Farm Insurance :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

ACT Targets Rising Insurance Costs with Comprehensive Inquiry

ACT Targets Rising Insurance Costs with Comprehensive Inquiry

ACT Targets Rising Insurance Costs with Comprehensive Inquiry?w=400

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 Australian Capital Territory (ACT) is launching a thorough investigation into the escalating insurance costs that have been a cause for concern for businesses and community organizations.
This inquiry aims to shed light on the factors contributing to rising premiums and their broader impact.

Driven by the Legislative Assembly’s Standing Committee on Economics, Industry, and Recreation, the inquiry will explore several pivotal issues, including how insurance costs in the ACT measure against those in other regions, with a keen focus on workers' compensation and climate change impacts. "We are particularly interested in suggestions for improving the insurance sector to make it easier for small businesses and organisations to operate in the ACT," said committee chair Taimus Werner-Gibbings.

The investigation is set to delve into important topics like public liability claim trends, litigation behaviors influencing premium costs, and the challenges non-governmental and community projects face in accessing insurance coverage.

Part of the inquiry will also evaluate how insurance entities assess risks and consider public and private sector efforts in risk reduction. This is especially pertinent for community sports, recreation, and the creative arts when using government venues and facilities, as these requirements significantly affect their operations.

Additionally, the inquiry will examine models for offering public sector policies to community organizations, extending the scope to those that operate across state lines or on an international level.

According to the Canberra Business Chamber, there’s been a pressing need for action regarding insurance costs, which have been soaring to levels that many companies find unsustainable. "Increases in insurance premiums ultimately translate into price increases for customers and make it harder for businesses to operate sustainably," remarked CEO Greg Harford.

The chamber highlighted in its September-quarter Canberra Business Beat report that 44% of surveyed businesses experienced premium hikes exceeding 20% over two years, with these increases surpassing inflation rates.

Mr. Harford pointed out that although insurance costs are generally concerning, workers' compensation in the ACT stands out as particularly troublesome. "The chamber is hearing about huge price hikes for workers’ compensation insurance, and members report that it is substantially more expensive here in the ACT than in NSW or other jurisdictions," he added, noting the competitive disadvantage this creates for ACT-based businesses compared to those in other states.

Submissions for the inquiry are open until March 14, with the committee yet to announce when the findings will be reported.

The source of this information is from previous reports and statements, including insights from Greg Harford of the Canberra Business Chamber.

Published:Tuesday, 28th Jan 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:

Rate this article

0 Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.

Insurance News

Farm Package Revamp Signals a More Digital Insurance Market
Farm Package Revamp Signals a More Digital Insurance Market
11 Nov 2026: Paige Estritori
Prevail’s latest farm insurance update is a useful signpost for Australian primary producers watching how the rural insurance market is changing. Insurance News reported on 5 November 2026 that the Steadfast-owned underwriting agency has refreshed its farm package, now branded Prevail Elite Farm Insurance, with a clearer structure, higher stated capacity across some farm assets and new attention on technology-related exposures. - read more
New Dust Limits Put Farm Safety Records in the Insurance Spotlight
New Dust Limits Put Farm Safety Records in the Insurance Spotlight
04 Nov 2026: Paige Estritori
New workplace exposure limits for airborne contaminants are moving from a regulatory issue to a practical farm risk-management concern, particularly for grain growers heading through harvest. With the national transition scheduled for 1 December 2026, recent state decisions to delay or stage some limits have created a patchwork of obligations that farm businesses should watch closely. - read more
Farm Flood Dispute Shows the Cost of Delayed Claims Handling
Farm Flood Dispute Shows the Cost of Delayed Claims Handling
28 Oct 2026: Paige Estritori
A recent Australian Financial Complaints Authority determination involving a flooded farmhouse has put claims handling back under the microscope for rural policyholders, after the insurer was ordered to pay almost $432,000 across building repairs, additional temporary accommodation, professional costs and compensation for non-financial loss. The decision, dated 27 August 2026 and reported by Insurance News on 15 October 2026, is a useful reminder that the practical aftermath of a farm flood can extend well beyond the first clean-up. - read more
What Cyclone Alfred Recovery Teaches Farmers About Insurance
What Cyclone Alfred Recovery Teaches Farmers About Insurance
16 Sep 2026: Paige Estritori
Recent industry attention on insurance claims linked to ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred is a timely reminder that severe weather losses rarely stop at damaged buildings. For farms across storm and flood-exposed regions, the real cost of an event can include cut access roads, damaged fencing, spoiled fodder, machinery downtime, livestock movement issues and weeks of operational disruption. - read more
Seasonal Bushfire Risk Puts Farm Cover Back in the Spotlight
Seasonal Bushfire Risk Puts Farm Cover Back in the Spotlight
09 Sep 2026: Paige Estritori
Australia’s latest seasonal bushfire outlook is a practical reminder that fire risk is not confined to the height of summer. For many farms, the exposure begins well before a catastrophic fire day is declared, as grass growth, drying winds, stored fodder, machinery movement and access limitations combine to create a more complex risk profile than a standard rural home policy can address. - read more
Why Repair Bottlenecks Matter for Farm Insurance Claims
Why Repair Bottlenecks Matter for Farm Insurance Claims
02 Sep 2026: Paige Estritori
Fresh industry concern about repair delays after severe weather is highly relevant for Australian farms, where a damaged shed, washed-out access track or unavailable part can quickly interrupt day-to-day operations. While the wider insurance discussion often focuses on homes and commercial buildings, the same pressure points can be even more complex on rural properties because assets are spread out, specialist equipment is involved and local contractor availability may be limited. - read more



