Each week, we distil the biggest Australian business and insurance headlines affecting offices — from regulation changes and compliance updates to cyber risks, extreme weather, workplace safety and liability trends. Expect a concise, plain‑English recap with clear context, so you know what changed, why it matters, and the practical implications for your team and operations. Trusted, neutral coverage curated for Australian entrepreneurs, sole traders and growing SMEs.
This Week:
This week: Canberra opens a federal inquiry into SME cyber risk, with written submissions due Friday, 28 August. A proposed $8m penalty for a bank over cyber failings underscores rising regulatory expectations. AFCA releases claims guidance, stressing timely decisions, robust scopes of work and caution on cash settlements. Scam losses linked to deepfake impersonations are rising, prompting tighter controls and appropriate cyber and crime cover. NSW forecasts a high‑threat bushfire season, making continuity planning and adequate property and business interruption insurance a priority for offices.
Hello and welcome to the Office Insurance Solutions Weekly News Podcast, Im Paige Estritori, and its Sunday, 23 August 2026.
First, Canberra has launched a national survey into small business cyber risk. Its the first federal inquiry focused on SMEs, looking at incident experiences, the cost of security, and how easy it is to get help. Written submissions close on Friday, 28 August. If cyber exposure is on your radar, this is a timely moment to review your cyber liability cover and compare options that fit your operation and budget.
Meanwhile, an $8 million penalty has been proposed for a major bank after cybersecurity failings allowed hundreds of unauthorised transactions. The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority, or APRA, alleges breaches under the former Banking Executive Accountability Regime, known as BEAR. The clear signal for all of us: regulators expect stronger controls and clearer accountability. For office teams, that means checking your authentication practices and ensuring your insurance program includes cyber incident and business interruption protections that suit your risk.
On claims, the Australian Financial Complaints Authority, or AFCA, has issued new guidance and case studies. Insurers must decide a claim within about four months, and straightforward claims should be resolved sooner. AFCA also cautions that cash settlements shouldnt be the first option where repairs are complex, and it highlights the importance of detailed scopes of work and communication. The takeaway for busy SMEs: keep records up to date, understand how your policy will respond to repairs versus cash, and lean on expert advice when comparing policies.
Next up, scam activity is evolving fast, with deepfake content increasingly impersonating well‑known Australians to push fake investments. The National Anti‑Scam Centre, or NASC, reports millions in losses linked to these impersonations, and regulators say AI is making scams more convincing. For offices handling payments and marketing, tighten approval steps on ads and invoices, and consider cyber and crime cover that aligns with your internal controls.
And finally, New South Wales authorities warn of a high‑threat bushfire season, with drier weather and reduced windows for hazard reduction. Some northern areas are already in the bushfire danger period, with most of the state starting on 1 October. If you rely on a single premises, nows the time to revisit continuity plans, check sums insured, and make sure your office insurance includes the property and interruption elements you actually need.
Thats it for this week. For clear comparisons and tailored office insurance options, head to office‑insurance.com.au. Im Paige Estritori—thanks for listening, and stay safe out there.
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
Liability Insurance: Insurance that provides protection from claims arising from injuries or damage to other people or property
