Life Insurance Australia :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

Senate Inquiry to Shine Spotlight on Insurance Outcomes in Retirement System

Senate Inquiry to Shine Spotlight on Insurance Outcomes in Retirement System

Senate Inquiry to Shine Spotlight on Insurance Outcomes in Retirement System?w=400

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

The Australian retirement system is under examination as a new Senate inquiry focuses on improving consumer experiences, choice, and outcomes.
The Economics References Committee has been tasked with investigating various aspects, including general and life insurance, and is expected to deliver its findings by June 30, 2024.

Chairing the committee, Liberal Senator Andrew Bragg emphasizes the need to align insurance with the expectations of Australians throughout their life cycle. He asserts that the legal framework and industry practices must be adapted to ensure a better customer experience and increased choice in insurance.

Areas of Focus

The inquiry has outlined specific areas related to insurance that will be examined:

  • Regulatory and tax impediments to innovation and uptake of insurance products in retirement.
  • The interaction of health insurance, life insurance, general insurance, and social security supports to retirement outcomes, including improving incentives and the sustainability of the retirement income system.
  • The impact of climate change on insurance premium affordability and accessibility.
  • The projected impact of climate change on insurance premiums for various types of coverage.

Senator Bragg highlights a concerning statistic regarding complaints about death benefits offered by super funds, which have risen by 136% in the past year. He acknowledges a systemic issue with these products that the government has yet to address.

The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has responded to the inquiry, noting that there is already a separate federal inquiry into how the industry responded to last year's floods. The ICA commits to reviewing the terms of reference to avoid duplicating the work being done by the House Economics Committee.

Meanwhile, the Council of Australian Life Insurers (CALI), representing the life insurance industry, welcomes the inquiry's focus on improving retirement outcomes and financial security for Australians. CEO Christine Cupitt states that life insurers are prepared to protect wealth and provide reliable and stable retirement income solutions.

"CALI will actively participate in any discussions surrounding these issues. Our goal is to ensure that the life insurance industry works in the best interests of Australians, allowing them to live healthy, confident, and secure lives throughout their lifetime," Cupitt adds.

Published:Friday, 8th Dec 2023
Source: Paige Estritori

Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Navigating Rising Premiums and Cybersecurity Risks in Australia's Insurance Sector
Navigating Rising Premiums and Cybersecurity Risks in Australia's Insurance Sector
16 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori
As we progress through 2026, Australia's insurance industry is grappling with significant challenges that are reshaping the landscape for both insurers and policyholders. Two primary concerns have emerged at the forefront: the affordability of premiums and the escalating threat of cyber incidents. - read more
Introducing Backd: Affordable Insurance for Casual and Contract Workers
Introducing Backd: Affordable Insurance for Casual and Contract Workers
15 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori
In a significant move to address the insurance needs of Australia's growing casual and contract workforce, TAL has partnered with global insurtech company Cover Genius to launch Backd. This innovative digital-only insurance product aims to provide accessible and affordable life and income protection coverage to workers who have traditionally faced challenges in obtaining such protection. - read more
Zurich's Home Loan Protection: Tailored Insurance for Mortgage Holders
Zurich's Home Loan Protection: Tailored Insurance for Mortgage Holders
15 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori
Zurich has unveiled its Home Loan Protection (HLP) product, a new insurance offering that combines life and income protection benefits tailored specifically for mortgage holders. This innovative cover automatically adjusts its premiums as the insured's mortgage balance decreases, ensuring that policyholders are only paying for the coverage they need. - read more
Australian General Insurance Premiums Set to Surpass $144 Billion by 2029
Australian General Insurance Premiums Set to Surpass $144 Billion by 2029
15 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian general insurance industry is on a trajectory for substantial growth, with direct written premiums (DWP) projected to exceed $144 billion by 2029. This forecast, provided by data and analytics firm GlobalData, reflects a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) driven by increasing demand for coverage in response to the rising frequency of natural disasters. - read more
Australia's A&H Insurance Sector Set for Steady Growth
Australia's A&H Insurance Sector Set for Steady Growth
15 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori
Australia's accident and health (A&H) insurance sector is on track for significant growth, with projections indicating an annual increase exceeding 4% through to 2030. This positive outlook is largely attributed to advancements in digital distribution channels and escalating health-related expenses. - read more


Life Insurance Articles

How Life Insurance Provides Financial Security for Your Loved Ones
How Life Insurance Provides Financial Security for Your Loved Ones
Life insurance is a crucial part of any comprehensive financial plan, providing peace of mind that your loved ones will be financially secure in the event of your passing. - read more
Trauma Cover: Calculating Adequate Protection for Life's Unexpected Moments
Trauma Cover: Calculating Adequate Protection for Life's Unexpected Moments
The financial fabric of our lives consists of both planning and safeguarding against the unforeseen. Trauma cover, a lesser-known but crucial aspect of personal insurance, provides this protection by offering a lump sum payment upon diagnosis of specific serious illnesses or injuries. In the tapestry of financial planning, it acts as a vital safety net, ensuring that unexpected health crises do not lead to monetary distress. - read more
The Impact of Parenthood on Your Life Insurance Choices
The Impact of Parenthood on Your Life Insurance Choices
Life insurance, a contract between an insurer and a policyholder, is designed to provide financial protection to loved ones in the event of the policyholder's death. For parents, this protection takes on a new level of significance. The birth of a child heralds a profound shift in priorities, with a focus on safeguarding the future of one's family. Hence, understanding life insurance options becomes a crucial aspect of responsible parenting. - read more
The Savvy Consumer’s Guide to Purchasing Life Insurance in Australia
The Savvy Consumer’s Guide to Purchasing Life Insurance in Australia
As the landscape of finance and personal security evolves in Australia, the importance of being insured has never been more prominent. In a world of changing family dynamics, economic pressures, and higher living costs, life insurance stands as a bastion of support ensuring the well-being of loved ones in the event of unforeseen circumstances. - read more
Understanding Life Insurance: How to Get the Best Online Quotes
Understanding Life Insurance: How to Get the Best Online Quotes
The digital age has fundamentally transformed how we approach almost every aspect of our lives, including the way we shop for life insurance in Australia. Gone are the days when one had to schedule meetings with insurance agents or flip through pamphlets to understand life insurance policies. Today, obtaining life insurance quotes online has become the norm, offering a hassle-free and incredibly accessible platform for individuals to safeguard their financial future. - read more


Start Here !
life insurance
Apply now for your free Insurance assessment and price comparisons!

Start Here

Life Cover Amount:
Postcode:

All quotes are provided free and without obligation by a Specialist from our National Broker referral panel. See our Privacy Statement for more details.


Knowledgebase
Loss Ratio:
The ratio of claims paid by an insurer to the premiums earned, used as a measure of profitability.