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  • Allianz launches Australian Paralympic sponsorship
    Posted 20.07.2011
    Allianz Australia has become a sponsor of the Australian Paralympic Committee in the lead up to next year's London Paralympic Games.
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  • Allianz launches corporate travel insurance policies
    Posted 20.07.2011
    Allianz Australia has launched two corporate travel insurance products that provide medical assistance and access to high-level policies.
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  • Australian aviation hit by Chilean volcanic ash cloud
    Posted 20.07.2011
    It's estimated the Australian airline industry has taken a hit of as much as $100 million as a result of disruption caused by the volcanic ash cloud from Chile.
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  • Australian brokers can apply for NZ compliance exemption
    Posted 20.07.2011
    Australian insurance brokers may be able to secure a temporary exemption from NZ's new financial services regulations until mid-2013.
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  • Handling the accounts in a growing small business
    Posted 20.07.2011
    As a small business grows, a full-time accountant may become necessary to keep the finances on track. Judging when to make this change can be difficult.
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  • Industry makes submissions to natural disaster review
    Posted 20.07.2011

    The Insurance Council of Australia has suggested a common flood definition and a community portal for consumers to view flood risk as possible ways to improve future coverage arrangements.


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  • Majority of flood and cyclone claims determined
    Posted 20.07.2011
    Insurers have now determined more than 99% of claims resulting from the Queensland floods and Cyclone Yasi, with 85% of accepted.
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  • MYI Freemans completes Cerno rebrand
    Posted 20.07.2011
    MYI Freemans' planned name change to Cerno came into effect from 1 July.
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  • No losses from cattle export ban to Indonesia
    Posted 20.07.2011
    It is unlikely the insurance industry will incur any losses as a result of the ban on live cattle exports to Indonesia, which was in effect from 8 June to 7 July.
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  • Profile: Carlie Griggs, NIBA NSW YP Committee
    Posted 20.07.2011
    Carlie Griggs will step down from her role on NIBA's NSW Young Professionals Committee at the end of the year after nearly a decade working to represent new and young people in the industry.
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  • REMINDER: early-bird NIBA Convention registrations close soon
    Posted 15.06.2011
    NIBA Members only have until 24 June to receive the early-bird discount when they register for the 2011 NIBA Convention.
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  • Premium increases set to continue in 2011: survey
    Posted 15.06.2011
    The latest Australasian Risk Management Benchmarking Survey, from Aon, has indicated premiums are likely to continue rising this year.
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  • NDIRP recommends automatic flood coverage
    Posted 15.06.2011
    The Natural Disaster Insurance Review Panel (NDIRP) has recommended that insurers should automatically offer flood coverage to small businesses in its report into the Queensland floods earlier this year.
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  • Insurance professional takes a novel approach to history
    Posted 15.06.2011
    After a 14-year career in the insurance industry, Proclaim Management Solutions’ Sue Guillou has had her first novel, The Mayan Priest, published.
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  • Low wage growth in insurance during 2010
    Posted 15.06.2011
    The banking, finance and insurance industry was one of the only industries in 2011 that recorded average salary movements lower than those of 2010, according to a new Australia-wide salary survey.
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  • Ageing populations to put strain on workers' comp
    Posted 15.06.2011
    The ageing Australian population – and, by extension, workforce – could lead to "crippling increases" to workers' compensation costs, according to GIO Workers’ Compensation General Manager Chris McHugh.
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  • 21-year-old picks up Insight excellence award
    Posted 15.06.2011
    Nadic Insurance Brokers' Sally-Anne Townley has taken out the 2011 CGU Norm Dyer Award of Excellence, at the Insight Insurance Brokers Association conference.
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  • Strong praise for Melbourne Mentoring Program
    Posted 15.06.2011
    The second Melbourne NIBA College Mentoring Program has come to a close; receiving rave reviews from both mentors and mentees alike.
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  • The future's bright for Sally-Anne
    Posted 15.06.2011
    At only 21, Sally-Anne Townley has already racked up an impressive CV. Broker Buzz profiles the winner of this year's Norm Dyer Award for Excellence at the Insight Insurance Brokers Association Conference.
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  • Twitter can help you connect with your clients
    Posted 15.06.2011
    Since its launch in July 2006, Twitter has grown exponentially to have more than 200 million users – making it one of the hottest social media properties at the moment.
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  • Workplace health vital to overall productivity
    Posted 15.06.2011
    Businesses who implement 'workplace health and wellbeing programs' can receive productivity returns of between $2 and $17.50 for every dollar invested, according to consultancy firm Springboard Health & Performance.
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  • Your client's risk management systems are vital
    Posted 11.05.2011
    Ensuring your client is operating an effective Risk Management System is one of the most pivotal factors to consider when renewing their coverage, writes Steve Bonutto.
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  • Tier 1 Broking Workshops move to larger venues
    Posted 11.05.2011
