According to ICA’s proposal, the flood defence fund would be strategically allocated over a ten-year period, with financial responsibilities shared between federal, New South Wales, Queensland, and Victorian governments, as these areas have been identified with the highest flood exposure. The allocation plan includes $15 billion for new flood defence infrastructure, $5 billion to reinforce vulnerable properties, $10 billion for property buyback schemes, and $150 million invested in enhancing current flood mitigation infrastructure.
In addition to flood management, the ICA's platform outlines reforms across various areas, such as optimizing land use planning, introducing rigorous regulatory measures, enhancing building resilience, ensuring consistent investment in the Disaster Ready Fund, and addressing ongoing challenges within the motor repair sector.
As ICA CEO Andrew Hall articulates in the report’s introduction, the previous year saw Australia’s general insurance sector underpinning household and business stability with 41 million policies issued and claims exceeding $32 billion. However, he warns that escalating risks and costs are undermining the affordability and effectiveness of insurance, further compounded by the current cost-of-living crisis, which intensifies pressures on both families and businesses. Hall emphasizes that addressing these issues is imperative and requires decisive action.
The proposed fund is crucial as it directly addresses the financial burdens associated with flood damage, which can devastate community infrastructure, homes, and businesses. By investing in preventive and mitigative measures, the fund aims to reduce the frequency and severity of flood impacts, potentially lowering insurance premiums in high-risk areas and enhancing the overall resilience of Australian cities and towns.
If adopted, the fund could lead to substantial infrastructure projects in flood-prone regions, enhancing community protection and possibly setting a precedent for future climate adaptation policies. The insurance sector, along with state and federal governments, will need to collaborate closely to ensure effective implementation of proposed measures. Additionally, the emphasis on regulatory improvements and infrastructure resilience signals a broader push towards sustainable urban development, aligning economic security with environmental stewardship.
Published:Tuesday, 4th Mar 2025
Source: Paige Estritori
![]() | $30 Billion Flood Defence Fund Proposed in Election Agenda 04 Mar 2025: Paige Estritori The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has unveiled its election platform, urging the federal government to significantly enhance flood defences by establishing a $30.15 billion flood defence fund. This initiative, highlighted as the primary recommendation, seeks to mitigate the catastrophic impact of floods, which are deemed as Australia’s most financially damaging natural disaster. - read more |
![]() | Australians Reconsider Health Insurance As Costs Rise 04 Mar 2025: Paige Estritori New findings from Finder reveal a growing trend among Australians considering the cancellation of their health insurance policies. This move comes in response to increasing living expenses and an impending rise in insurance premiums. - read more |
![]() | Exploring the Future of Insurance at the Outlook 2025 Conference 01 Mar 2025: Paige Estritori The Insurance News Outlook 2025 Conference, scheduled for March 12 in Sydney, is set to delve deeply into the insurance industry's future. With a focus on emerging risks, advancements in technology, and the evolving landscape of broking, the event promises insightful discussions led by industry experts. - read more |
![]() | Proposed Reforms Could Save Australians $4 Billion on Insurance 01 Mar 2025: Paige Estritori The Australian Greens have proposed a comprehensive policy initiative aimed at reducing the cost of insurance by $4 billion. As natural disasters become more frequent and severe, insurance premiums have been escalating. The Greens' strategy emphasizes a multi-faceted approach, including the abolishment of insurance stamp duties, an expansion of the Cyclone Reinsurance Pool to cover all natural disasters, and imposing financial contributions on fossil fuel companies to offset their impact on climate change. - read more |
![]() | Coalition Pledges to Cut Insurance Capital and Compliance Costs 26 Feb 2025: Paige Estritori The Coalition has proposed significant changes to the insurance sector's capital requirements and regulatory compliance, a move supported by the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA). This pledge comes in the lead-up to the federal election, with shadow treasurer Angus Taylor detailing the plans that aim to alleviate the industry's financial pressures. - read more |
![]() | Understanding Business Interruption Insurance for Cafes Business interruption insurance is a specialized type of coverage designed to protect businesses from financial losses due to unavoidable disruptions. Whether it's a natural disaster, a burst pipe, or a local emergency, this insurance helps ensure that the business can continue to meet its financial obligations during downtime. - read more
|
![]() | How to Create a Financial Risk Management Plan for Your Cafe Owning a cafe is a rewarding venture, but it comes with its own set of financial challenges. To maintain financial stability, it's crucial to understand the unique risks associated with the cafe industry. This involves not only staying informed about economic trends but also anticipating potential disruptions. Recognizing these factors is the first step towards creating a solid risk management plan for your cafe. - read more
|
![]() | Understanding Cafe Insurance: What Every Owner Needs to Know Running a cafe can be a dream come true, but it's not without its challenges. One of the most critical aspects of managing a cafe is ensuring that it's adequately insured. Cafe owners in Australia face various risks, from equipment breakdowns to customer accidents. Without proper insurance coverage, these incidents can translate into significant financial losses. Insurance acts as a safety net, offering protection against unforeseen events and ensuring the business can recover swiftly. - read more
|
![]() | Accidents Happen: How Public Liability Insurance Safeguards Your Cafe Running a cafe can be incredibly rewarding, but it comes with its own set of challenges. One of these challenges is managing the various risks that can arise, especially when dealing with the public daily. This is where public liability insurance becomes an essential part of your business toolkit. It's designed to protect your cafe from the financial fallout of accidents that can occur on your premises, which is crucial for safeguarding your business’s financial health. - read more
|
![]() | How to Choose the Right Insurance for Your Coffee Shop Running a coffee shop involves more than simply brewing the perfect cup of coffee. It requires a sound understanding of the business's risks and a strategic approach to managing them. Choosing the right insurance coverage is crucial for safeguarding your investment. - read more
|
![]() |
Understanding Cafe Insurance: What Every Owner Needs to Know Running a cafe can be a dream come true, but it's not without its challenges. One of the most critical aspects of managing a cafe is ensuring that it's adequately insured. Cafe owners in Australia face various risks, from equipment breakdowns to customer accidents. Without proper insurance coverage, these incidents can translate into significant financial losses. Insurance acts as a safety net, offering protection against unforeseen events and ensuring the business can recover swiftly. - read more
|
![]() |
Understanding Business Interruption Insurance for Cafes Business interruption insurance is a specialized type of coverage designed to protect businesses from financial losses due to unavoidable disruptions. Whether it's a natural disaster, a burst pipe, or a local emergency, this insurance helps ensure that the business can continue to meet its financial obligations during downtime. - read more
|
![]() |
How to Create a Financial Risk Management Plan for Your Cafe Owning a cafe is a rewarding venture, but it comes with its own set of financial challenges. To maintain financial stability, it's crucial to understand the unique risks associated with the cafe industry. This involves not only staying informed about economic trends but also anticipating potential disruptions. Recognizing these factors is the first step towards creating a solid risk management plan for your cafe. - read more
|
![]() |
How to Choose the Right Insurance for Your Coffee Shop Running a coffee shop involves more than simply brewing the perfect cup of coffee. It requires a sound understanding of the business's risks and a strategic approach to managing them. Choosing the right insurance coverage is crucial for safeguarding your investment. - read more
|
![]() |
The Importance of Disability Income Protection Programs for Cafe Owners Running a cafe is more than just a business; it’s a passion for many. However, for cafe owners, the risk of an injury or illness that could interrupt their ability to work is a genuine concern. Disability income protection is crucial as it provides financial security if you're unable to earn an income due to health issues. - read more
|