ACCC Strengthens Position Against Broker Commissions

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 issue stems from the practice where broker commissions are often based on premium amounts, potentially discouraging brokers from pursuing more cost-effective coverage or options that pay lower or no commissions for clients. Despite full disclosure of such remuneration to consumers, the ACCC argues that the inherent conflict remains problematic.

ACCC Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb, in the submission, underlined that while some consumers might resist an upfront fee akin to commissions, the transition challenges away from conflicted remuneration models do not justify retaining exemptions permitting them. This echoes a broader reform ethos initiated by the federal government in 2023, stipulating that brokers must secure client consent to receive commissions when providing personal advice.

NSW Fair Trading, in its independent review of strata sector practices, has also highlighted the need for the broking code of practice to enhance commission practices. Commissioner Natasha Mann advocates for bolstered disclosure obligations, promoting transparency in brokers' remuneration and ownership structures, coupled with robust compliance monitoring mechanisms.

Further perspectives include those from consultant John Trowbridge, who supports the continuation of commissions but emphasizes the necessity for brokers to transparently disclose all commission-related earnings. Trowbridge also suggests that the National Insurance Brokers Association offer guidelines to elucidate conflict management and fiduciary responsibilities within the industry.

The WA Small Business Development Corporation has expressed support for widening the disclosure requirements scope, advocating for the inclusion of small businesses. By aligning with the Australian Financial Complaints Authority rules, small enterprises, often with limited resources, stand to benefit from an expanded definition that enhances clarity on financial incentives influencing broker services.

The industry awaits further developments from the review, led by Phil Khoury, as its submission deadline approaches.

Published:Friday, 2nd May 2025
Author: Paige Estritori

Please Note: We do not endorse any specific products or companies. Some content is sourced from third parties, including press releases, and may not be independently verified for accuracy or completeness.

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Clear

Cyclone Pool Delivers Relief, But Farmers Still Need to Check Cover

30 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s final monitoring report on the cyclone reinsurance pool has delivered a mixed message for rural and regional northern Australia. The pool appears to have helped ease some premium pressure for medium to high cyclone-risk areas, including reductions across home, strata and small business building and contents cover. For farm families and agribusinesses in cyclone-exposed regions, that is welcome news after years of rising costs and limited choice. - read more

Draft Insurance Code Could Lift Claims Standards for Tradies

30 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori

The Insurance Council of Australia’s redrafted General Insurance Code of Practice has moved into consultation, with submissions open until 21 July 2026 and a transition period of around two years expected if the code proceeds. For trade business owners, the headline change is that key insurer commitments are intended to become contractually enforceable, rather than sitting only as industry standards. - read more

Queensland WorkCover Freeze Offers Breathing Room for Tradie Employers

29 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori

Queensland trade businesses have received a welcome measure of cost certainty, with WorkCover Queensland’s average premium rate to remain unchanged for the 2026-27 financial year. The rate will stay at $1.343 per $100 of wages, marking the second consecutive year without an increase. - read more

AI Risk Is Moving From IT Teams to the Boardroom

29 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori

Artificial intelligence is no longer a side project for technology teams. Fresh industry reporting on Clyde & Co’s Corporate Risk Radar 2026 points to a sharp rise in concern among business leaders, with technology risk now being treated as a core governance, regulatory and reputational issue. For Australian consultants, advisers, designers, engineers, accountants, marketers and other professional service providers, that shift has direct implications for risk management and professional indemnity cover. - read more

Vero’s New Strata Product Signals a Shift in How Complex Risks Are Priced

29 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori

Vero has launched a new residential strata insurance product that could prove important for schemes finding it difficult to secure suitable cover, particularly in higher-risk northern markets. The product, introduced on 22 June 2026, is initially available in selected postcodes across Far North Queensland, from Bundaberg North, and Darwin, with a staged national rollout planned over the next year. - read more

Click for more Insurance News