    After two very successful trials in Sydney and Melbourne, NIBA has decided to relocate the remaining Tier 1 Insurance Broking Workshops scheduled for this year to larger venues.
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  • South African footy players head to Launceston
    Posted 11.05.2011
    Launceston-based Bugg Goninon Insurance Brokers has helped to give two South African AFL players the opportunity of a lifetime.
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  • UAC expos slated for Sydney and Brisbane
    Posted 11.05.2011
    The Underwriting Agencies Council (UAC) will be holding its Sydney and Brisbane Expos in the coming weeks.
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  • Submissions for flood definition review close this Friday
    Posted 11.05.2011
    The closing date for submissions into the Federal Government's review of a standard definition of flood is this Friday, 13 May.
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  • A safe set of hands
    Posted 11.05.2011
    Incoming NIBA CEO Dallas Booth says he is very much looking forward to gaining a greater understanding of the current issues facing the broader insurance industry.
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  • Actuaries take part in National Disaster Insurance Survey
    Posted 11.05.2011
    A survey of 420 actuaries into national disaster insurance arrangements has revealed 73% support the retention of a risk-rated model for property insurance.
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  • Amendments to the Insurance Contracts Act
    Posted 11.05.2011
    NIBA is aware that a number of training providers are offering a number of courses on the proposed amendments to the Insurance Contracts Act.
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  • Government agrees that Brokers should not face commission ban
    Posted 11.05.2011
    NIBA has been successful in lobbying the Federal Treasury to exempt insurance brokers from the proposed ban on commissions as part of the Future of Financial Advice (FOFA) reforms.
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  • CGU ad campaign beats the drum for insurance advice
    Posted 11.05.2011
    CGU last month launched a new advertising campaign for national television audiences, this time featuring an eccentric beat poet.
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  • Japan quake wreaks $32 billion worth of havoc
    Posted 11.05.2011
    Risk Management Solutions has released a paper estimating the total insured loss from the Japanese earthquake and tsunami at between US$21 billion and US$34 billion (A$19.8 billon-A$32.1 billion).
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  • Insurance & Risk Professional: Special Offer
    Posted 11.05.2011
    NIBA is offering subscriptions to Insurance & Risk Professional for as low as $49 a year under a special deal.
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  • Insurance coverage takes the strain off injured mums
    Posted 11.05.2011
    Million Dollar Woman, a subsidiary of Suncorp Life Insurance, has developed a policy for mothers to cover their unpaid housework when they are injured.
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  • NIBA College scholarship winners revealed
    Posted 11.05.2011
    NIBA has announced the winners of the Frank Earl Memorial Scholarship and the Certified Practicing Insurance Broker scholarships.
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  • REMINDER: early-bird NIBA Convention registrations now open
    Posted 11.05.2011
    NIBA Members are being reminded to get their registration for the 2011 NIBA Convention early to receive the great savings of up to $990.
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  • Senate Committee waiting on Queensland insurance info
    Posted 11.05.2011
    The Federal Economics Reference Committee is yet to receive any data from the Queensland Government about its plans to insure its assets.
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  • Record crowds drawn to Steadfast
    Posted 13.04.2011
    A record crowd of more than 2700 people attended the thirteenth Steadfast Convention, held in Melbourne last week.
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  • PI policy for financial planners and investment advisers
    Posted 13.04.2011
    Vero, along with its wholly-owned underwriting subsidiary APUA, has developed a new professional indemnity policy specifically for financial planners and investment advisers.
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  • Insurance professionals head to the outback
    Posted 13.04.2011
    Ansvar Insurance will shortly send 16 of its employees up to Melville Island, in the Northern Territory, to undertake a five-day mentor program for local indigenous youths.
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  • New UAC General Manager William Legge reflects on his career
    Posted 13.04.2011

    With four decades of insurance experience already under his belt, William Legge was last month appointed the first ever General Manager of the Underwriting Agencies Council (UAC).


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  • Common definition for floods 'very close' - Whelan
    Posted 13.04.2011
    Insurance Council of Australia CEO Rob Whelan believes the insurance industry is very close to a common definition for flooding.
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  • Great savings available for NIBA early-bird registrations
    Posted 13.04.2011
    NIBA members can save up to $990 if they register for the 2011 NIBA Convention online before 24 June.
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  • Growing concern about financial and economic risks: Aon
    Posted 13.04.2011
    Australian businesses are increasingly concerned with financial and economic risks, according to the latest Australasian Risk Management Benchmarking Survey by Aon.
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  • AILA young professional events for 2011
    Posted 13.04.2011
    The Australian Insurance Law Association has organised several events for its young professionals network for this year.
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  • Warren Tickle Memorial Award closes this month
    Posted 13.04.2011

    Time is running out to enter the Warren Tickle Memorial Award, so if you are a rising star in insurance broking, get your submission in now.


