| Sharp Increase in Mortgage Arrears Amid Economic Pressures Sat, 25 Apr: Recent data from Fitch Ratings indicates a sharper-than-usual rise in Australian mortgage arrears during the first quarter of 2025. Conforming mortgage arrears (30+ days) increased by 23 basis points to 1.36%, while non-conforming arrears rose by 39 basis points to 5.32%. This escalation is nearly three times the typical seasonal rise, which averages around 8 basis points in Q1. - read more
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| Marinas26 Conference to Highlight AI's Impact on Marina Operations Sat, 25 Apr: The Marina Industries Association (MIA) has unveiled the comprehensive program for Marinas26, its biennial conference and trade exhibition, scheduled for 24–27 May 2026 at the RACV Royal Pines Resort on Queensland’s Gold Coast. Embracing the 'Future Smart' theme, the event aims to delve into emerging trends and technologies poised to reshape the marina and boatyard sector across the Asia-Pacific region. - read more
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| Navigating Motorcycle Finance Options in Australia Sat, 25 Apr: Securing financing for a motorcycle in Australia involves understanding various loan types and the application process. Prospective buyers can choose between secured and unsecured loans. Secured loans use the motorcycle as collateral, often resulting in lower interest rates, while unsecured loans do not require collateral but may come with higher rates. - read more
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| Wisr Launches Secured Motorbike Loans Through Broker Network Sat, 25 Apr: Australian fintech lender Wisr has broadened its vehicle finance portfolio by introducing secured motorbike loans, now available through its broker network. This strategic expansion allows customers to use their motorcycles as collateral, potentially accessing more favorable loan terms compared to unsecured options. The new product is accessible via the Wisr Partner Portal and directly to consumers, reflecting the company's commitment to providing flexible financing solutions tailored to individual needs. - read more
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| FCAI Predicts Surge in Motorcycle Sales Amid Rising Fuel Prices Sat, 25 Apr: The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) has projected a potential increase in motorcycle sales across Australia, attributing this trend to the ongoing global fuel crisis. In the first quarter of 2026, the Australian motorcycle market experienced a 7.4% growth, with 20,624 new units sold between January and March. This uptick is particularly notable in the off-road segment, which saw a 26.7% year-on-year increase, totaling 8,737 units. Scooter sales also rose by 7.8%, reaching 1,431 units. - read more
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| AustralianSuper Announces Substantial Insurance Premium Increases Sat, 25 Apr: AustralianSuper, the nation's largest superannuation fund, has informed its members of impending increases in insurance premiums, set to take effect from May 30, 2026. This development is particularly noteworthy for those holding life, total and permanent disability (TPD), and income protection insurance through their superannuation accounts. - read more
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| Insurers Push to Extend Rebate for Low-Income Seniors Sat, 25 Apr: Health insurers are calling on the Australian government to exempt low-income seniors, including those on the Age Pension, from the proposed changes to the Private Health Insurance Rebate. The concern is that requiring these individuals to pay hundreds of dollars more each year to maintain their private health insurance could lead some to downgrade their coverage or abandon it altogether. - read more
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| Marine Insurers Maintain Support Amid Middle East Conflicts Sat, 25 Apr: The International Union of Marine Insurance (IUMI) has recently highlighted the resilience of marine insurers in the face of escalating conflicts in the Middle East. Despite the challenging geopolitical landscape, insurers continue to provide essential coverage for cargo, hull, liability, and offshore energy sectors, ensuring that global trade flows remain protected. - read more
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| Rising Insurance Premiums and Declining Profits in Australia Sat, 25 Apr: Recent findings from KPMG's annual review of the general insurance industry reveal a concerning trend for Australian businesses: insurance premiums are on the rise, while industry profits are experiencing a downturn. This development is largely attributed to the escalating costs associated with natural disasters. - read more
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| Essential Business Insurance Trends for Australian SMEs in 2026 Sat, 25 Apr: As Australian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) approach 2026, the business insurance landscape is undergoing significant transformations. Understanding these emerging trends is vital for SMEs to ensure adequate protection and compliance. Here are five key insurance trends shaping the SME sector: - read more
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| MetLife Calls on Advisers to Reevaluate Business Insurance for SMEs Sat, 25 Apr: MetLife Australia has highlighted a critical concern: a significant number of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) lack appropriate insurance coverage, posing risks to both business continuity and the financial security of owners and employees. With over two million small businesses in Australia, many of which are owned by individuals over 50, the need for comprehensive business insurance is more pressing than ever. - read more
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| Surge in Insurance Complaints Highlights Industry Challenges Sat, 25 Apr: Recent data reveals a significant increase in consumer complaints against Australian insurance companies, primarily due to delays in processing everyday claims. The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) reports that insurers are generating approximately 100 complaints daily, marking a record high in the industry. - read more
