| ANZ Secures $2 Billion Loan Guarantee to Enhance Pacific Operations Sun, 22 Feb: In a strategic move to reinforce its presence in the Pacific region, ANZ has secured a $2 billion loan guarantee from the Australian government. This 10-year agreement aims to ensure the bank's continued operations across Pacific nations, countering growing regional influences. - read more
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| Housing Australia Future Fund Outperforms Expectations, Boosting Housing Initiatives Sun, 22 Feb: The Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF) has reported investment returns more than double its initial projections, significantly accelerating the development of social and affordable housing projects nationwide. Established by the Albanese government, the HAFF aims to address housing affordability challenges by funding essential housing initiatives. - read more
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| NSW Energy Security Corporation Commences with $1 Billion to Boost Energy Projects Sun, 22 Feb: The New South Wales (NSW) government has launched the Energy Security Corporation (ESC) with an initial investment of $1 billion, aiming to accelerate key energy projects across the state. This initiative is designed to enhance energy reliability, affordability, and support the transition to clean energy sources. - read more
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| Australian Used Car Sales Surge in January 2026 Despite Supply Constraints Sun, 22 Feb: The Australian used car market experienced a notable uptick in January 2026, with sales increasing by 9.7% compared to December 2025. This surge occurred despite a 5.4% decline in vehicle listings, indicating a tightening supply in the market. - read more
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| Understanding the 4.41% Increase in Private Health Insurance Premiums for 2026 Sun, 22 Feb: Australian private health insurance premiums are set to rise by an average of 4.41% from 1 April 2026, marking the most significant increase since 2017. Health Minister Mark Butler stated that this adjustment reflects the escalating costs of medical and hospital services, which have risen by 5% over the past financial year. This increase is expected to impact over 15 million Australians who hold private health insurance policies. - read more
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| Health Insurers Respond to Rising Costs with Increased Payments to Private Hospitals Sun, 22 Feb: In response to escalating operational costs faced by private hospitals, health insurers have increased their payments to these facilities. Recent data indicates that payments to private hospitals have risen by 7.7% in the year leading up to March 2025. This adjustment aims to support private hospitals during a period of financial strain and to ensure the continued delivery of quality health care services. - read more
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| Health Insurers to Include Natural Therapies in Coverage from 2026 Sun, 22 Feb: In a significant policy shift, Australian health insurers will begin offering rebates for a range of natural therapies, including Yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, Shiatsu, Naturopathy, Western herbal medicine, and the Alexander Technique, starting early 2026. This change follows legislative amendments allowing these therapies to be covered under private health insurance for the treatment of health conditions or as part of health management programs. - read more
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| Australian Insurers Highlight Key Challenges for 2026 Sun, 22 Feb: As 2026 approaches, Australian insurers are facing a trio of pressing challenges: rising premium costs and shrinking insurability, escalating cyber and data risks, and increasing difficulty in hiring and retaining skilled workers. These concerns have been highlighted in industry feedback cited in Gallagher Bassett’s upcoming report, 'The Carrier Perspective: 2026 Claims Insights.' - read more
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| Australian Insurers Under Fire for Steep Premium Increases Sun, 22 Feb: In recent times, Australian consumers have been grappling with substantial increases in insurance premiums, prompting widespread concern and calls for greater transparency within the industry. Reports indicate that some policyholders have experienced premium hikes of up to 600%, leaving many questioning the justification behind such steep increases. - read more
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| Australian Insurers Leverage AI for Service Transformation Sun, 22 Feb: Insurance companies across Australia and New Zealand are increasingly investing in artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to transform their operations and enhance customer experiences. This strategic shift aims to address challenges such as declining margins, evolving consumer expectations, and heightened competition from emerging insurtech firms. - read more
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| Rising Demand for Latent Defects Insurance in Australia's Construction Industry Sun, 22 Feb: Australia's construction industry is experiencing a significant shift towards latent defects insurance (LDI), a trend gaining momentum as New South Wales (NSW) approaches its 2028 deadline to mandate LDI for residential projects. This move underscores the sector's commitment to enhancing structural integrity and homeowner protection. - read more
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| Reserve Bank of Australia Increases Cash Rate to 3.85% Sat, 21 Feb: The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has raised the official cash rate by 0.25 percentage points to 3.85%, marking the first increase in two years. This decision comes in response to rising inflation and aims to curb escalating consumer prices. - read more
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| Rate Money Introduces Competitive Rate Adjustments Amid Industry Increases Sat, 21 Feb: In a move that sets it apart from major lenders, non-bank lender Rate Money has announced a modest increase in its variable interest rates by only 15 to 20 basis points on select loan products. This decision comes as many financial institutions implement the full 25 basis point hike following the RBA's recent cash rate increase. - read more