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  • Weather risks on the horizon
    Posted 13.04.2011
    The recent series of weather-related events and natural disasters all over the world has, not surprisingly led to an increase in global business demand for weather risk insurance.
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  • The internet reloaded: new opportunities for insurance brokers
    Posted 13.04.2011
    "Just as the world is finally understanding the website, it's becoming less relevant," says Peter Williams, Chief Executive of Deloitte Digital, and one of the keynote speakers at the NIBA Convention later this year.
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  • Sundowners kick-off in Sydney
    Posted 9.03.2011
    The annual NIBA Sundowners series got underway in Sydney last week and is now making its way across the country.
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  • Accelerate your education with Tier 1 Broking workshops
    Posted 9.03.2011
    Due to popular demand, NIBA has scheduled three additional Tier 1 Insurance Broking Workshops. However, spaces are limited, so register now.
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  • 'Beware accumulated risks with business interruption': Allan Manning
    Posted 9.03.2011
    Dr Allan Manning, the Managing Director of LMI Group, has warned against making changes to business interruption policies in the wake of the Queensland floods.
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  • Adequate protection important for sports club security
    Posted 9.03.2011
    Broker Buzz examines the types of specialised coverage available to sporting and recreation clubs around the country.
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  • Broker steels himself for fundraising triathlon
    Posted 9.03.2011
    Corin Hansford, a Senior Account Manager with OAMPS Consulting, is using his participation in the upcoming Ironman Australia triathlon to raise funds for Lymphoma Australia.
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  • Brokers have confidence in younger generations
    Posted 9.03.2011
    Western Australian brokers have emphatically declared that the insurance industry will be in safe hands when Generations X and Y take the reins from retiring Baby Boomers.
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  • Graduate Diploma of Insurance Broking now available
    Posted 9.03.2011
    The Department of Education has approved a new graduate program specifically for insurance brokers: the Graduate Diploma of Insurance Broking.
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  • Entries for NIBA College Scholarships close on Friday
    Posted 9.03.2011
    If you haven't applied for the new Frank Earl Memorial or Certified Practising Insurance Broker Scholarships, time is running out. Get your submissions in now.
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  • Disaster relief funding linked to insurance after Xenophon deal
    Posted 9.03.2011
    The amount of funding available to the states under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) will now depend on whether each state has insurance.
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  • Lumley Insurance wins award for online broker portal
    Posted 9.03.2011
    Lumley Insurance's online broker portal, my.place@Lumley, has been recognised with an award for outstanding technological design in insurance.
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  • NZ insurance industry counts the cost of earthquake
    Posted 9.03.2011
    Three insurance brokers from Marsh NZ are among the hundreds of missing or dead after the devastating earthquake Christchurch two weeks ago.
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  • Nautilus Marine releases smart phone applications
    Posted 9.03.2011
    Boating enthusiasts can access live weather and tide information on their mobile phones with new applications developed by Nautilus Marine.
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  • Profile - Keith McIvor
    Posted 9.03.2011
    Keith McIvor, the CEO of Melbourne-based firm OAMPS Insurance Brokers, was elected to the NIBA Board in December 2010. Broker Buzz caught up with him to find out about his career, his goals as a Board member and his views on the future of the insurance industry.
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  • North Queensland brokers count the cost of Cyclone Yasi
    Posted 9.02.2011
    It will be some time before the extent of damage caused by Category Five Tropical Cyclone Yasi - which last week battered the coast of north Queensland - is known.
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  • Insurance for recruitment agencies
    Posted 9.02.2011
    A new policy can protect the recruitment and employment agencies from acts of negligence by placed personnel.
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  • Information sessions on financial reforms
    Posted 9.02.2011
    The Federal Treasury will hold a second round of Future of Financial Advice public information sessions in late February and early March.
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  • Mentors and mentees catch up at Sydney reunion
    Posted 9.02.2011
    The NIBA College Mentor Program held a reunion at the Shelbourne hotel in Sydney last Wednesday afternoon.
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  • Education: it's never too late to start
    Posted 9.02.2011
    The LMI Group's Dr Allan Manning says the sky is the limit if you take education seriously.
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  • Common flood wordings are a must: NIBA
    Posted 9.02.2011
    NIBA has thrown its support behind the proposal for a consistent definition of flooding, believing it will simplify matters and assist policyholders in better understanding the level of protection they have.
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  • ICA puts standard flood definitions on the agenda
    Posted 9.02.2011
    The insurance industry has agreed to establish a standard definition of flood coverage following a meeting with Federal Assistant Treasurer Bill Shorten.
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  • Bushfires ravage Perth
    Posted 9.02.2011
    In what is proving to be a costly summer, bushfires in the outskirts of Perth have destroyed at least 68 homes, prompting to the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) to declare an insurance catastrophe.
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  • 'Two-speed' premium market to continue in 2011: survey
    Posted 9.02.2011
    The 2010 financial year was a mixed year for premium rates, according to this year’s J.P. Morgan-Deloitte General Insurance Industry Survey, released late last month.
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  • Adding some drive to friendly competition
    Posted 9.02.2011
    Those budding golfers in the insurance industry can now take each other on with a new online system.
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  • Sundowners return in 2011
    Posted 9.02.2011
    The annual Sundowners will once again be held across Australia to update brokers on all of the big issues affecting the industry.
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  • Time for a check-up?
    Posted 9.02.2011
    A business coach shares her advice for SMEs looking to review the health of their business and plan for the future.
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  • What's in store for the year ahead
    Posted 12.01.2011
    Broker Buzz contacted brokers around the country to find out their hopes and expectations for their businesses and the industry in 2011.
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  • Floodwaters swamp Queensland's mining industry
    Posted 12.01.2011
    The Queensland floods have already had a serious impact on the Queensland mining industry, which has serious consequences for the national economy.
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  • Frosty weather tests customer service
    Posted 12.01.2011
    The flight interruptions in the UK, US and Europe over the holiday period saw an influx of enquiries to insurance providers.
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  • Funding assistance for NSW farmers hit by December floods
    Posted 12.01.2011
    Farmers affected by the floods in regional NSW late last year can apply for Government assistance grants of up to $15,000.
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  • Mobile teams hit the road to assess flood damage
    Posted 12.01.2011
    Suncorp has dispatched its Customer Response Teams (CRTs) across Queensland to assess claims in flood-stricken communities.
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  • Insurance industry will cope with Queensland floods
    Posted 12.01.2011
    While the Queensland floods have had a tragic human cost and left a widespread trail of destruction, the Insurance Council of Australia says the damage bill will be well within the capacity of the insurance industry.
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  • Convention Review
    Posted 22.12.2010

