Each week, we sift the Australian income protection landscape: policy and regulation updates, insurer moves, claim trends, and workplace risk stories. Get clear, plain-English takeaways, myth-busting context, and what changing rules may mean for employees, sole traders, and gig workers. It’s a trustworthy, industry-specific news wrap to keep your household income know-how sharp without the jargon. Expect concise interviews and pointers to credible sources so you can stay prepared.
This Week:
AFCA flags gaps in small‑business protections under broker and insurer codes, while Michelle Levy urges full, upfront commission disclosure. A Federal Court ruling finds a comparison site misled customers about its insurer panel. And small‑business credit card perks, including insurance features, are changing ahead of the surcharge ban. Listeners are urged to ask brokers about protections and commissions, verify whos included in comparisons, and review cover settings—especially for self‑employed income protection.
EPISODE 3001 | Income Insurance Australia Weekly News insights | Sun, 20th Sep 2026
20 Sep 2026 | Paige Estritori
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Hello and welcome to Income Insurance Australia Weekly News insights, Im Paige Estritori, and its Sunday, 20 September 2026.
First up, the Australian Financial Complaints Authority, or AFCA, has warned Parliament and the Assistant Treasurer that broker and insurer codes still leave small businesses under‑protected. AFCA says if self‑regulation doesnt fix gaps like clearer rights for small firms, government action may follow. If you run a micro or small business, ask your broker which code protections apply to you and how disputes are handled, so your cover and claims support arent a mystery.
Meanwhile, Quality of Advice reviewer Michelle Levy says ethical brokers should disclose all commissions upfront, not only when asked. The current broker code draft stops short of mandatory dollar disclosure for every client, including small business. As a buyer of income protection, ask for the commission amount in dollars and how it influences the shortlist. That keeps the advice conversation focused on benefits, waiting periods and claim service, not hidden costs.
A court decision this week found a major comparison site misled people about how many insurers it really compared for life and funeral cover. The message is simple: comparison tools can be helpful, but some only show a narrow slice of the market. When youre weighing income protection, always ask which insurers are included and which are missing, and scan the product disclosure statement for limits and exclusions that matter to your job and health history.
And for small business owners, card perks are shifting as the October surcharge ban kicks in. Several banks are cutting or reshaping business credit card insurance features and interest‑free days. Dont rely on card travel or purchase cover to fill serious risk gaps. If youre self‑employed, make sure your income insurance is set at the right benefit, with a waiting period that matches your cash buffer.
Thats the wrap for this week. For clear guides, options that fit your occupation, and a simple way to compare income insurance, head to income-insurance.com.au. Im Paige Estritori—thanks for listening and take care.
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.
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