Income Insurance Australia :: Podcasts

Income Insurance Australia Weekly News insights

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:

This week: APRAs latest figures show a softer September quarter for life insurers, with group income protection in loss and individual income protection moderating. A bill before Parliament would ban using genetic test results in life insurance underwriting, with a Senate timeline into early 2026. A youth‑focused super fund will add default death and TPD cover from February and allow members to apply for income protection, prompting a check of your existing settings. And the instant asset write‑off for 2025–26 is now law, supporting small‑business cash flow as you plan purchases and ongoing protection.

Read Full Transcript:

Hello and welcome to Income Insurance Australia Weekly News insights, Im Paige Estritori and its Sunday, 7 December 2025. First up, new quarterly data shows life insurers had a softer September quarter. Investment returns fell and underwriting profit shrank. Group income protection inside super swung to a loss, while individual income protection stayed in the black but eased. For employees and the self‑employed, that means group policies may keep adjusting premiums, waiting periods or benefits. Take a moment to review your cover so the waiting and benefit periods still fit your cash flow and sick leave. Meanwhile, Parliament has introduced a bill to stop life insurers using genetic test results in underwriting. A Senate inquiry is open, with submissions due 21 January and a report due 26 February. If youve delayed medical testing for fear it might affect insurance, this reform aims to reduce that barrier once it becomes law. Until then, the current moratorium remains; check your policy terms before booking tests. APRA is the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority, and TPD means total and permanent disability. Next up, a super fund popular with younger members will add default death and TPD cover from February, and members can apply for income protection through the app. Fees for eligible members who dont opt out will start being deducted late February. Its a good prompt to open your super app, confirm what cover you have, and decide whether group settings suit you or whether a standalone income insurance policy gives you the flexibility you want. For sole traders and small businesses, the instant asset write‑off for 2025–26 is now law. Businesses with turnover under about ten million dollars can immediately deduct eligible assets under twenty thousand dollars this financial year. That can smooth cash flow and planning. If youre weighing equipment purchases, map them alongside your ongoing protection costs; premiums for income insurance outside super may be tax‑deductible under ATO guidelines. Thats the wrap. If you want tailored help comparing options for your job or business, head to income-insurance.com.au for your free assessment. Im Paige, talk soon.

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