Farm Insurance Articles

Is Your Farm Under-Insured? Tips for Assessing Bushfire Insurance Adequacy
Is Your Farm Under-Insured? Tips for Assessing Bushfire Insurance Adequacy
The threat of bushfires looms large over the vast expanses of rural Australia, shaping the reality of farming in this sunbaked landscape. The risk, always present, escalates as the climate warms and dry conditions persist. It's not a matter of if, but when the land will be tested by fire's wrath. In this environment, the armor of insurance isn't just recommended; it's critical for survival. - read more
Farm Insurance, Workers Compensation and Contractor Risks in Australia
Farm Insurance, Workers Compensation and Contractor Risks in Australia
Australian farms that use employees, contractors, seasonal labour, family help or volunteers need to understand how workers compensation, public liability and contractor insurance can interact. This article explains the key insurance issues to review, why state and territory rules matter, and what farm operators should check before people start work. - read more
Income Protection Insurance for Hobby Farmers: What to Consider
Income Protection Insurance for Hobby Farmers: What to Consider
Hobby farming may not be your main source of income, but it can still be financially important. If illness or injury prevents you from working, income protection insurance may help replace part of your income while you recover, depending on the policy terms. - read more
Farm Property Insurance: Buildings, Sheds, Fencing and Fixed Assets Explained
Farm Property Insurance: Buildings, Sheds, Fencing and Fixed Assets Explained
Farm property insurance can help protect the fixed assets on rural land, including farm buildings, sheds, fencing, tanks, yards and other infrastructure. This guide explains what may be covered, how values are usually reviewed and what details to check before comparing policy options. - read more
Farm Equipment Insurance in Australia: What Rural Businesses Should Know
Farm Equipment Insurance in Australia: What Rural Businesses Should Know
Farm equipment insurance helps rural Australians manage the financial risk of damage, theft or loss involving essential agricultural machinery. Understanding what may be covered, what is commonly excluded and how claims are handled can make it easier to compare policies and keep cover aligned with changing farm operations. - read more
How Weather Affects Farm Insurance Rates in Australia
How Weather Affects Farm Insurance Rates in Australia
Weather is one of the most important risk factors in Australian farming. Drought, flood, bushfire, cyclones, hail and heatwaves can affect crops, livestock, buildings, equipment and farm income. Because insurers assess these risks when pricing and structuring cover, understanding the link between weather and farm insurance can help farmers ask better questions when reviewing their policies. - read more

Need a Quote?
Start your free farm insurance quote comparison here.

Start Here ...

Farm Type:
Postcode:

All quotes are provided obligation-free by a participating broker from our national referral partner network. We respect your Privacy.

Need a
FARM INSURANCE
QUOTE?

Knowledgebase
Term Life Insurance:
A type of life insurance policy that provides coverage for a specified period, such as 10 or 20 years.