Each week, get the essential news for tradies across Australia—insurance developments, regulatory changes, safety updates, court decisions, tool theft trends, and small business insights. Expect a clear, trustworthy wrap with practical takeaways to help you manage risk, stay compliant, and protect your livelihood. Straight to the point, in plain English, for sparkies, chippies, plumbers, builders and more—so you’re informed before you hit the jobsite.
This Week:
Weekly wrap for Australian tradies: High Court clears the way for Sydney CBD traders to seek compensation over light rail disruption; NSW agrees on workers comp reforms focused on psychological injury with an 18‑month premium freeze; AFCA orders an insurer to cover funds lost to an invoice‑redirection EFT scam, highlighting cyber risks; and draft federal rules would make big retailers accept cash under $500 from January 2026, while small businesses under $10m turnover are exempt. Practical tips throughout on records, workers comp processes, cyber hygiene and payment policies.
EPISODE 1003 | Insurance For Trades News Wrap for Tradies | Thu, 18th Dec 2025
22 Dec 2025 | Paige Estritori
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Read Full Transcript:
Hello and welcome to the Insurance For Trades News Wrap for Tradies, Im Paige Estritori and its Thursday, 18 December 2025.
First up, a big court shift. This week the High Court cleared the way for Sydney CBD traders to pursue compensation over years of light rail disruption. Why it matters: if public works hammer your access or sales, this points to a path for recovering losses. Practical move: keep clean records of lost income, extra costs and project impacts, and make sure your business interruption cover is up to date and tailored to your trade.
Next up, NSW MPs have reached a deal on workers compensation reforms focused on psychological injury. The agreement includes an 18‑month premium freeze and staged changes to impairment thresholds from July. If you employ staff, expect more emphasis on early support and return‑to‑work. Use the summer break to review injury reporting, mental‑health resources on site, and that your workers comp policy reflects your crew and risks.
Meanwhile, a fresh ruling highlights invoice‑redirection risks. The Australian Financial Complaints Authority, or AFCA, ordered an insurer to cover a loss after a fraudster hijacked an electronic funds transfer—an EFT—by spoofing bank details. For tradies who invoice by email, this is a reminder to verify any bank‑detail change by phone, use multifactor authentication on email, and consider cyber crime or social‑engineering cover as part of your business insurance.
And looking to the new year, draft federal rules would require major fuel and grocery retailers to accept cash for in‑person purchases under five hundred dollars from 1 January 2026. Small businesses under ten million dollars in turnover are exempt. In short, most tradies wont be forced to take cash—set the payment options that work for you, state them clearly on quotes and invoices, and have a backup plan for outages.
Thats the wrap. For simple, tailored insurance for tradespeople—with fast, free comparisons and help at claim time—visit insurance-for-trades.com.au. Im Paige, thanks for listening and stay safe on the tools.
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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