Mon, 9th Mar 2026

This episode of Financial Services Online by Paige Estritori includes key Australian insurance news. Firstly, the Strata Community Association in New South Wales is set to phase out insurance commissions from management contracts starting 2026, but reaction is mixed. Postal reforms are pushed by the Insurance Council of Australia in light of the growing rise of strata-titled properties in Victoria. Private health insurance will see average premium hikes of 4.41% from April, the sharpest increase since 2017, causing Health Minister Mark Butler to urge policyholders to review their plans. Lastly, Suncorp reports higher-than-expected natural hazard costs for H1 2026, stressing the importance of comprehensive insurance amid rising natural calamities. Listeners are urged to stay updated on their website, financialservicesonline.com.au.