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  • McLardy McShane helps kids reach their dreams
    Posted 15.12.2010
    More than 630 insurance professionals and clients came together for the second annual McLardy McShane Reach Christmas Lunch last week.
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  • Engaging your market with social media
    Posted 15.12.2010
    SRG Group Managing Director Rod Fitzgerald gives his tips on how to successfully use social media to build an online presence.
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  • Floods ravage NSW crop yields
    Posted 15.12.2010
    Major flooding has placed half of regional New South Wales in a natural disaster zone, ruining crops, damaging infrastructure and crushing hopes for an easy end to a decade of drought.
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  • ICA warns of coming storms
    Posted 15.12.2010
    The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has urged business owners in the tropical north to ensure they are prepared for the approaching bushfire and cyclone season.
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  • APRA releases insurance industry performance report
    Posted 15.12.2010
    The general insurance industry wrote a total of $6.4 billion of net earned premium during the September quarter this year, according to the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA).
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  • Life on the Land - Getting the most from agricultural policies for your client
    Posted 15.12.2010
    The devastation caused by the current floods across regional New South Wales are a timely reminder of the importance of crops insurance policies as a prime product.
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  • Insurance brokers represented on Government Advisory Panel
    Posted 15.12.2010
    In a big win for the  for the industry, NIBA’s Linda Evans will represent insurance brokers when the Federal Government reaches a decision on banning commissions.
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  • McLardy McShane helps kids reach their dreams
    Posted 15.12.2010
    More than 630 insurance professionals and clients came together for the second annual McLardy McShane Reach Christmas Lunch last week.
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  • New NIBA President announced
    Posted 15.12.2010
    David Duffield was confirmed as the new NIBA President at the Association's Annual General Meeting last week.
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  • Profile - John Phillips
    Posted 15.12.2010
    After more than 45 years in the insurance business, Steadfast CEO John Phillips last week drew the curtain on his career. He reflected on his time in the industry with Broker Buzz.
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  • Terrorism and climate change continued risks in 2011
    Posted 15.12.2010
    A panel of insurance heavyweights gave their views on the direction of the industry at the NIBA NSW Young Professionals Panel Session.
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  • Strong start for Melbourne mentoring program
    Posted 15.12.2010
    The inaugural Melbourne NIBA mentoring program was launched in September 2010 after the success of the Sydney event held earlier in the year.
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  • Soft market forces premiums down: Marsh
    Posted 15.12.2010
    The latest Insurance Market Review from Marsh indicates that the majority of account premiums are falling and should continue to do so in the first quarter of 2011.
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  • Zurich bolsters broker manager numbers
    Posted 15.12.2010
    In an effort to boost its general insurance market share, Zurich Australia has announced it will increase the number of broker managers in each state.
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  • Wizard of Oz predicted bank interest rate rise
    Posted 10.11.2010
    Yellow Brick Road Wealth Management CEO Mark Bouris correctly forecast the banks would move out of cycle with the Reserve Bank of Australia’s (RBA) official cash rate weeks in advance, at the 2010 NIBA Convention.
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  • QBE's aviation insurance recognised as product of the year
    Posted 10.11.2010
    What does it take to create the best insurance product in the market?
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  • QBE's Insurer of the Year streak continues
    Posted 10.11.2010
    Brokers have once again recognised QBE as the top-performing insurer in Australia.
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  • No decision on banning insurance commissions yet
    Posted 10.11.2010
    A key bureaucrat has indicated that any decision on the banning of commissions on risk insurance would form part of a separate discussion to the issues facing financial advisers.
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  • Shot in the arm for broker education
    Posted 10.11.2010
    New scholarships will assist brokers in achieving higher qualifications. NIBA has announced two scholarships aimed at lifting the professional standards within the insurance brokerage industry.
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  • NSW finalist receives Warren Tickle Memorial Award
    Posted 10.11.2010
    Rebecca Wilson has been recognised as the most promising young talent in the insurance broking sector by taking out NIBA’s Warren Tickle Memorial Award for young professionals.
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  • NEW … Fast-track your education with the Tier 1 workshop
    Posted 10.11.2010
    NIBA will hold a four-day Tier 1 Insurance Broking Workshop at its Sydney offices in February next year.
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  • Lyn Blackwood: 2010 Lex McKeown Trophy winner
    Posted 10.11.2010
    The key to long-term success in broking is to maintain high standards in client service, according to Lyn Blackwood, who shared her tips with Broker Buzz.
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  • Key role for brokers in securing future growth: Suncorp CEO
    Posted 10.11.2010
    Patrick Snowball believes insurers will depend on continuing strong relationships with brokers.
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  • Attracting and retaining talent identified as key priority for insurance industry
    Posted 10.11.2010
    A panel of high profile insurance leaders at the NIBA Convention 2010 has raised concerns about attracting new employees to our industry.
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  • Aon tightens its GRIP on the corporate broking market
    Posted 10.11.2010
    Aon says the two main tasks of corporate insurance brokers – assessing risk and pricing deals – may become easier with the development of its new electronic deal tracker tool.
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  • Austbrokers goes pink
    Posted 10.11.2010
    The Austbrokers Network has used the 2010 NIBA Convention as an opportunity to make raise vital funds for cancer research.
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  • Brokers calling for greater education on climate change: Zurich
    Posted 10.11.2010
    Insurance brokers are increasingly concerned about climate change, but don’t feel they can offer the necessary expertise on the issue to their clients, according to a study by Zurich Financial Services Australia.
