“Total and Permanent Disability Insurance” is designed to relieve financial pressure in case you become permanently disabled as a result of illness or injury.

The statistics paint a sobering picture: approximately 9 million Australians currently hold Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) insurance, yet many remain underinsured or completely unaware of what their policies actually cover.

The harsh reality is that permanent disability doesn’t discriminate. Whether you’re a 25-year-old tradesperson or a 45-year-old office manager, the risk exists. What’s more concerning is that many Australians discover the gaps in their coverage only when it’s too late to address them. This article examines why TPD insurance deserves serious consideration in every working person’s financial planning strategy, backed by current industry data and regulatory insights.

Understanding TPD Insurance: More Than Just a Safety Net

Total and Permanent Disability insurance provides a lump sum payment when you become permanently unable to work due to illness or injury. However, the devil lies in the details of what “permanently disabled” actually means. According to the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), each insurer maintains different definitions of total and permanent disability, creating a complex landscape that requires careful navigation [1].

An unexpected critical illness or accident that results in the breadwinner being unable to work can have a devastating effect on a family, especially when the breadwinner does not have Trauma Insurance. I’ve witnessed firsthand the devastating financial impact that critical illnesses can have on families. While most working Australians understand the importance of health insurance and income protection, there’s one crucial safety net that remains significantly under-utilised: trauma insurance. The statistics paint a sobering picture that every working Australian should understand.

The Harsh Reality of Critical Illness in Australia

The numbers don’t lie, and they should concern every working Australian. Each year, more than 150,000 Australians receive a cancer diagnosis [1]. Cardiovascular disease affects over 1.2 million Australians, often leading to heart attacks [1]. Additionally, more than 350,000 Australians suffer strokes annually, with over one-third experiencing at least one permanent impairment as a result [1]. These aren’t distant statistics – they represent real people whose lives and financial security were turned upside down in an instant.

This comprehensive analysis examines the Australian Government’s proposed Division 296 Tax, a controversial superannuation reform that would impose an additional 15% tax on earnings from superannuation balances exceeding $3 million, including unprecedented taxation of unrealised capital gains. After extensive research and analysis of government documents, professional submissions, industry responses, and stakeholder perspectives, this report concludes that Division 296 Tax represents a fundamental failure of the policy development process that will create more problems than it solves.

The central opinion expressed in this analysis is that while addressing superannuation tax concessions for high-wealth individuals is a legitimate policy objective, Division 296 Tax achieves this goal through fundamentally flawed mechanisms that violate established taxation principles, create significant unintended consequences, and ignore superior alternatives proposed by the professional tax community.

UPDATED: 1.09.25
Although the proposed Division 296 tax (the “$3 million super tax”) was slated for a July 1, 2025, commencement, the legislation is still pending parliamentary approval. Consequently, its final form, implementation timeline, and practical effects are not yet clear.

In this article, you’ll find personal insurance explained – what it is, why it matters, and how it can support you through life’s toughest moments. Many Australians are underinsured, often assuming ”it won’t happen to me.” But the truth is, unforeseen events can happen to anyone, and when they do, the financial consequences can be significant.

While it might not be the most talked-about topic, personal insurance plays a vital role in any well-rounded financial plan. It offers a safety net that helps you or your loved ones maintain financial stability in the face of life’s unexpected challenges such as illness, injury, or death.

Let’s take a closer look at the four key types of personal insurances and how they work:

You may be asking yourself ”Is property investment right for you?”  It’s a common consideration, and for good reason.

Investing in property has long been regarded as a popular and relatively stable way to build long-term wealth in Australia. The appeal lies in a combination of factors, the potential for capital growth over time, a steady stream of rental income, and a range of tax advantages that can improve the overall return on investment. Property also offers something many other investment options don’t: a tangible asset you can see and manage directly.

However, while the benefits can be significant, purchasing an investment property is not without its challenges. Like any large financial commitment, it requires careful planning, ongoing management, and a clear understanding of your financial goals. Rising interest rates, market fluctuations, and an unexpected costs can all impact your return, so it’s important to go in with a clear strategy and your eyes wide open.

Whether you’re a first-time investor or looking to expand your property portfolio, understanding what makes a successful investment is crucial. In this article, we’ll explore:

• What to look for in a quality investment property
• They key benefits and risks of property investment
• Whether an investment property suits your personal financial goals
• Tips for getting started and common mistakes to avoid

With the right planning and advice, property investment can be a powerful tool for wealth creation, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.

As we rapidly approach yet another end of financial year it may be timely for you to consider a little financial “housekeeping”. We have therefore listed a few important considerations depending on your own circumstances.

Superannuation

Firstly, for many individuals Superannuation is often an important consideration at this time of year. So, let’s look at some of the important issues remembering that this may not be relevant to your personal circumstances so it’s very important that you talk to your adviser to determine if they are relevant to you.

Western Australia is heading for a turnaround.

This is the consensus from the expert panel (REIWA, CBRE, Herron Todd White & Resolve Finance) at a presentation to MFAA members on Wednesday.

Why? Due to these indicators;

• A turnaround in population growth – slow but steady
• Unemployment rates decreasing (blue line on graph below)
• New Infrastructure (train lines, road improvements)
• Mining sector turn around – new mines creating new jobs
• Migration decreasing as new jobs created in WA
• Shopping centres – redevelopment & new centres (Mandurah Forum, Belmont Forum, new centre linked to the airport, and Madora Bay).