The Insurance Advisernet Foundation has once again proudly donated $25,000 to Sacred Heart Mission, continuing its ongoing commitment to supporting Australians experiencing homelessness and deep disadvantage.

The cheque presentation was facilitated by John Burke and Rebecca Longmuir, Authorised Representatives of Insurance Advisernet, who presented the donation to Hang Vo, Chief Executive Officer of Sacred Heart Mission.

This year’s contribution will directly support Sacred Heart Mission’s Dining Hall, a vital service that provides far more than meals. Each day, the Dining Hall serves between 300 and 400 breakfasts and lunches, offering nutritious food in a welcoming and safe environment. For many, it is also the first step towards rebuilding their lives.

The Dining Hall acts as a gateway to essential wrap-around services, with Pathway Workers on site to connect people with housing support, health services, aged care and personalised case management. With the Dining Hall currently facing a funding shortfall of $455,978, the Foundation’s donation plays an important role in helping sustain both the meals program and the critical support services that sit alongside it.

Hang Vo, CEO of Sacred Heart Mission, said the impact of the donation extends well beyond financial support.

“This contribution is more than financial support; it helps ensure people are met with dignity, care and real pathways forward at a time when demand for our services continues to grow. Thank you.”

The Insurance Advisernet Foundation is proud to stand alongside Sacred Heart Mission and support the important work they do every day, helping people move towards stability, dignity and a place to call home.

To learn more about the work Sacred Heart Mission do, visit their website: https://www.sacredheartmission.org/

General Advice Warning

This communication including any weblinks or attachments is for information purposes only. It is not a recommendation or opinion, your personal or individual objectives, financial situation or needs have not been taken into account. This communication is not intended to be a constitute personal advice. We strongly recommend that you consider the suitability of this information, in respect of your own personal objectives, financial situation and needs before acting on it. This document is also not a Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) or a policy wording, nor is it a summary of a particular product’s features or terms of any insurance product. If you are interested in discussing this information or acquiring an insurance product, you should contact your insurance adviser to obtain and carefully consider any relevant PDS or policy wording before deciding whether to purchase any insurance product.

The IA Foundation believes in giving back and supporting the causes that are close to the hearts of our community and our network. That commitment was recently demonstrated through our recent donation of $10,000 to Giant Steps, an Australian registered charity providing specialised education and therapy for children and young people on the autism spectrum.

A Cause Close to Home

This donation holds particular significance for our network. The cheque was proudly presented by IA Authorised Representative Brendan Sawyer, who has a deeply personal connection with the charity. Brendan's sister's son was diagnosed with severe autism three years ago, a condition that requires high levels of support. Fortunately, he now attends Giant Steps Schooling, where he receives the intensive care he needs through a dedicated blend of learning and therapy.

This personal story reinforces why our support for Giant Steps is so crucial - it directly impacts the families within our own community.

Bridging the Funding Gap

Giant Steps provides an essential service, but as a charity, their resources are always stretched. While government funding covers around 70% of their operational costs, the remaining 30% which pays for the specialised, high-intensity care they deliver is reliant on charitable events and the generous backing of organizations like Insurance Advisernet.

The IA Foundation is dedicated to ensuring Giant Steps can continue its life-changing work, helping to bridge this funding gap so individuals on the autism spectrum receive the specialist support they deserve. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Giant Steps and supporting the invaluable services they provide.

To learn more about the great work that Giant Steps does, visit their website: https://www.giantsteps.net.au/

General Advice Warning

This communication including any weblinks or attachments is for information purposes only. It is not a recommendation or opinion, your personal or individual objectives, financial situation or needs have not been taken into account. This communication is not intended to be a constitute personal advice. We strongly recommend that you consider the suitability of this information, in respect of your own personal objectives, financial situation and needs before acting on it. This document is also not a Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) or a policy wording, nor is it a summary of a particular product’s features or terms of any insurance product. If you are interested in discussing this information or acquiring an insurance product, you should contact your insurance adviser to obtain and carefully consider any relevant PDS or policy wording before deciding whether to purchase any insurance product.

As a business owner, it's important to understand the difference between ‘Claims Made’ and 'Claims Occurring’ liability insurance policies.

Who Buys Professional Indemnity Insurance?

Architects, engineers, accountants, software engineers, and other professionals providing advice or services, whether individually or through a company or partnership, are generally covered by a Claims Made Professional Indemnity insurance policy.

These types of policies cover actual or alleged financial loss to the customer from the advice.

Claims Made

Claims Made insurance policies require something to happen and you tell your insurer immediately. There is no automatic cover, so if your are delayed in notifying your insurer, you may have a problem notifying a claim later. Issues usually relate to a negligent act, error or omission for: 

• Misleading, inaccurate or negligent advice.
• Breach of confidentiality or privacy.
• Breach of consumer, competition or fair trading laws.
• Infringement of intellectual property rights.
• Malpractice, misdiagnosis, failing to order the appropriate tests.
• Defamation, libel or slander.

Claims Occurrence Policies

Claims Occurrence policies are aimed at retailers or wholesalers, where there is a risk of personal injury or property damage from the products they sell or produce or someone fall over. The policy cover is automatically triggered at the time of the injury of damage to property, with no need to notify the insurer as soon as the incident occurs.

Knowing the difference between Claims Made and Claims Occurring is essential, so you’re not left with a gap in cover and have to pay expensive legal bills and potentially large damages awarded by a court out of your own pocket.

What Does a Professional Indemnity Policy Cover?

Claims Made policies will pay both the legal defence costs and any court awarded damages for a breach of the professional duty.

As mentioned, a Claims Made insurance policy provides cover only if both the following occur during the policy period:

1. You become aware of an incident that could result in a claim under your insurance policy or you are notified of a claim or a lawsuit.
2. You notify your insurer within the current policy period.