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| Australian Personal Loan Borrowing Reaches Record Levels Sat, 21 Feb: Recent data reveals that Australians borrowed approximately $9.3 billion in fixed-term personal loans during the September quarter of 2025, marking a significant increase in personal loan borrowing. The average new personal loan amount stood at $22,643, reflecting a growing reliance on personal loans for various financial needs. - read more
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| RBA's February 2026 Cash Rate Hike: What It Means for You Sat, 21 Feb: The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has raised the official cash rate by 25 basis points to 3.85% during its February 2026 meeting. This decision comes in response to a resurgence in inflation during the latter half of 2025, with the RBA noting that price pressures have intensified and are expected to remain above target for some time. - read more
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| ASIC's Landmark Penalty Highlights Importance of Cybersecurity in Financial Services Sat, 21 Feb: The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has imposed a $2.5 million penalty on an Australian Financial Services (AFS) licensee for significant cybersecurity failures between March 2019 and June 2023. This marks the first instance where the Federal Court has levied civil penalties for such breaches under the general AFS licensee obligations. - read more
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| Crusader Caravans Recognised as RV Master Manufacturer Sat, 21 Feb: Crusader Caravans has been officially recognised as an RV Master Manufacturer, a prestigious accreditation awarded by Caravan Industry Victoria (CIV). This accolade underscores Crusader's dedication to excellence in the Australian recreational vehicle (RV) manufacturing sector. - read more
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| Arizon Off-Grid Unveils NEXUS Power Control System Sat, 21 Feb: Arizon Off-Grid has announced the launch of its NEXUS Power Control System, a cutting-edge solution designed to enhance off-grid power capabilities for caravans and 4WD vehicles. This innovative system is set to debut at the Melbourne Caravan & Camping Leisurefest, offering a new level of control and efficiency for off-grid enthusiasts. - read more
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| Hitch Campers' Madigan Hybrid Camper Now in Production Sat, 21 Feb: Hitch Campers has commenced production of its highly anticipated Madigan hybrid camper, marking a significant milestone for off-road enthusiasts in Australia. Following extensive research and development, the Madigan is set to offer a blend of comfort and rugged capability tailored for the Australian landscape. - read more
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| New Low-Interest Loans to Accelerate Electric Vehicle Adoption Sat, 21 Feb: In a significant move to promote the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) among Australian consumers, the federal government has announced a new loan scheme designed to make EVs more accessible and affordable. This initiative aims to reduce the financial barriers associated with purchasing electric cars, thereby encouraging a shift towards more sustainable transportation options. - read more
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| Decline in Australia's Used Car Market: Sales and Listings Down Sat, 21 Feb: The Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA), in collaboration with AutoGrab, has released the November 2025 Automotive Insights Report (AIR), revealing a significant downturn in the used car market as the year concludes. - read more
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| Delays in Australia's National Strategic Fleet Initiative Raise Maritime Security Concerns Sat, 21 Feb: The Australian government's plan to establish a strategic fleet of Australian-flagged ships has encountered significant delays, missing its initial deadline to announce the first vessels. This fleet is intended to bolster the nation's maritime resilience by providing vessels that can be requisitioned during crises or emergencies. The delay has sparked concerns among industry experts about Australia's growing vulnerabilities in trade and national security. - read more
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| Sea-Doo Maintains Market Leadership in Australia's Marine Industry Sat, 21 Feb: Sea-Doo has emerged as the leading brand in Australia's marine market for the fourth quarter of 2025, capturing an impressive 11.2% of search share. This marks a significant 51.4% increase from the previous quarter, underscoring the brand's strong appeal during the summer boating season. - read more
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| Insuregroup's Remarkable Growth in Truck Insurance Policies Sat, 21 Feb: Insuregroup, a specialist insurance brokerage serving Australia's transport and logistics sector, has recently announced a significant milestone: processing over 10,000 insurance policies since its inception, with a 25% increase in policy volume over the past year. This growth underscores the escalating demand for comprehensive truck insurance solutions tailored to the unique needs of Australian freight operators. - read more
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| ICA's Strategic Plan to Combat Escalating Motor Insurance Costs Sat, 21 Feb: The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has unveiled a comprehensive report titled 'Motor Insurance Policy Paper – A Roadmap for Reducing Rising Premiums,' addressing the significant 42% increase in comprehensive motor insurance premiums since 2019. This surge has brought the average annual premium to $1,052 in 2024, prompting the need for coordinated action to alleviate the financial burden on consumers. - read more
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