Treasury Initiates Consultation on Professional Indemnity Insurance Reforms

The CSLR, established in April 2024, serves as a safety net for consumers who have suffered financial loss due to misconduct and have exhausted all other avenues for redress. It facilitates compensation payments of up to $150,000 to eligible consumers with unpaid determinations from the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA).

Despite its critical role, the CSLR has faced sustainability challenges, prompting the government to explore ways to fortify its foundation. A key focus of the consultation is to develop a more robust 'first line of defence' through effective PI insurance, thereby reducing reliance on the CSLR for compensation claims.

The consultation paper highlights the need to balance enhancements to PI insurance with considerations of supply, quality, and pricing, as well as the regulatory and business costs for licensees. Stakeholders are encouraged to provide feedback on the current operation of PI insurance and suggest reforms that could bolster the CSLR's sustainability.

Submissions are open until 13 February 2026, with the Treasury planning further consultations through an options paper on broader CSLR reforms and technical changes to ensure its ongoing viability.

Industry bodies, including the Financial Advice Association Australia (FAAA), have welcomed the consultation. FAAA CEO Sarah Abood emphasized the importance of examining the role of PI insurance in consumer compensation and the challenges associated with relying solely on PI to resolve these matters.

As the consultation progresses, it presents an opportunity for professionals and businesses to contribute to shaping a more effective and sustainable compensation framework, ensuring that consumers have access to timely and adequate redress mechanisms.