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  • Beyond the boardroom: breaking down the barriers to ethical professionalism
    Posted 13.10.2010
    When news of one of the world’s worst oil spills seeped its way across the international news network earlier this year, the trial-by-media that followed of BP chief Tony Hayward was captivating, says Dr Attracta Lagan.
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  • Boost your young professionals' career potential by investing in their training
    Posted 13.10.2010
    Today’s young brokers hold the future of the insurance industry in their hands. Ensure they are trained to the highest technical standards and not just the minimal requirements.
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  • 28th Annual NIBA Convention: 'Revitalise, Rethink, Refocus'
    Posted 13.10.2010
    The top 10 things to do at the NIBA Convention on the Gold Coast this weekend
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  • A message of hope: team Markey relaying for life
    Posted 13.10.2010
    Wherever you are on the weekend of November 6-7, spare a thought for Richard Finlay and his intrepid fundraising team from Markey Insurance Brokers as they take part in the Cancer Council’s 2010 Relay for Life.
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  • Commercial premiums remain flat due to competition
    Posted 13.10.2010
    The commercial insurance market is lagging growth in the personal insurance market, with corporate renewal rates and premiums to remain broadly flat this financial year due to tough competition, according to a leading survey of the Australian insurance industry.
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  • Christchurch earthquake claims estimated at NZ$4 billion
    Posted 13.10.2010
    A small contingent of Australian loss adjusters are supporting those on the ground to assess the damage inflicted by the Christchurch earthquake in New Zealand.
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  • Insurance fraud hotline launched
    Posted 13.10.2010
    A newly created insurance fraud hotline aims to reduce the number of dishonest claims.
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  • NIBA goes in to bat for insurance brokers on commissions
    Posted 13.10.2010
    NIBA’s CEO has argued against the banning of commissions for insurance brokers, in the first industry meeting on financial advice reforms since the new Federal Government formed.
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  • NIBA puts pressure on NSW Government to abolish Fire Services Levy
    Posted 13.10.2010
    NIBA is seeking a meeting with NSW Opposition Leader Barry O’Farrell to discuss the removal of the state’s Fire Services Levy (FSL), now that the Victorian Government has agreed to abolish the tax.
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  • Reasonable precautions
    Posted 13.10.2010
    In the fourth of a series of articles on the ambiguity of policy wording, Dr Allan Manning and Peter O’Brien from LMI consider terms which are frequently encountered and often misunderstood.
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  • Smoking during work hours
    Posted 13.10.2010
    Human resources departments within the country’s big insurance firms will be watching carefully as the controversial issue of enforced bans on cigarette breaks heads into the spotlight.
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  • Survey highlights the impact of a death in the family without enough life insurance
    Posted 15.09.2010
    Families that lose a parent or spouse are frequently forced to move house, with children having to change school, if they didn’t have enough life insurance, a survey has found.
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  • Record numbers to attend 2010 Convention
    Posted 15.09.2010
    Young professionals, exhibitors and sponsors are signing up in record numbers to be a part of the 28th Annual NIBA Convention, to be held from 16-19 October.
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  • NIBA appoints its first female board member
    Posted 15.09.2010
    The NIBA Board has welcomed in a new era, appointing its first female board member in Marigold Magnaye, alongside fellow new board member Keith McIvor.
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  • NIBA College Student and Trainee of the Month Awards for August
    Posted 15.09.2010
    Do you have any bright up and coming brokers in your office? If they’re not already doing training to further their careers, they could take inspiration from Gemma Gould and Sophie Hunt, who are excelling in their studies with NIBA College.
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  • Insurance industry at saturation point
    Posted 15.09.2010
    The worst floods to hit Victoria in 15 years have been declared a catastrophe, with the state’s insurance industry in overdrive as it assesses the damage.
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  • Insurance profit round-up - what to expect in the year ahead
    Posted 15.09.2010
    Insurance brokers worried about the premium impact of recent natural hazard events can rest easy; they have turned out to be a storm in a teacup, with all signs pointing to commercial insurance premiums remaining very stable in the coming year.
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  • Christchurch earthquake could be New Zealand's most expensive natural disaster
    Posted 15.09.2010
    Australian insurance companies have been quick to offer their support in light of the earthquake that hit Christchurch in New Zealand this month.
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  • Find out all about the Financial Ombudsman Service
    Posted 15.09.2010
    Has a client made a complaint against you and taken it to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS)? Or would you just like to learn more about the dispute resolution service works?
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  • Finding greener ways of travelling for your business
    Posted 15.09.2010
    Your company might believe in recycling paper and toner cartridges, but have you looked at greener ways of travelling?
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  • Fire Services Levy to be scrapped in Victoria
    Posted 15.09.2010
    The Victorian Government will scrap its controversial Fire Services Levy after years of tireless lobbying by the National Insurance Brokers Association (NIBA) and other insurance industry representatives.
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  • Helping kids in Cambodia
    Posted 15.09.2010
    Catherine Christian, a strategic business manager with Austcover’s Brisbane office, has recently returned from a volunteer project in Cambodia for children living with AIDs.
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  • A matter of cause and effect: 'Caused by' versus 'Arising from'
    Posted 15.09.2010
    The term “proximate cause” is often bandied about – both when debating the cause of a loss and in the context of exclusions.
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  • 'Indemnity' versus 'Reinstatement' - what's the difference?
    Posted 20.08.2010
    The term indemnity is often incorrectly used to describe a category of compensation that is distinct from reinstatement.