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| Leading Australian Insurers Achieve Notable Revenue Increases Sat, 25 Apr: Recent analyses indicate that Australia's top non-life insurers have achieved substantial revenue growth, showcasing the industry's resilience amidst various market challenges. According to a report by AM Best, the leading ten non-life insurers in Australia collectively generated nearly $46 billion in insurance services revenue in their latest annual results, marking an 11.1% increase from the previous period. - read more
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| Continued Decline in Australian Commercial Insurance Prices Sat, 25 Apr: Recent reports indicate a sustained decline in commercial insurance prices across Australia, presenting potential cost-saving opportunities for businesses. According to data from Marsh's Global Insurance Market Index, commercial pricing in the Pacific region, dominated by Australia, fell by 12% in the first quarter of 2026, matching the decline observed in the previous quarter. - read more
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| Australia's Non-Life Insurance Sector Demonstrates Robust Growth Sat, 25 Apr: Australia's non-life insurance industry has showcased remarkable resilience, achieving total insurance revenue of approximately AUD 77.7 billion for the fiscal year ending 30 June 2025. This performance highlights the sector's ability to navigate an increasingly complex and interconnected risk landscape. - read more
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| Regulators Scrutinize Life Insurance Premium Hikes Amid Consumer Concerns Sat, 25 Apr: The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) have jointly reviewed life insurers' practices concerning premium increases, aiming to ensure they align with policy terms and meet reasonable policyholder expectations. - read more
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| Australia Enacts Ban on Genetic Testing in Life Insurance Underwriting Sat, 25 Apr: In a significant move to protect consumer rights, the Australian Parliament has passed the Treasury Laws Amendment (Genetic Testing Protections in Life Insurance and Other Measures) Act 2025. This legislation, enacted on 1 April 2026, prohibits life insurers from using genetic test results in their underwriting processes. The ban is set to take effect on 8 October 2026, marking a pivotal shift in the intersection of genetics and insurance. - read more
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| AIA Australia Highlights Structural Challenges in Life Insurance Industry Sat, 25 Apr: AIA Australia CEO Damien Mu has raised concerns about the structural challenges facing the life and health insurance industries. Speaking during the company's online 'Thrive for Life' presentation, Mu highlighted the unsustainable nature of current life insurance models, citing mounting mental health claims, rising premiums, and ongoing cost-of-living pressures as key factors. - read more
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| Significant Decline in Trauma Insurance Coverage Puts Australians at Financial Risk Sat, 25 Apr: Recent data from the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) indicates a concerning decline in the number of Australians holding trauma insurance, a critical safety net for individuals facing serious illnesses or injuries. Between June 2020 and June 2025, the number of trauma-insured individuals fell by 16%, from 1.08 million to 912,000. - read more
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| Navigating Structural Changes in Australia's Life Insurance Sector Sat, 25 Apr: The Australian life insurance industry is undergoing significant structural changes, driven by a surge in mental health claims and mounting economic pressures. AIA Australia CEO Damien Mu has highlighted these challenges, noting that the current life insurance models are becoming unsustainable due to these factors. - read more
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| Enhancing Life Insurance Premium Practices: Insights from APRA and ASIC's Review Sat, 25 Apr: The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) have conducted a joint review into life insurance premium practices, highlighting the need for insurers to improve their approaches to premium increases to better align with policyholder expectations. - read more
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| Strengthening Mental Health Coverage: Insights from the Life Insurance Code of Practice Review Sat, 25 Apr: The interim report of the ongoing review of Australia's Life Insurance Code of Practice has highlighted significant concerns regarding the industry's handling of mental health coverage. Led by financial sector expert Peter Kell, the review emphasizes the need for insurers to adopt fairer and more individualized underwriting practices when assessing applicants with mental health conditions. - read more
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| AustralianSuper Announces Significant Insurance Premium Increases Fri, 24 Apr: AustralianSuper, one of Australia's largest superannuation funds, has announced substantial increases in insurance premiums, effective June 2026. This decision affects approximately 1.7 million members and is primarily driven by a notable rise in mental health and disability claims. - read more
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| Escalating Insurance Premiums Pose Challenges for Australian Retirees Fri, 24 Apr: For many Australian retirees, the dream of a comfortable and secure retirement is being overshadowed by the escalating costs of home insurance. Over the past five years, the average cost of home insurance in Australia has surged by 51%, according to analytics firm Finity. This substantial increase is placing considerable financial pressure on retirees, many of whom are on fixed incomes and find it challenging to accommodate these rising costs. - read more
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| Australian Insurers Navigate Rising Claims and Cost-of-Living Challenges Fri, 24 Apr: As Australian households grapple with escalating cost-of-living pressures, the insurance industry is facing the dual challenge of maintaining coverage affordability while managing an uptick in claims, particularly related to mental health and disability. Recent research from national insurance provider Youi highlights that over two in five Australians (42%) report a deterioration in their financial position over the past two years, with 66% indicating they are just keeping up or likely to struggle if faced with unexpected expenses. - 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.
