Insurance Deductible: the amount that an insured is required to contribute toward an insurance claim as stipulated in an insurance policy. Otherwise known as the "policy excess".
Professional indemnity insurance is an essential safeguard for practitioners and businesses that provide expert advice or services. This type of insurance helps to protect professionals against legal costs and claims for damages from an act, omission, or breach of professional duty in the course of their work. For Australian professionals, where litigation is increasingly common, it's a pivotal component of risk management. - read more
Professional Indemnity Insurance (PII) remains one of the keystones of risk management for professionals across Australia. Yet, misconceptions and lack of awareness can lead to inadequate coverage, leaving individuals and businesses vulnerable in a litigious environment. - read more
Indemnity insurance may sound like complex legalese, but at its core, it's a straightforward and crucial protection for businesses of all types and sizes. Simply put, it's a form of insurance that shields a business from bearing the full brunt of financial losses due to lawsuits or claims made against it. - read more
If you're an Australian consultant, you understand that your advice is a valuable commodity. But with that value comes responsibility, and a level of risk that you could be held liable if your guidance results in financial loss to a client. This is where professional indemnity insurance comes into play, serving as a vital shield, providing protection and peace of mind for both you and your clients. - read more
The professional services industry has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, largely due to the integration of digital technology into everyday business operations. From cloud computing to mobile applications, the digital landscape for professional practices has expanded, offering new avenues of efficiency and connectivity. - read more
Urgent Call for Stamp Duty Reforms as Queensland Votes Loom
Urgent Call for Stamp Duty Reforms as Queensland Votes Loom
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In the lead-up to the imminent Queensland state election, the Australian Consumers Insurance Lobby (ACIL) is fervently appealing to prospective legislators to prioritize an overhaul of the antiquated stamp duty regime.
ACIL has pinpointed this as a critical issue, particularly in the context of the escalating costs that have disproportionately impacted residents in the north of the state.
Originally intended to alleviate insurance premiums in the region known for its cyclical weather calamities, the Cyclone Reinsurance Pool has reportedly fallen short of delivering tangible financial relief. With a laser focus on the upcoming election, ACIL underscores the relevance of this matter as multiple analysts speculate its potential to pivot the fate of the northern seats, thus potentially deciding the state's governance.
ACIL advocates for bold policy measures—either the total abolition of stamp duty, poised to generate a revenue exceeding $1.5 billion in the subsequent year, or the reallocation of these funds toward endeavors enhancing resilience to natural disasters. The lobby emphasizes that Queensland's citizenry is shouldering a burdensome 9% duty across various lines of insurance, ranging from vehicles to businesses. The elimination of this heavy surcharge could spark an immediate improvement in the cost-of-living climate for Queenslanders.
Citing the distinctive adversities confronting those in the northern precincts of Queensland, the powers at ACIL encourage decision-makers to deliver meaningful contemplation to the advanced reforms. The organization argues that the impending elections bestow a strategic opportunity to remedy the poignant issues of affordability, equity, and sustainability for the residents, particularly for those frequently facing the fury of cyclones.
The intensifying dedication of ACIL to usher in stamp duty reforms includes substantive dialogue with stakeholders within the state's Treasury and pivotal opposers within the parliamentary body. The focus has undeviatingly been steered towards concerted strategies that bolster collaborative energies, therefore cementing stamp duty amendment as an election cornerstone.
Queenslanders will cast their ballots in October, with the poll results being greatly anticipated. Since Labor has claimed governance supremacy since 2015, the upcoming election could potentially lead to a pivotal political shift, ignited by the pivotal issue of insurance affordability and the well-being of Queensland consumers in the spotlight.
A notable Australian consumer group insists for a revision of the cyclone insurance framework to achieve better parity among affected regions. Before its scheduled review, the proposed recalibration looks to distribute fiscal pressures more evenly among Australians, possibly extending the burden of cost to regions historically less affected by cyclones, such as Sydney. - read more
An investigation into Victoria’s extreme flood impact reveals prolonged distress due to insurance obstacles. The Legislative Assembly's examination brings forth issues with claim resolutions and coverage gaps as critical barriers in recuperation after the devastation of October 2022. - read more
In an intriguing turn of events, a dedicated car enthusiast's claim for damages to his vintage vehicle under home insurance has been denied after a careful review by the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA). The individual's relic, a 1970 Mercedes-Benz 280e sedan, which was being lovingly restored and was far from operational, rolled into an adjacent van following the snap of a winch cable. - read more
Residents and officials from regions affected by flooding have observed a discernable shift in insurers' handling of claims following natural catastrophes, with recent proceedings reflecting a more positive trajectory. This outlook emerged during a federal inquiry session that gave a voice to flood-impacted communities in Heathcote, Victoria. - read more
An individual's anticipation of a serene vacation in Hawaii was met with a grievous twist when wildfires ravaged Maui, leading to an urgent evacuation and unplanned expenses. A customer of Mitsui Sumitomo ventured to the Pacific paradise only to have plans upended by nature's wrath. The ensuing insurance claim denial sparked a dispute which has now been resolved by the authoritative voice of the industry’s dispute resolver, leaving a glaring reminder of the importance of scrutinizing insurance options. - read more
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