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  • Attracting and retaining top talent
    Posted 20.08.2010
    The economy is recovering and the battle for top talent has been reignited. That means it is vital that insurers and brokerages get their strategies to attract and retain staff right. “There is a war for the best talent,” says Jane Neale of executive talent consultancy Hattonneale. “The skills shortages experienced before the GFC are rapidly coming back.”
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  • Bushfires Commission recommends scrapping of fire services levy
    Posted 20.08.2010
    The insurance industry is pushing for the Victorian Government to adopt the recommended scrapping of the controversial Fire Services Levy, but its calls have so far fallen on deaf ears.
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  • Finalists of the Warren Tickle Memorial Award announced
    Posted 20.08.2010
    The emergence of females in the new age of insurance broking has been confirmed with the announcement of the five finalists for the Warren Tickle Memorial Award (WTMA).
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  • Commission disclosure ... what next after the election?
    Posted 20.08.2010
    Commissions paid to insurance brokers are likely to come under the microscope if the ALP wins this Saturday’s federal election.
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  • New student awards from NIBA College
    Posted 20.08.2010
    NIBA College has introduced the Student and Trainee of the Month awards to recognise outstanding insurance professionals who are working hard to improve their knowledge and skills.
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  • Modest increase in premiums in first half of 2010
    Posted 20.08.2010
    “Reasonable slight increases” to premiums experienced by NIBA members so far this year.
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  • Siemsen Group helps kids affected by floods
    Posted 20.08.2010
    The Under 10 division of Charleville Junior Rugby League was able to win two matches at the state representative carnival, train with the Gold Coast Titans and watch the Brisbane Broncos play the Wests Tigers last month thanks to a generous donation from the Siemsen Group.
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  • Product recalls to require more stringent strategies
    Posted 20.08.2010
    An ACCC review has found that manufacturers must try harder to encourage consumers to return faulty goods during product recalls.
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  • Policy wording to watch out for
    Posted 20.07.2010
    In the first of a series of articles on the ambiguity of policy wording, Dr Allan Manning and Peter O’Brien from LMI consider two terms which are frequently encountered and often misunderstood.
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  • National licensing laws come into force
    Posted 20.07.2010
    Insurance brokers caught in the net of a new national licensing regime (aimed at anyone who provides, or helps to secure, credit for consumers) face the possibility the new laws may be extended to cover small business clients as well.
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  • McLardy McShane Golf Day raises funds for youth charity Reach
    Posted 20.07.2010
    Victorian firm McLardy McShane held their sixth annual charity golf day on 17 May in Portsea. More than 150 attendees raised $30,000 for the Reach Foundation, a charity run by AFL legend Jim Stynes, that works to empower young people and help them reach their full potential.
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  • Five ways to ensure sponsorships deliver a return
    Posted 20.07.2010
    Most insurance brokers get involved in some kind of sponsorship activity. Whether it is the local footy team, an industry association or a national charity there are a number of fundamental things companies should do to get a better return for their business.
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  • Future looking bright for insurance brokerages
    Posted 20.07.2010
    Insurance broking is forecast to be the third-best performing industry in Australia over the next 12 months, according to a recent report by IBISWorld.
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  • General Insurance Code of Practice Training
    Posted 20.07.2010
    Have you updated your offer procedures to comply with the latest version of the General Insurance Code of Practice?
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  • The benefits of further study
    Posted 20.07.2010
    Gemma Gould, a broker with Sydney firm MGA, is currently completing the last module of an Advanced Diploma of Financial Services at NIBA College.  She spoke with Broker Buzz about balancing work with study and her hopes for the future.
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  • The future of superannuation
    Posted 20.07.2010
    More than 450 formal submissions – including 7300 pages of opinions, ideas and data – could hold the future of Australia’s superannuation system in the Cooper Review.
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  • The ongoing impact of the Icelandic volcano
    Posted 20.07.2010
    Travel insurer Chartis has asked Australian businesses to re-examine their existing policies in light of the Icelandic volcano eruption earlier this year.
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  • Top tips for crisis management insurance
    Posted 20.07.2010
    The world is an unpredictable place, where a crisis can emerge rapidly and threaten business, employees or customers. While you can’t always prevent a crisis, you can prepare for one.
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  • NSW Government fails to remove fire services levy in latest Budget
    Posted 9.06.2010
    The NSW Government has removed one insurance tax but kept the fire services levy on insurers in its latest Budget.
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  • Simon Landrigan wins Young Professional of the Year for WA
    Posted 8.06.2010
    In 16 years, Simon has risen through the ranks at Aon in a career he says he “passionately loves”.
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  • Consultation on the potential banning of commissions paid to insurance brokers is expected to commence shortly
    Posted 8.06.2010
    The Federal Government recently announced that commissions paid to financial planners would be banned and NIBA is concerned that insurance brokers are next on the list.
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  • How to make the most of the new financial year
    Posted 8.06.2010
    If you’re fed up getting the same results year in, year out and you feel like it is ‘Ground Hog Day’ every day, you’re trying to grow your insurance broking business in the hyper-competitive insurance industry and are searching for a way to dramatically increase your income and profits while maintaining some kind of a social life … well here are seven tips that will give you every chance to improve your business success this new financial year.
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  • Claims costs from Melbourne and Perth storms top $1.8 billion
    Posted 8.06.2010
    The recovery continues for many families and businesses after the severe weather that struck Melbourne on March 6 and, only weeks later, in Perth on March 22.

