Rising Insurance Premiums Pose Challenges for Australian Businesses

Daniel Hunter, CEO of Business NSW, highlighted that insurance affordability has been a top concern for businesses for nearly two years, exacerbated by state and federal taxation policies. The Emergency Services Levy (ESL) and stamp duty in NSW are significant contributors to high premiums. Hunter warned that many businesses are now uninsurable or simply unable to afford coverage, exposing them to considerable financial risk in the event of natural disasters and other unforeseen events.

The survey also revealed that 64% of NSW businesses are not fully insured against catastrophic events, underscoring the urgent need for policy changes. In response, Business NSW is advocating for a comprehensive review of insurance taxation and regulatory settings to ensure businesses can access affordable and adequate coverage.

In alignment with these concerns, the National Insurance Brokers Association (NIBA) has proposed several key measures to tackle the challenge of insurance accessibility and affordability. These recommendations include expanding the Disaster Ready Fund into a rolling ten-year program to provide certainty and long-term funding for disaster mitigation projects. This expansion would allow for proactive investment in high-risk areas, reducing the overall impact of natural disasters and limiting premium increases.

NIBA also calls for the introduction of a National Household Mitigation Scheme, a co-funded initiative between federal and state governments to support homeowners and small businesses in implementing property-level resilience measures. Retrofitting homes and commercial buildings against cyclones, bushfires, and floods could significantly reduce damage costs and insurance claims.

Additionally, NIBA recommends establishing an Advisory Committee on Emerging Risks to assess and mitigate emerging risks such as cyber threats, artificial intelligence, and geopolitical instability. This committee would ensure that businesses have the necessary tools and guidance to navigate an evolving insurance landscape.

These measures represent a critical investment in Australia's future, aiming to strengthen household and community resilience, improve insurance affordability, and ensure that communities and businesses can thrive in the face of growing challenges. NIBA welcomes the opportunity to work with the government to achieve these critical reforms and create a more resilient future for all Australians.