Each week, Insurance for Strata brings you a clear, no-fuss wrap of the biggest Australian strata and insurance stories. We filter regulatory updates, premium trends, weather and catastrophe impacts, building compliance developments, and notable claims decisions into a quick, reliable brief. Designed for committees, strata managers, and property stakeholders, it helps you stay informed, spot emerging risks, and understand what’s changing across states—so you can make confident, timely decisions without wading through headlines.
This Week:
Paige Estritori wraps the week for strata managers and committees: NSWs Emergency Services Levy reform moves forward with insurer engagement but no start date yet; AFCA updates guidance on disputes about claim delays, pushing for clearer timelines and communication; commercial insurance prices eased late last year, with property lines generally softer but catastrophe‑exposed risks still tight; and a likely WA cyclone plus Victorian bushfire losses around $200 million underscore the need for readiness and fast claims processes. Visit insurance-for-strata.com.au for guides and comparisons.
EPISODE 1245 | Insurance for Strata Weekly News Wrap | Sat, 7th Feb 2026
8 Feb 2026 | Paige Estritori
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Read Full Transcript:
Hello and welcome to the Insurance for Strata Weekly News Wrap, Im Paige Estritori, and its Saturday, 7 February 2026.
First, in New South Wales, reform of the Emergency Services Levy, or ESL, is edging forward. The ESL monitor has been working with major insurers on how they collect the levy, handle refunds and communicate with customers ahead of the levys expected removal, but theres no start date yet. For strata committees, this could change how premiums are built and billed, so budget conservatively and watch insurer notices for any transition timing or credits.
Next up, claims handling. The Australian Financial Complaints Authority, or AFCA, has updated its guidance for disputes about delays in general insurance claims. The emphasis is on clear timelines and documented communication throughout a claim. For managers, keep a simple claim log, confirm actions and dates in writing, and set expectations with owners early to reduce escalation risk and downtime.
Meanwhile, the commercial insurance market softened further late last year. One major broker reports Australian commercial cover prices fell by as much as about 20 percent in the fourth quarter, with property lines generally easing, though assets with heavy natural‑catastrophe exposure or recent losses remain more challenging. For strata renewals, come to market early, highlight risk improvements—like compliant fire systems and up‑to‑date maintenance—and compare options to support competitive, fit‑for‑purpose coverage.
Finally, severe weather. The Bureau of Meteorology says a tropical low off Western Australia has a high chance of becoming a cyclone this weekend, bringing damaging winds and heavy rain to parts of the Pilbara. And in Victoria, insured losses from recent bushfires have climbed to about two hundred million dollars, with recovery and claims efforts underway. If youre in exposed areas, review your buildings emergency plan, confirm contact lists, and have policy and broker details handy so any claim can be lodged quickly.
Thats it for this week. For clear guides, checklists, and to compare strata insurance options for your building, visit insurance-for-strata.com.au.
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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Knowledgebase
Subrogation: An insurance carrier may reserve the "right of subrogation" in the event of a loss. This means that the company may choose to take action to recover the amount of a claim paid to a covered insured if the loss was caused by a third party.