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  • Climate change … still a hot topic with brokers in Australia?
    Posted 8.06.2010
    With an Emissions Trading Scheme ‘on hold’ and with increased weather events – what does climate change really mean for brokers and their clients in 2010? What are the risks and opportunities? Are brokers equipped to help their clients deal with the weather and climate change issues?
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  • Brokers who provide premium funding should consider registering by the end of June
    Posted 8.06.2010
    New consumer credit laws come into force on 1 July and NIBA has urged member brokers who provide premium funding to consider registering online by the end of this month.
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  • Builders warranty insurance receives support from state governments
    Posted 8.06.2010
    The governments of New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia have stepped forward to ensure continued protection for the building industry.
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  • Accident & Health - frequently asked questions
    Posted 8.06.2010
    Broker Buzz asked Sean Walker, Zurich's National Underwriting Manager for Accident & Health, for answers to frequently asked questions about this type of insurance.
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  • Aon partners with Smartline to improve life risk advice for mortgage holders
    Posted 8.06.2010
    In a sign of the continuing trend towards the integration of financial services, Aon Australia has entered into a new partnership with a mortgage broking business to provide life risk advice.
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  • Zurich helps kids in Cape Town
    Posted 8.06.2010
    During the recent AIMS conference in Cape Town, South Africa, Zurich and AIMS held a mini mock-World Cup football game to help impoverished kids.
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  • Young broker says study has helped further his career
    Posted 8.06.2010
    Simon Hepworth, 21, from Lillingston & Marshall Insurance Brokers in Ballarat was awarded the 2010 CGU Norm Dyer Award of Excellence at the recent Insight conference in Tasmania.
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  • Where is the growth for Directors' and Officers' insurance?
    Posted 30.04.2010
    Find out what the experts have to say about the growth sectors for D&O insurance.
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  • 3 ways to improve your broking business
    Posted 30.04.2010

