$30 Billion Flood Defence Fund Proposed in Election Agenda

1

According to ICA’s proposal, the flood defence fund would be strategically allocated over a ten-year period, with financial responsibilities shared between federal, New South Wales, Queensland, and Victorian governments, as these areas have been identified with the highest flood exposure. The allocation plan includes $15 billion for new flood defence infrastructure, $5 billion to reinforce vulnerable properties, $10 billion for property buyback schemes, and $150 million invested in enhancing current flood mitigation infrastructure.

In addition to flood management, the ICA's platform outlines reforms across various areas, such as optimizing land use planning, introducing rigorous regulatory measures, enhancing building resilience, ensuring consistent investment in the Disaster Ready Fund, and addressing ongoing challenges within the motor repair sector.

As ICA CEO Andrew Hall articulates in the report’s introduction, the previous year saw Australia’s general insurance sector underpinning household and business stability with 41 million policies issued and claims exceeding $32 billion. However, he warns that escalating risks and costs are undermining the affordability and effectiveness of insurance, further compounded by the current cost-of-living crisis, which intensifies pressures on both families and businesses. Hall emphasizes that addressing these issues is imperative and requires decisive action.

The proposed fund is crucial as it directly addresses the financial burdens associated with flood damage, which can devastate community infrastructure, homes, and businesses. By investing in preventive and mitigative measures, the fund aims to reduce the frequency and severity of flood impacts, potentially lowering insurance premiums in high-risk areas and enhancing the overall resilience of Australian cities and towns.

If adopted, the fund could lead to substantial infrastructure projects in flood-prone regions, enhancing community protection and possibly setting a precedent for future climate adaptation policies. The insurance sector, along with state and federal governments, will need to collaborate closely to ensure effective implementation of proposed measures. Additionally, the emphasis on regulatory improvements and infrastructure resilience signals a broader push towards sustainable urban development, aligning economic security with environmental stewardship.

Published:Tuesday, 4th Mar 2025
Source: Paige Estritori

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Clear

Rising Mental Health Claims Reshape Australia's Insurance Landscape

07 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori

Australia's insurance sector is experiencing a significant shift as mental health conditions become the predominant cause of total and permanent disability (TPD) claims. Recent data from the Council of Australian Life Insurers (CALI) indicates that mental health issues now account for nearly one-third of all TPD claims, marking a substantial change in the industry's claim patterns. - read more

ASIC Initiates Legal Proceedings Against Australian Super for Claim Delays

07 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has commenced legal action against Australian Super, the nation's largest superannuation fund, alleging significant delays in processing death benefit claims. The regulator contends that between July 2019 and October 2024, Australian Super failed to handle nearly 7,000 claims efficiently, with some delays extending up to four years. - read more

ASIC Files Lawsuit Against QBE Insurance for Misleading Discount Practices

07 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has initiated legal proceedings against QBE Insurance, alleging that the insurer misled more than 500,000 customers about pricing discounts over a five-year period. The regulator claims that between July 2017 and September 2022, QBE used a pricing model that reduced the discounts customers were promised, affecting retirees, loyal customers, shareholders, and those with multiple policies or claims-free histories. - read more

Surge in Mental Health Claims Puts Pressure on Australia's Insurance Industry

29 Sep 2025: Paige Estritori

Australia's life insurance sector is facing unprecedented challenges as mental health conditions have become the leading cause of total and permanent disability (TPD) claims. Recent data from the Council of Australian Life Insurers (CALI) reveals that mental health issues now account for nearly one-third of all TPD claims paid out. - read more

Rest Super Faces Class Action Over Alleged Wrongful Deduction of Income Protection Premiums

29 Sep 2025: Paige Estritori

Shine Lawyers has initiated class action proceedings in the Federal Court against Rest Superannuation, alleging that the fund wrongfully deducted income protection premiums from members' accounts between December 2008 and June 2019. The lawsuit claims that up to 500,000 Rest members may have been affected by these deductions. - read more

Click for more Insurance News