| Australia Partners with Japan's Mitsubishi for $6.5 Billion Warship Fleet Thu, 22 Jan: In a landmark decision, Australia has awarded a AU$10 billion (US$6.5 billion) contract to Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries for the construction of 11 Mogami-class frigates. This agreement signifies the most substantial defense industry collaboration between the two nations to date. - read more
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| Marsh Secures Role in Australian Navy's Maritime Insurance Program Thu, 22 Jan: Global insurance broker Marsh has been appointed by the Australian government to oversee the insurance and risk advisory components of the Royal Australian Navy's Maritime Insurance Program (MIP). This program is integral to the nation's extensive naval fleet expansion and infrastructure development initiatives. - read more
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| GT Insurance Provides Flexible Solutions Amid Trade Uncertainties Thu, 22 Jan: In response to recent shifts in global trade dynamics, GT Insurance is reaffirming its commitment to supporting Australian marine clients navigating these challenges. The imposition of US tariffs—25% on Australian steel and aluminium, and 10% on other exported goods—has introduced new uncertainties for local exporters, particularly in sectors like beef and bulk freight. These tariffs, effective from April 5, 2025, have prompted concerns about declining export volumes and reduced freight margins. - read more
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| Non-Bank Lenders Escalate Court Actions as SME Insolvencies Surge Thu, 22 Jan: Recent data indicates a significant shift in the enforcement landscape affecting Australian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Non-bank lenders have markedly increased their court-based recovery actions, coinciding with a rise in SME insolvencies. This trend emerges as major banks reduce their enforcement activities, highlighting a changing dynamic in creditor behaviour. - read more
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| Australian SMEs Reduce Borrowing Amid Interest Rate Uncertainty Thu, 22 Jan: In the final quarter of 2025, Australian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) exhibited a cautious approach to borrowing, influenced by ongoing uncertainty surrounding inflation and interest rates. This trend reflects a broader hesitancy among businesses to commit to new financing amid an unpredictable economic environment. - read more
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| Renown Lending Boosts SME Funding to $400 Million Nationwide Thu, 22 Jan: In response to growing demand from business owners across Australia, Renown Lending has expanded its funding pool to $400 million, broadening its mandate to provide fast and flexible financing solutions to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) nationwide. - read more
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| Snowy River Caravans Introduces Snowy River Finance for Easier Caravan Ownership Thu, 22 Jan: Snowy River Caravans has unveiled Snowy River Finance, a new in-house financing service designed to simplify the caravan purchasing process for Australians. This initiative is available through all 15 Snowy River dealerships nationwide, providing customers with flexible loan terms ranging from two to seven years. - read more
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| Challenges Mount as Australian Caravan Manufacturers Face Closures Thu, 22 Jan: The Australian caravan industry is experiencing significant upheaval, with several manufacturers ceasing operations in recent years. Notably, luxury caravan producer Zone RV entered voluntary administration, leaving hundreds of employees and customers in uncertainty. - read more
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| National Leisure Finance Enhances Caravan Financing at Melbourne Leisurefest Thu, 22 Jan: National Leisure Finance (NLF) has introduced a range of flexible caravan loan options at the Melbourne Leisurefest, aiming to make caravan ownership more attainable for Australians. Representatives James and Josh engaged with customers and industry partners to showcase how tailored financing solutions can facilitate the purchase of caravans. - read more
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| CHU's 2025 Report Shows Stability in Strata Insurance Premiums Amid Climate and Regulatory Shifts Thu, 22 Jan: 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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| ICA Calls for Strata Law Reforms to Address Rising Insurance Costs in Victoria Thu, 22 Jan: The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has recently called for substantial reforms to Victoria's strata legislation, citing a direct correlation between inadequate governance and escalating insurance premiums for residents. With approximately one in five Victorians residing in strata-titled properties, the need for effective management and oversight has become increasingly critical. - read more
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| Sure Insurance Expands Strata Coverage to $20 Million to Enhance Affordability in Northern Queensland Thu, 22 Jan: In a significant move to address the longstanding issue of insurance affordability in Northern and Regional Queensland, Sure Insurance has announced an increase in its residential strata insurance coverage from $5 million to $20 million. This strategic enhancement aims to provide body corporates and lot owners with more competitive premium options and improved access to essential insurance services. - read more
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| Artificial Intelligence: The Foremost Risk for Australian Enterprises Thu, 22 Jan: In a significant shift within the Australian business landscape, artificial intelligence (AI) has ascended to the top of the risk agenda for local enterprises. According to Allianz's annual global risk survey, 61% of Australian executives now identify AI as their primary concern, marking the first instance where this technology has led the risk list in Australia. This represents a substantial leap from its eighth-place ranking in the previous year. - read more