    Whether your interest is in short, sharp skills training, polishing your broking skills or building a specialist career – NIBA College has 3 new ways to meet your need.


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  • Financial planning commissions banned by Federal Government
    Posted 30.04.2010

    NIBA expects to take an active role in consultations with the Federal Government about commissions paid to insurance brokers, following the proposed banning of commissions for financial planners.


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  • Lawyers for Royal Commission into Victorian bushfires recommend Fire Services Levy be abolished
    Posted 30.04.2010

    The long fight against Victoria’s Fire Services Levy (FSL) has received a significant boost, with a review of evidence at the Royal Commission into the Black Saturday bushfires concluding that the levy is unfair and should be abolished.


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  • Premiums forecast to rise an average of 3.0% in 2010
    Posted 30.04.2010
    The insurance market is expected to be less volatile this year, according to the 535 executives who responded to Aon Australia’s Australasian Risk Management Survey.
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  • Perth storms - one insurance broker's experience
    Posted 30.04.2010

    Perth’s Cambridge Insurance Brokers has been busy with claims since the severe storm that hit the Western Australian city on 22 March. Director Marcus Pobjoy tells Nina Hendy how his firm has coped with the increased workload.


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  • Marsh volunteers to help the community and the environment
    Posted 30.04.2010

    Volunteers from Marsh have been out and about to make a positive difference as part of the broking firm’s Community & Environment Program.


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  • Get ready for the new data collection requirements for brokers placing business with unauthorised foreign insurers
    Posted 30.04.2010

    There are new data collection requirements for all broker licensees. Additional information will be collected from those placing business with unauthorised foreign insurers.


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  • Insurance Contracts Amendment Bill 2010
    Posted 30.04.2010

    The amendments to the Insurance Contracts Act 1984 (IC Act) have now been released and are expected to be passed this year, possibly as early as June or July.


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  • Have you checked to see if any of your clients are eligible for stamp duty refunds on their policies?
    Posted 30.03.2010
    Queensland has followed NSW and the ACT by enabling insurance brokers to apply for stamp duty refunds on policies taken out with unauthorised foreign insurers and Lloyd’s underwriters.
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  • Warren Tickle Memorial Award
    Posted 30.03.2010
    Entries are now open for the NIBA Warren Tickle Memorial Award for the most outstanding young professional in the insurance industry. Submissions are due by 30 April. The winner will be announced at the NIBA Convention on the Gold Coast in October.
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  • Insurance brokers assist clients with claims from Melbourne and Perth storms and Queensland floods
    Posted 30.03.2010
    Insurance brokers have been kept busy around Australia as tens of thousands of claims pour in from homes and businesses damaged by hail, fallen trees and flooding.
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  • Find what you want, when you want on the NIBA website
    Posted 30.03.2010
    NIBA has overhauled the content on its website and created new online communication tools to ensure brokers can find the information they need.
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  • Profile: Emilie Webster
    Posted 30.03.2010
    Emilie Webster has joined NIBA in a newly developed role of Education and Broking Services Consultant.
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  • Cycle for cancer research
    Posted 30.03.2010
    It was a beautiful day in Ballarat as Team OAMPS — along with friends from Lumley, QBE and CGU — set off on the Ballarat Cycle Classic.
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  • 10 things insurance brokers should know about their small business clients
    Posted 30.03.2010
    The key to choosing the right policy for small business clients is to have a good understanding of the business before you start your search. What’s truly at stake and how can it be covered?
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