NSW Budget Prioritizes Resilience, Aimed at Insurance Affordability
NSW Budget Prioritizes Resilience, Aimed at Insurance Affordability
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 latest NSW budget signals a significant boost for improving insurance outcomes by heavily investing in resilience building and working towards emergency services levy reforms.
Unveiling the 2024-25 budget, the Minns government has announced a substantial allocation of $5.7 billion over the next four years focused on disaster response and natural calamities, with Australian government contributions included.
Among the key initiatives, $525 million is set aside for the Resilient Homes Program in the Northern Rivers and Central West, promoting voluntary home buybacks and flood-proofing just to name a few enhancements. Meanwhile, the Resilient Lands Program will receive $87.4 million aimed at creating new housing and land opportunities in Northern Rivers.
"The focus on resilience is truly commendable," stated Andrew Hall, CEO of the Insurance Council of Australia. "By proactively addressing the need to safeguard properties and human lives from the increasing menace of severe weather, the government is paving the path for improved insurance scenarios."
An equally notable aspect of the budget is the government's renewed commitment to replacing the current insurance-based emergency services levy (ESL) with a property levy mechanism.
According to the budget documents, growing needs for emergency services spurred by climate change and frequent natural disasters are driving the push for change. The documents mention, "Transitioning from the ESL to a broader-based property levy would alleviate the pressure on insurance premiums and distribute the cost more equitably among all property owners."
Insurers have long been advocating for such reforms. Mr. Hall praised the move, remarking, "Eliminating the ESL will definitely reduce insurance costs for customers in NSW. The existing system has long penalized policyholders especially those living in flood-prone areas, already burdened by hefty insurance premiums."
IAG, another major player in the insurance arena, also lauded the budget. Nick Hawkins, CEO and MD, commented, "Measures like voluntary home buybacks, planned relocations, house raising, and retrofits are critical. These steps will not only enhance safety but also secure long-term protection for residents in high-risk zones."
The budget papers project a significant growth in ESL-related revenue, estimating an uptick of $205.6 million by 2027-28 when compared to the previous half-year review of 2023-24. This increase highlights the provisioning of additional resources to elevate emergency services for the NSW community.
For the fiscal year 2024-25, the government anticipates collecting around $1.32 billion in ESL revenue, with projections for the subsequent years being $1.27 billion in 2025-26, $1.22 billion in 2026-27, and $1.24 billion in 2027-28.
However, insurance duty revenues have observed a slight decline, revised downward by $7 million for 2023-24 and by $34 million over the next four years up to 2027-28, a situation attributed to fluctuations in year-to-date collections.
From Insurance News Magazine: How Government Disaster Payouts Could Drive the Search for a "Better Way" on Climate Adaptation.
Published:Thursday, 20th Jun 2024 Source: Paige Estritori
Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.
In a strategic move to promote physical activity among its members, AIA Australia has announced partnerships with global fitness company Peloton and premium cycling brand Specialized. These collaborations aim to provide AIA Vitality members with significant discounts on cycling equipment, thereby encouraging a more active lifestyle. - read more
In a significant development for the integration of natural therapies into mainstream healthcare, Australian health insurers are collaborating with natural therapy associations to develop accreditation and claims frameworks. This initiative follows recent legislative changes that permit health funds to offer rebates for specific natural therapies, including Yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, Shiatsu, Naturopathy, Western herbal medicine, and the Alexander Technique. - read more
News Corp Australia has relaunched its 'Health of the Nation' campaign for the third consecutive year, aiming to drive healthier habits among Australians. This year's campaign features Woolworths as the presenting partner for the third time and introduces Anytime Fitness as a new supporting partner. - read more
Australian health insurance policyholders are set to experience a substantial increase in their premiums, with an average rise of 4.41% scheduled to take effect from April 2026. This adjustment marks the most significant hike since 2017 and is expected to impact over 15 million Australians who hold private health insurance policies. - read more
In a significant move, Australian private health insurers have refunded nearly $4.8 billion to policyholders, fulfilling their commitment not to profit from the reduced access to health services during the COVID-19 pandemic. This substantial refund comes after widespread cancellations of elective surgeries and other medical appointments during lockdowns, which led to considerable savings for insurers. - read more
Choosing the right life insurance policy is one of the most important decisions for Australians, especially for those who are middle-aged or older. Life insurance provides financial security for your loved ones in the event of your passing, ensuring that they are not burdened with financial hardships. - read more
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
When it comes to life insurance, a pre-existing condition refers to any medical condition or illness that you have been diagnosed with before applying for a life insurance policy. - read more
When you’re young, life is all about new experiences and making plans for a promising future. While factors like travel, career, and relationships often take centre stage, one aspect often overlooked is life insurance. It might seem like something to consider later in life, but starting a policy while you're young can be a savvy financial move. - read more
Welcome to a pivotal guide dedicated to empowering you with the essentials of income protection insurance in Australia. As we navigate through times of uncertainty, safeguarding your financial wellbeing becomes not just a priority, but a necessity. Income protection insurance stands as one of the key pillars of financial security, ensuring a steady flow of income during periods when you're unable to work due to illness or injury. - read more
Start Here !
Apply now for your free Insurance assessment and price comparisons!
Knowledgebase
Claim Adjuster: An insurance professional who investigates and evaluates insurance claims to determine the amount the insurance company should pay.
