| 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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| Heightened Road Risks During Holiday Season: Insurers Issue Warnings Sat, 21 Feb: As the Australian summer school holidays coincide with peak freight activity, insurers and transport specialists are raising concerns about heightened road risks. The surge in freight traffic, coupled with increased holiday travel, amplifies the potential for road incidents, particularly involving heavy vehicles. - read more
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| Australian Home Loans Experience Significant Growth in January 2026 Fri, 20 Feb: In January 2026, Australia's housing market witnessed a remarkable 10.6% increase in home loan approvals compared to the previous month, significantly surpassing December's 4.7% growth. This surge indicates a robust demand for housing credit, reflecting the market's resilience despite existing challenges. - read more
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| Anticipated 4.8% Rise in Australian Property Prices for 2026 Fri, 20 Feb: As we progress through 2026, the Australian property market is poised for continued growth, with forecasts predicting a 4.8% increase in property prices across capital cities. This projection follows an 8.6% rise in 2025, indicating sustained momentum in the housing sector. - read more
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| Implications of RBA's Interest Rate Hike on Property Prices in 2026 Fri, 20 Feb: The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) is expected to implement an interest rate hike in early 2026, a move that could significantly influence the trajectory of property price growth. This decision comes in response to rising inflation and aims to stabilize the economy. - read more
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| Delays in Australia's Strategic Fleet Tender Raise Maritime Security Concerns Fri, 20 Feb: The Australian government's plan to establish a strategic fleet of Australian-flagged ships has encountered delays, raising concerns about the nation's maritime resilience and security. The initiative, designed to bolster Australia's shipping capabilities and provide vessels for crises, emergencies, or defence support, has missed its initial deadlines, prompting industry experts to highlight growing vulnerabilities in trade and national security. - read more
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| Artificial Intelligence Sets Course for Maritime Competitiveness in 2026 Fri, 20 Feb: The maritime industry is undergoing a significant transformation in 2026, driven by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics, and cloud collaboration. These technologies are reshaping ship design, operations, and sustainability, setting the stage for a new era of maritime competitiveness. - read more
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| AustralianSuper Announces Reduction in Default Income Protection Cover Fri, 20 Feb: AustralianSuper, one of Australia's largest superannuation funds, has announced a significant change to its default income protection insurance. Effective from 28 February 2026, the fund will reduce the default income protection cover to $1,000 per month. This adjustment aims to align insurance coverage with members' actual income levels and prevent over-insurance, which can erode retirement savings. - read more
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| APRA Postpones Changes to Individual Disability Income Insurance Policy Terms Fri, 20 Feb: The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has announced a suspension of the planned changes to individual disability income insurance (IDII) policy contract terms. Originally set to take effect from 1 October 2022, the implementation has been deferred for at least two years, providing insurers and policyholders additional time to adapt to the forthcoming regulations. - read more
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| Ocean Underwriting Expands Product Suite with Cyber Insurance for SMEs Fri, 20 Feb: Ocean Underwriting, in collaboration with Tokio Marine Management Australasia, has launched a new cyber insurance product tailored for Australian small and medium enterprises (SMEs). This addition marks a significant expansion of Ocean's offerings, which already include property, liability, and professional indemnity insurance. - read more
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| Club Marine Revamps Policies to Reflect Modern Boating Innovations Fri, 20 Feb: Club Marine, Australia's leading provider of recreational boat insurance, has undertaken a comprehensive review of its product disclosure statements (PDS) to better align with contemporary boating trends and technologies. This initiative reflects the company's commitment to staying at the forefront of the marine insurance industry. - read more
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| AUB Group's Strategic Acquisition of Prestige Marks Global Growth Fri, 20 Feb: In a strategic move to bolster its international footprint, AUB Group, a prominent Australian insurance broker, has announced the acquisition of UK-based Prestige for $432 million. This acquisition signifies a pivotal step in AUB Group's global expansion strategy, enhancing its presence in the international insurance market. - read more
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