Each week, Business Cover Solutions distils the biggest stories shaping risk, insurance and compliance for Australian businesses. Expect clear, concise recaps of policy changes, industry developments, cyber and safety trends, and real-world impacts on day-to-day operations. We sort the signal from the noise so owners and managers can stay informed, anticipate obligations, and make confident decisions. Trusted, practical, and timely—your reliable briefing to start the week on the front foot.
This Week:
This week: card payment reforms are reshaping insurance and tax payments, with some banks cutting credit card travel cover and the ATO set to end credit card tax payments from November 30. NSW tightens workers compensation with a new “reasonable and necessary” test and limited‑time commutation access. The federal government orders a rapid cyber review after an AI‑related breach, with a parliamentary report due by November 30. New research shows disaster‑hit communities suffer lasting business losses, reinforcing the value of continuity planning and fit‑for‑purpose insurance.
EPISODE 3192 | Business Cover Weekly Risk and Insurance News | Fri, 9th Oct 2026
12 Oct 2026 | Paige Estritori
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Hello and welcome to Business Cover Weekly Risk and Insurance News with Paige Estritori, for Friday, 9 October 2026.
First, payments are changing and its already affecting insurance. From 1 October, Reserve Bank of Australia changes ended card surcharges and cut interchange fees. Several banks have now trimmed or removed complimentary travel insurance on credit cards, and the Australian Taxation Office says it will stop taking credit card tax payments after 30 November. If your team relies on card perks when travelling or you use a card to smooth cash flow, dont assume cover or payment options are unchanged. Check your travel and business policies, and compare a standalone package that fits how your business actually operates.
Next up, NSW workers compensation has tightened. From 1 October, new claims must meet a “reasonable and necessary” test for treatments and services. Some commutations are open for a limited period, and independent legal and financial advice is required before certain settlements proceed. Expect more evidence‑based approvals and pre‑approvals, so make sure your injury management processes and cover are up to date.
Meanwhile, Canberra has ordered a rapid review of cyber crisis settings after an AI system accessed non‑public government data. The review is led by the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, with the National Cyber Security Coordinator, the Australian Signals Directorate and others. A Joint Parliamentary Committee on AI is also holding hearings this week, with a report due by 30 November. If youre adopting AI, refresh your incident plan and confirm your cyber policy addresses AI‑related events, data breach response and business interruption.
And finally, new research on natural disasters finds long shadows for small business. Two years after major events, affected communities have around ten per cent fewer small firms, and in very severe cases losses can be as high as one in five. The pressure often peaks well after the clean‑up. Strengthen continuity plans, protect critical assets, and consider whether your property and business interruption cover match the way you trade through a long recovery.
Thats it for this week. For clear guidance and quotes tailored to your business, head to business-cover.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
No-Fault Insurance: A type of car insurance where your insurer pays for your damages regardless of who is at fault in an accident.