What is a Circumstance?

A ‘circumstance’ is ordinarily a situation which creates a reasonable and likely possibility that the issue or complaints will result in a claim or legal action against your firm.

Examples of what might constitute a ‘circumstance’ include:

• A complaint from a customer about the quality of advice causing a financial loss.
• Failure to pay an invoice because the client is very unhappy, as they feel they have lost money after following advice.
• A realisation that a mistake has been made in relation to advice provided to a client.
• An internal audit identifies a systemic error in how a group of clients have been managed.

A claim made by a client is easier to identify than an incident or circumstance, as a claim is usually a letter of demand for compensation or legal action.

When Should the Insurer be Notified of a Circumstance?

Talk to your insurance adviser as soon as you become aware of facts, matters or circumstances which may give rise to a claim against the client.

Breaking down the elements of a ‘notifiable circumstance’ can assist. Think of it this way:

• “Becomes aware” refers to the actual knowledge of the client.
• “Circumstance” is an objective matter rather than a subjective state of mind or belief.
• “May give rise to a claim” requires the ‘circumstance’ to be more than the mere existence of a legal liability, rather the bringing of a claim against the client must be a definite risk, a real possibility, or on the cards.

There is no need for the claim to be reasonable. It is the potential for a claim to be made that needs to be addressed – not the potential for it to be reasonable to succeed.

In relation to when to notify, the best practice is to notify early and often.

As each policy and insurer has different requirements, talk to your insurance adviser about issues that your are aware of, they will be able to assist you to identify the point at which a ‘circumstance’ becomes a ‘notifiable circumstance’.

General Advice Warning

This communication including any weblinks or attachments is for information purposes only. It is not a recommendation or opinion, your personal or individual objectives, financial situation or needs have not been taken into account. This communication is not intended to be a constitute personal advice. We strongly recommend that you consider the suitability of this information, in respect of your own personal objectives, financial situation and needs before acting on it. This document is also not a Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) or a policy wording, nor is it a summary of a particular product’s features or terms of any insurance product. If you are interested in discussing this information or acquiring an insurance product, you should contact your insurance adviser to obtain and carefully consider any relevant PDS or policy wording before deciding whether to purchase any insurance product.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer just for big tech companies. Today, businesses of all sizes can use AI to save time, boost productivity, and connect more effectively with customers. Whether it is automating everyday tasks, improving marketing campaigns, or spotting fraud, AI offers tools that can make a real difference. The key is knowing where to start and how to use it responsibly.

What Is AI?

AI refers to computer programs that perform tasks normally requiring human intelligence. Different types of AI can:

• Spot patterns in data to make predictions or recommendations
• Communicate in natural human language
• Generate new content, including text, images, and code (known as generative AI)

When used properly, AI can help businesses make better decisions, work more efficiently, and provide a more personalised customer experience.

Ways AI Can Help Your Business

Sales and marketing: AI can analyse customer behaviour to predict sales trends, optimise campaigns, and create personalised content. It can also highlight common customer issues and suggest ways to resolve them.

Research and writing: Generative AI tools can quickly summarise information, draft product descriptions, create reports, or produce social media content. They can also proofread or simplify text you have written yourself.

Customer support: Chatbots and email tools can handle simple queries instantly, providing 24/7 support. More complex questions can be passed to staff, freeing up their time for higher-value work.

E-commerce recommendations: Online retailers can use AI to recommend products based on search history and previous purchases, increasing the chances of a sale.

Cybersecurity and fraud detection: AI can scan huge amounts of data to detect suspicious activity, flag unusual transactions, and help defend against cyber threats in real time.

Meeting support: Videoconferencing platforms with AI features can generate transcriptions and summaries, capture key points, and assign action items.

Everyday automation: AI can handle routine tasks such as data entry, invoicing, accounting, scheduling, and project management, freeing up staff to focus on growth and strategy.

How to Introduce AI in Your Business

1. Start with problems, not products
   Think about the specific challenges you want AI to solve. Look at your business plan, marketing plan, or digital strategy for guidance.
2. Choose the right tools
   Many of the digital platforms you already use, such as CRM systems, word processors, or marketing software, may have AI features built in. If not, you can explore off-the-shelf products, which are affordable and easy to implement, or custom solutions, which are more flexible but costlier and require high-quality data.
3. Bring your staff on board
   Be clear that AI is there to make work easier, not to replace jobs. Involve employees in choosing tools, provide training, and communicate openly about how AI will be used.
4. Start small and scale up
   Trial AI in one or two areas before rolling it out more broadly. Experiment with different products, test their accuracy, and evaluate results. Once you understand the benefits and risks, you can expand gradually.

Looking Ahead

AI is developing rapidly, and the tools available today are only the beginning. By starting small, involving staff, and focusing on solving real business problems, you can introduce AI safely and effectively. Over time, it can become a powerful part of your operations, helping your business work smarter and grow stronger.

General Advice Warning

This communication including any weblinks or attachments is for information purposes only. It is not a recommendation or opinion, your personal or individual objectives, financial situation or needs have not been taken into account. This communication is not intended to be a constitute personal advice. We strongly recommend that you consider the suitability of this information, in respect of your own personal objectives, financial situation and needs before acting on it. This document is also not a Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) or a policy wording, nor is it a summary of a particular product’s features or terms of any insurance product. If you are interested in discussing this information or acquiring an insurance product, you should contact your insurance adviser to obtain and carefully consider any relevant PDS or policy wording before deciding whether to purchase any insurance product.

The new risk landscape

Every business faces risk, but the nature of those risks is evolving.

Ten years ago, cybercrime was a niche concern. Today, it’s one of the most common threats to businesses of all sizes. