Each week, we cut through the noise with a concise, trustworthy recap of insurance and small-business headlines across Australia. Expect key regulatory and tax updates, premium and claims trends, risk management developments, and expert perspectives shaping cover for businesses, professionals, and families. No hype—just what changed, why it matters, and how it could affect your planning. Stay informed in minutes and start the week confident you haven’t missed the headlines that count.
This Week:
This week: Budget proposals set a 30% minimum tax on discretionary trusts from 1 July 2028, with rollover relief from 1 July 2026—time to check how buy–sell and key person cover would pay under new structures. Broader CGT and negative‑gearing changes are flagged, so owners planning exits should review sums insured and ownership. A new analysis of insurance in super shows most Aussies rely on default cover—businesses may need separate keyman policies for the right beneficiary and amount. Finally, ACMAs SMS rules mean unregistered sender IDs may show as “Unverified” from 1 July—register now. Visit keyman-insurance.com.au for independent comparisons.
Hello and welcome to Keyman Insurance Weekly News Insights, Im Paige Estritori, and its Sunday, 17 May 2026.
First up, the federal budget proposes a 30 per cent minimum tax on discretionary trust income, starting 1 July 2028, with rollover relief to help businesses restructure from 1 July 2026. Many SMEs use trusts in ownership and succession planning, including buy–sell funding. If you rely on a trust anywhere in your business protection plan, nows the moment to map out scenarios and make sure your key person and buy–sell cover still line up with how cash would actually flow under the new rules. If you want a personalised, obligation‑free eligibility check, our independent brokers can help you compare options without pressure.
Meanwhile, the budget also outlines changes to capital gains tax, or CGT, and negative gearing. The direction of travel is toward limiting tax breaks and shifting to an inflation‑index approach for CGT over time, with parts of the package still before Parliament. For owners planning an exit, equity sales, or handing over shares funded by insurance, these settings can affect valuations and timing. Keep your cover amounts and ownership structures under review so your protection keeps pace with the deal youd actually do.
On industry pricing, a new analysis of life insurance held through superannuation highlights value differences between funds and confirms most Australians still hold their basic death and TPD—total and permanent disability—cover inside super. That can be convenient, but default settings arent tailored to your business risks. If a key persons value to the company isnt reflected in their default super cover, consider a dedicated keyman policy alongside super so the right beneficiary—your business—receives funds quickly if the worst happens. We can compare advised, direct, and super‑linked options to help you find solid value.
And a quick operational heads‑up: from 1 July, unregistered branded SMS sender IDs may show as “Unverified” under new anti‑scam rules from ACMA—the Australian Communications and Media Authority. If your business texts clients for appointments, deliveries, or security codes, register your sender ID through your provider so customers trust your messages. Its a small admin job that protects revenue and reputation.
Thats it for this week. For independent comparisons and a free eligibility assessment on keyman insurance in Australia, visit keyman-insurance.com.au. Im Paige—thanks for listening, and Ill see 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.
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has released data indicating that disability income insurance (DII) and total and permanent disablement (TPD) claims were responsible for 88% of all life insurance disputes in 2025. This significant figure underscores the challenges policyholders face when navigating claims related to disability coverage. - read more
Hostplus, one of Australia's leading superannuation funds, has announced the extension of its group insurance partnership with MetLife Australia until June 2028. This renewed collaboration aims to enhance the insurance services provided to Hostplus members, focusing on improved claims processing, underwriting, and overall member experience. - read more
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Knowledgebase
Insurance Underwriter: An insurance company, a financial institution that sells insurance.
