finance Industry Association (AFIA) has announced a partnership with the Australian government to provide support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) impacted by global fuel market disruptions. This collaboration aims to address the financial challenges faced by businesses due to rising fuel costs and supply chain issues. - read more
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| Asset Finance Surges 41% as SMEs Invest in Long-Term Productivity Thu, 14 May: In the face of economic uncertainty, Australian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are demonstrating resilience by significantly increasing their investment in asset finance. Data from Valiant Finance reveals a 41% surge in asset finance volumes during the third quarter of 2025, followed by a 33% increase in the fourth quarter. This trend underscores a strategic shift among SMEs towards enhancing long-term productivity through capital investments. - read more
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| Firstmac's New Secured Caravan Loans: A Game-Changer for Brokers and Buyers Thu, 14 May: In response to the increasing demand for lifestyle financing, non-bank lender Firstmac has unveiled its inaugural secured caravan loan, providing brokers with a competitive product to meet their clients' needs. This strategic move aims to capture the growing market of Australians seeking flexible and affordable caravan financing options. - read more
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| Prattline's Low Tow Caravan: Revolutionizing Off-Road Travel with Expandable Design Thu, 14 May: Prattline has introduced the Low Tow caravan, a compact yet spacious solution designed for off-road enthusiasts. This innovative model features a two-shell design with sliding walls, allowing for low drag during travel and expanded living space when stationary. - read more
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| Destination NSW's 'Feel More, Live More' Initiative: A Boost for Caravan Tourism Thu, 14 May: Destination NSW, in collaboration with the Caravan and Camping Industry Association (CCIA) NSW, has launched the 'Feel More, Live More' campaign to promote year-round visitation to the state's 400 holiday parks. This month-long initiative aims to increase awareness and encourage travel during the autumn, winter, and spring seasons. - read more
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| CHU Introduces Cyber Coverage in Residential Strata Insurance Thu, 14 May: In response to the escalating cyber threats targeting strata communities, CHU Underwriting Agencies has expanded its residential strata insurance policies to include cyber protection. This enhancement provides coverage of up to $50,000 for losses resulting from social engineering fraud, a prevalent form of cybercrime where perpetrators impersonate trusted contacts to manipulate payment instructions. - read more
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| CHU Expands Strata Insurance Capacity to Support Larger Developments Thu, 14 May: CHU Underwriting Agencies has announced a significant increase in its single risk capacity, raising the limit to $690 million from the previous $300 million. This substantial enhancement enables CHU to better support larger residential and commercial strata developments across Australia. - read more
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| CHU's 2025 Report Shows Stability in Strata Insurance Premiums Amid Climate and Regulatory Shifts Thu, 14 May: CHU, Australia's leading strata insurance underwriting agency, has released its 2025 State of the Strata Market report, providing a comprehensive analysis of the current state of the industry. The report offers valuable insights into premium movements, the impact of weather events, regulatory developments, and emerging risks affecting strata insurance. - read more
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| ACCC Deepens Investigation into IAG's Proposed RAC Insurance Acquisition Thu, 14 May: The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has intensified its examination of Insurance Australia Group's (IAG) proposed acquisition of RAC Insurance, moving the process into a Phase 2 review. This decision underscores the regulator's concerns about the potential impact on competition within Western Australia's insurance market. - read more
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| Premium Affordability Emerges as Leading Concern for Australian Insurers in 2026 Thu, 14 May: As 2026 unfolds, Australian insurers have identified premium affordability as the foremost risk facing the industry. This shift in priority reflects the mounting pressures from inflation, escalating climate-related losses, and stringent regulatory requirements. - read more
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| Unprecedented Rise in Mental Health Insurance Claims Challenges Super Funds Thu, 14 May: Australia is witnessing a significant surge in mental health-related insurance claims, placing considerable pressure on superannuation funds to expedite payouts and reevaluate their coverage strategies. This trend underscores the growing impact of mental health issues on the nation's workforce and the insurance sector. - read more
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| Australian Insurers Focus on Premium Affordability Amid Rising Costs Thu, 14 May: In 2026, Australian insurers are placing a significant emphasis on premium affordability as they confront escalating claims costs and climate-related losses. This shift in focus is driven by the need to balance financial sustainability with the provision of accessible insurance products for consumers. - read more
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| Suncorp Utilises AI to Improve Insurance Affordability Thu, 14 May: Suncorp is investing in artificial intelligence (AI) and upgrading its policy platforms to develop more affordable insurance products. This initiative aims to address the challenges posed by rising premium costs and to cater to consumers who have been priced out of obtaining insurance. - read more
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| ASIC Identifies Major Risks Facing Australian Insurers in 2026 Thu, 14 May: The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has released its Key Issues Outlook 2026, highlighting significant risks for insurers and financial markets. The report emphasises the need for insurers to demonstrate not only compliance but also operational resilience in the face of economic, technological, and climate-related pressures. - read more
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| APRA's Updated Reinsurance Framework: What Insurers Need to Know Thu, 14 May: The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has recently refined its reinsurance framework to facilitate insurers' access to alternative reinsurance arrangements, including insurance-linked securities (ILS) and catastrophe bonds. This initiative aims to balance the need for flexibility in reinsurance options with the imperative of protecting policyholders. - read more
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| APRA's New Capital Treatment for Longevity Products: Implications for Insurers Thu, 14 May: The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has finalised amendments to its prudential standards concerning the capital treatment of longevity products, including annuities. These reforms are designed to bolster the market for retirement income solutions by aligning capital requirements more closely with the long-term nature of these products. - read more
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| The Rising Cost of Regulatory Compliance in Australia's Insurance Sector Thu, 14 May: Australia's general insurers are raising concerns about the escalating costs associated with regulatory compliance, which they estimate to be up to $3.5 billion annually. This substantial financial burden is reportedly contributing to higher premiums and affecting the industry's productivity. - read more
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| Comprehensive 2025 Life Insurance Data Released by APRA and ASIC Thu, 14 May: The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) have jointly released the Life Insurance Claims and Disputes Statistics for the year ending December 31, 2025. This publication provides a detailed analysis of the performance of the Australian life insurance industry, offering valuable insights for policyholders and industry stakeholders alike. - read more
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| TAL and Acenda Recognised in Money Magazine's 2026 Life Insurer Awards Thu, 14 May: Money magazine has announced the winners of its 2026 Life Insurance Awards, recognising outstanding performers in the Australian life insurance sector. TAL has been named Life Insurer of the Year across both group and direct insurance categories, while Acenda has secured the title of Life Insurer of the Year in the advised insurance category. - read more
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| Hostplus and MetLife Australia Extend Group Insurance Partnership Thu, 14 May: Hostplus has announced the extension of its group insurance partnership with MetLife Australia until June 2028. This continued collaboration aims to elevate service models across claims and underwriting, delivering stronger outcomes for Hostplus members. - read more
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| Impact of Victorian Bushfires on Insurance Premiums Thu, 14 May: Recent bushfires in Victoria have caused significant devastation, leading to a surge in insurance claims and raising concerns about the affordability of insurance premiums for property owners. The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has declared the Victorian fires a catastrophic event, with over 2,600 claims filed, nearly half of which pertain to commercial properties, including farms. - read more
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Please Note: If this information affects you or is relevant to your circumstances, seek advice from a licensed professional.
