| ACT Eliminates Stamp Duty for First Home Buyers Wed, 17 Jun: In a landmark move, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) government has announced the abolition of stamp duty for all first home buyers, effective from July 1, 2026. This initiative positions the ACT as the first jurisdiction in Australia to eliminate this tax for first-time purchasers, regardless of property value or income level. - read more
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| Tasmania's Stamp Duty Exemption for First Home Buyers Nears End Wed, 17 Jun: As the June 30, 2026, deadline approaches, Tasmania's first home buyers are racing to finalize property purchases before the expiration of the state's stamp duty exemption. This exemption, which has been instrumental in assisting first-time buyers by reducing upfront costs, is set to conclude without extension. - read more
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| APRA and ASIC Advocate for TPD Insurance Reforms Wed, 17 Jun: The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) have jointly called on life insurers to take decisive action to address mounting sustainability pressures in the Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) insurance market. This appeal follows a high-level industry roundtable discussion involving senior executives from 19 insurers and reinsurers, as well as representatives from Treasury and the Council of Australian Life Insurers (CALI). - read more
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| Surge in Life Insurance Disputes Linked to TPD and Disability Claims Wed, 17 Jun: Recent data from the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) reveals a significant concentration of disputes in the life insurance sector, with Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) and disability income insurance (DII) claims accounting for 88% of all disputes. This trend underscores the pressing need for both insurers and policyholders to closely examine the factors contributing to these disputes and seek solutions to enhance the claims process. - read more
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| Rising Delays in Income Protection Payments Concern Regulators Wed, 17 Jun: Recent findings from the Life Insurance Code Compliance Committee (Life CCC) have revealed a concerning 67% increase in violations related to the timely payment of income protection benefits during the 2024-25 financial year. This surge has raised alarms about the industry's adherence to its own standards and the impact on policyholders. - read more
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| APRA and ASIC Address TPD Insurance Sustainability Challenges Wed, 17 Jun: In a recent joint CEO roundtable, the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) highlighted the pressing need for life insurers to take decisive action to address sustainability challenges in the Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) insurance market. - read more
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| Surge in Income Protection Payment Delays Raises Concerns Wed, 17 Jun: Recent findings from the Life Insurance Code Compliance Committee (Life CCC) have revealed a 67% increase in violations related to timely income protection payments. This surge raises significant concerns about insurer compliance and the impact on customers who rely on these benefits during challenging times. - read more
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| AFCA Upholds Insurer's Right to Adjust 'Level' Premiums Wed, 17 Jun: The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) recently dismissed a complaint from a policyholder regarding significant increases in 'level' life insurance premiums. The complainant argued that they had been misled into believing their premiums would only experience marginal increases. However, AFCA found that the insurer, Nippon Life Insurance Australia and New Zealand, was within its rights to adjust premiums, as the policy explicitly allowed for such changes. - read more
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| APRA and ASIC Address TPD Insurance Sustainability Challenges Wed, 17 Jun: In a recent industry roundtable, the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) convened with senior executives from 19 insurers and reinsurers to discuss the sustainability pressures facing Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) insurance. The primary concern is the significant increase in mental health-related claims, which are contributing to affordability issues for consumers and financial volatility for insurers. - read more
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| Westpac Penalised $26 Million for Failing to Support Customers in Hardship Tue, 16 Jun: In a significant development within the Australian banking sector, Westpac has been fined $26 million by the Federal Court for failing to adequately respond to over 200 customers experiencing financial hardship between 2017 and 2023. This penalty underscores the critical importance of banks adhering to their obligations under the National Credit Code, which mandates timely and appropriate assistance to customers facing financial difficulties. - read more
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| AMP Bank Reintroduces SuperEdge Loan for SMSF Property Investment Tue, 16 Jun: After a seven-year absence, AMP Bank has re-entered the Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF) lending market with the reintroduction of its SuperEdge loan. This move reflects AMP's strategic focus on diversifying its product offerings and catering to the evolving needs of investors seeking property acquisition through their SMSFs. - read more
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| Exclusive Ride-Away Deals on CFMOTO's 450 Range Tue, 16 Jun: CFMOTO Australia has launched its 'Ride Forward Sale,' presenting enticing ride-away pricing across its 450cc range. This promotion is available until June 30, 2026, or while stocks last, offering an excellent opportunity for riders to acquire LAMS-approved motorcycles at competitive prices. - read more
