Liability Insurance News Wrap for Tradies and Business
Each week, we break down the biggest Australian liability news in plain English — regulatory updates, court decisions, claim trends, and risk issues affecting tradies, contractors, and small business owners. Expect a clear, weekly recap with context, practical takeaways, and what to watch next across public and professional liability. Trustworthy, independent, and easy to digest, it’s your steady briefing to stay compliant, understand obligations, and make informed, day-to-day decisions.
This Week:
Weekly wrap for Australian tradies and small businesses. NSW renews its plan to remove the Emergency Services Levy on insurance. Commercial premiums fall about 13% in Q2, creating opportunities to fine‑tune cover. Consultation on the updated General Insurance Code of Practice closes, with proposals for enforceable promises, stronger vulnerability support and automatic acceptance of long‑running claims, subject to ASIC approval and with changes expected around 2028. Insurers are more comfortable with battery storage as fire‑containment improves, helpful for solar trades. Listeners are encouraged to review cover and get quotes via liability-insurance.com.au.
EPISODE 2471 | Liability Insurance News Wrap for Tradies and Business | Sun, 26th Jul 2026
29 Jul 2026 | Paige Estritori
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Read Full Transcript:
Hello and welcome to Liability Insurance News Wrap for Tradies and Business, Im Paige Estritori, and its Sunday, 26 July 2026.
First up, New South Wales has renewed its push to scrap the Emergency Services Levy on insurance. The Treasurer says the reform is still on the table, even if its complex. Why this matters: the levy inflates premiums for many NSW businesses. If youre renewing in NSW, keep an eye on announcements and billing lines, and make sure your broker explains any levy changes before you pay.
Meanwhile, commercial insurance pricing eased last quarter. Market data shows Australian commercial premiums fell by about thirteen per cent in the June quarter, the biggest dip since 2024. That doesnt mean across‑the‑board bargains, but it does mean more room to tailor cover. Use it to review limits, excesses and exclusions, and shop around for quotes with help from a broker so youre not over‑ or under‑insured.
Next up, the General Insurance Code of Practice review reached a milestone with consultation closing this week. The draft proposes legally enforceable promises, extra support for vulnerable customers, and automatic acceptance of claims stuck for more than 12 months, all subject to approval by the corporate regulator, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission. Timelines point to lodging later in 2026 and a start date around 2028 to let insurers update documents. For business policies, that could mean clearer claims timeframes and stronger complaints handling—so keep good records and respond quickly to insurer requests to help decisions stay on track.
And for sparkies and solar installers, insurers are warming to battery storage as designs improve fire containment. Thats reducing hesitation on projects that include storage, though site standards and maintenance still count. If you work with batteries, ask your broker about any new underwriting requirements, and make sure your public liability and professional indemnity reflect installation specs, commissioning, and handover documentation.
Thats the wrap. For clear comparisons, quick quotes, and expert eligibility checks across public and professional liability, head to liability-insurance.com.au. Im Paige Estritori—thanks for listening, and Ill catch you next Sunday.
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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