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| ASIC's 2026 Enforcement Agenda: Implications for the Insurance Industry Thu, 22 Jan: The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has unveiled its enforcement priorities for 2026, placing a significant emphasis on the insurance sector. Key areas of focus include failures in insurance claims and complaints handling, as well as misleading pricing practices that may impact Australians' cost of living. - read more
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| Australian Insurers Achieve Robust Profits in Q3 2025 Thu, 22 Jan: Australian general insurers have reported a significant after-tax profit of nearly AUD 2.3 billion for the third quarter of 2025, marking an increase from approximately AUD 2.1 billion in the same period of 2024. This uptick reflects a combination of rising premium revenues and a reduction in claims, contributing to the industry's robust financial performance. - read more
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| Australian Insurers Under Investigation for Premium Increases Amid Record Profits Thu, 22 Jan: In recent developments, Australian insurance companies are facing heightened scrutiny from both government officials and consumer advocacy groups due to substantial increases in insurance premiums. This comes in the wake of the industry reporting record profits, raising questions about the fairness and transparency of pricing strategies. - read more
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| Rising Insurance Premiums Challenge Australian Homeowners Thu, 22 Jan: Australian homeowners are confronting substantial increases in home insurance premiums, driven by a combination of more frequent extreme weather events and escalating building costs. Recent data indicates that the average annual premium for new home and contents policies has risen by 14%, equating to an additional $343 per year for policyholders. - read more
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| Government Launches Investigation into Insurance Industry Practices Amid Rising Premiums Thu, 22 Jan: The Australian government has initiated an investigation into the practices of the insurance industry following a surge in consumer complaints regarding significant premium increases and concerns over transparency and fairness. This move comes as policyholders report steep hikes in their insurance costs, with some experiencing increases of up to 600% without clear explanations from their insurers. - read more
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| AUSactive Unveils Comprehensive Insurance Solution for Fitness Professionals Thu, 22 Jan: AUSactive, Australia's leading body for the exercise and active health sector, has recently introduced a new insurance product tailored specifically for fitness professionals. This initiative aims to provide enhanced protection while offering more affordable premiums compared to existing market options. - read more
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| AUSactive and Health Partners Join Forces to Enhance Support for Fitness Professionals Thu, 22 Jan: AUSactive, the peak body for the exercise and active health sector in Australia, has announced a significant partnership with Health Partners, a not-for-profit health fund with over 85 years of service to South Australians. This collaboration aims to recognize eligible AUSactive personal trainers and fitness businesses as approved providers under Health Partners' Extras policy. - read more
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| AUSactive Partners with Private Healthcare Australia to Advance Health Insurance Reforms Thu, 22 Jan: AUSactive, Australia's leading organization for the exercise and active health sector, is collaborating with Private Healthcare Australia (PHA) to spearhead reforms in private health insurance. The primary objective of this partnership is to broaden access to evidence-based preventive health services, including Pilates, Yoga, Tai Chi, and structured exercise programs delivered by accredited professionals. - read more
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| Non-Bank Lenders Escalate Legal Actions as SME Insolvencies Surge Wed, 21 Jan: In recent years, Australia's small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have faced mounting financial pressures, leading to a notable increase in insolvencies. A significant development in this landscape is the escalating involvement of non-bank lenders in court-based enforcement actions against struggling businesses. - read more
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| Westpac's New Debt Consolidation Loan Aims to Ease Post-Holiday Financial Strain Wed, 21 Jan: The post-holiday season often brings financial challenges for many Australians, with increased expenses leading to heightened stress. Recognizing this, Westpac has introduced a special debt consolidation personal loan at an interest rate of 11.95% per annum, available for a limited time. - read more
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| Australia's Private Credit Market Reaches $224 Billion Amidst Regulatory Review Wed, 21 Jan: Australia's private credit market has experienced significant growth, with assets under management reaching $224 billion—a 9% increase from the previous year. This expansion comes even as the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) raises concerns about valuation inconsistencies and liquidity practices within the sector. - read more
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| ASIC's Review Highlights Concerns in Car Finance Practices Wed, 21 Jan: The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has recently conducted a comprehensive review of the nation's motor vehicle finance sector, uncovering significant issues that raise concerns about consumer protection and lending practices. - read more
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