ACCC Strengthens Position Against Broker Commissions

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 issue stems from the practice where broker commissions are often based on premium amounts, potentially discouraging brokers from pursuing more cost-effective coverage or options that pay lower or no commissions for clients. Despite full disclosure of such remuneration to consumers, the ACCC argues that the inherent conflict remains problematic.

ACCC Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb, in the submission, underlined that while some consumers might resist an upfront fee akin to commissions, the transition challenges away from conflicted remuneration models do not justify retaining exemptions permitting them. This echoes a broader reform ethos initiated by the federal government in 2023, stipulating that brokers must secure client consent to receive commissions when providing personal advice.

NSW Fair Trading, in its independent review of strata sector practices, has also highlighted the need for the broking code of practice to enhance commission practices. Commissioner Natasha Mann advocates for bolstered disclosure obligations, promoting transparency in brokers' remuneration and ownership structures, coupled with robust compliance monitoring mechanisms.

Further perspectives include those from consultant John Trowbridge, who supports the continuation of commissions but emphasizes the necessity for brokers to transparently disclose all commission-related earnings. Trowbridge also suggests that the National Insurance Brokers Association offer guidelines to elucidate conflict management and fiduciary responsibilities within the industry.

The WA Small Business Development Corporation has expressed support for widening the disclosure requirements scope, advocating for the inclusion of small businesses. By aligning with the Australian Financial Complaints Authority rules, small enterprises, often with limited resources, stand to benefit from an expanded definition that enhances clarity on financial incentives influencing broker services.

The industry awaits further developments from the review, led by Phil Khoury, as its submission deadline approaches.

Published:Friday, 2nd May 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:

Insurance News

Clear

Why roadworthiness checks are an insurance issue for truck operators

20 Aug 2026: Paige Estritori

Recent transport industry coverage has again highlighted regulator attention on heavy vehicle roadworthiness, with roadside checks, defect management and maintenance systems remaining central safety themes for Australian operators. For trucking businesses, the message is not limited to avoiding fines or delays. Roadworthiness can also influence how insurers view risk, how smoothly a claim progresses and whether policy conditions have been met after an incident. - read more

What electronic work diaries mean for truck insurance

13 Aug 2026: Paige Estritori

Recent transport industry coverage has again put electronic work diaries in the spotlight, as more heavy vehicle operators look for practical ways to manage fatigue obligations without relying solely on paper records. For Australian trucking businesses, the shift is more than an administrative upgrade. It has direct implications for compliance evidence, driver management, incident investigation and the way insurers assess operational risk. - read more

Why AI dash cameras are becoming an insurance issue for truck fleets

05 Aug 2026: Paige Estritori

The latest fleet technology coverage points to a clear shift in Australian transport: AI-enabled dash cameras, telematics and connected maintenance platforms are moving from optional extras to everyday risk-management tools. For truck operators, the insurance implications are becoming harder to ignore. - read more

Why truck fire risk deserves a closer insurance review

29 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori

A fresh round of transport safety coverage has put truck fires back on the risk agenda for Australian operators. While major crashes often attract the most attention, a vehicle fire can be just as disruptive for a business: the truck may be written off, the load may be damaged, a route may be blocked and the operator may lose income while replacement equipment is sourced. - read more

Why rural heavy vehicle safety matters for insurance

22 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator’s latest focus on agricultural heavy vehicle safety is a timely reminder for farm, livestock, grain and regional freight operators: safety standards are not just a compliance issue. They can also shape claims outcomes, business interruption, liability exposure and future access to affordable truck insurance. - read more

Why the soft insurance market is uneven for heavy vehicle fleets

15 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori

Bellrock Advisory’s latest market update suggests Australia’s commercial insurance market has moved further into a softer phase, with competition, insurer capital and growth targets putting downward pressure on pricing. For transport operators, however, the headline story is more complicated than cheaper insurance across the board. The update points to a widening split between well-managed fleets and operators carrying heavier claim patterns, complex assets or higher repair exposures. - read more

Click for more Insurance News