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| High-Risk SMEs Intensify Credit Applications Amid Economic Challenges Tue, 16 Jun: Recent data from Equifax's Business Market Pulse for Q1 2026 reveals a concerning trend: high-risk small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are significantly increasing their credit applications, even as overall SME credit demand declines. This pattern suggests that financially vulnerable businesses are seeking additional funding to navigate tightening economic conditions. - read more
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| NRMA's Departure from Farm Insurance: What It Means for Australian Farmers Tue, 16 Jun: In a significant shift within the Australian insurance landscape, NRMA has announced its withdrawal from the farm insurance market, ceasing the sale of new policies as of July 1, 2025. This decision affects both Hobby Farm Insurance and Rural Farm Insurance offerings, leaving many farmers in search of alternative coverage options to safeguard their livelihoods. - read more
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| New Partnership Strengthens Risk Management in Australia's Protected Cropping Sector Tue, 16 Jun: Protected Cropping Australia (PCA) and Achmea Farm Insurance have announced a strategic partnership aimed at bolstering risk mitigation and resilience within Australia's protected cropping sector. This collaboration seeks to empower growers by providing tailored insurance solutions and promoting best practices in risk management. - read more
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| ABARES Report Highlights Insurance as a Key Tool for Managing Agricultural Risks Tue, 16 Jun: The Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) has released a comprehensive report examining the role of insurance as a risk management tool for Australian farmers. The report emphasises that while insurance cannot protect against inevitable events like climate change, it can be instrumental in managing the variability and unpredictability inherent in farming. - read more
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| RBA Holds Cash Rate Steady at 4.35% in June 2026 Tue, 16 Jun: The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has decided to maintain the official cash rate at 4.35% during its June 2026 meeting. This decision comes amidst a backdrop of economic uncertainties and persistent inflationary pressures. - read more
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| Surge in Personal Loan Borrowing as Australians Face Rising Living Costs Tue, 16 Jun: In the first quarter of 2026, Australians borrowed a record $5.1 billion in new personal loans, reflecting the mounting financial pressures from escalating living costs. This significant increase underscores the challenges many individuals face in managing daily expenses. - read more
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| OnDeck Boosts Lightning Loan Limits to Empower Australian SMEs Tue, 16 Jun: OnDeck Australia has announced an increase in its Lightning Loan limits, now offering up to $300,000 in unsecured funding for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This enhancement aims to meet the growing demand for quick and accessible business financing. - read more
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| Australian Businesses Show Renewed Confidence with Increased Credit Demand Tue, 16 Jun: In December 2025, Australian businesses demonstrated a significant increase in credit demand, with applications rising by 5.1% compared to the previous year. This uptick suggests a shift from cautious financial management to proactive investment in growth and expansion. - read more
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| Cigno Australia and BSF Solutions Penalised for Unlawful Payday Lending Practices Tue, 16 Jun: In a significant ruling, the Federal Court has imposed a $7 million fine on Cigno Australia and BSF Solutions for operating an illegal payday lending scheme that contravened Australian credit laws. Each company has been ordered to pay $3 million, while their respective directors, Mark Swanepoel and Brenton Harrison, have been fined $500,000 each. - read more
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| ANZ Tops Major Banks in Business Lending Expansion for April 2026 Tue, 16 Jun: In April 2026, the Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ) achieved the highest monthly growth in business lending among the nation's major banks. According to the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA), ANZ's business lending portfolio increased by $1.9 billion, reaching a total of $152.9 billion, marking a 1.24% growth for the month. - read more
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| Australian SMEs Reduce Borrowing Amid Economic Uncertainty Tue, 16 Jun: Recent data from non-bank lender Banjo Loans indicates a decline in borrowing activity among Australian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) during the final quarter of 2025. The Banjo Barometer for Q2 FY26 reports a 5% decrease in SME loan applications, following a 14% spike in the previous quarter. - read more
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| Geely's Exclusive EOFY Finance Deals on EX5 and Starray EM-i Tue, 16 Jun: Geely Australia has unveiled an enticing End of Financial Year (EOFY) promotion, offering a 0.88% per annum comparison rate finance on its EX5 Extended Range electric SUV and Starray EM-i Super Hybrid PHEV. This limited-time offer is available until June 30, 2026, providing prospective buyers with an opportunity to secure these models under favourable financial terms. - read more
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| CFMOTO's Ride Forward Sale: Exclusive Deals on 450 Series Motorcycles Tue, 16 Jun: CFMOTO Australia has launched its 'Ride Forward Sale,' offering promotional ride-away pricing across its LAMS-approved 450 series motorcycles. This limited-time campaign is set to run until June 30, 2026, or while stocks last, providing an excellent opportunity for new and returning riders to acquire modern middleweight motorcycles at competitive prices. - 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.
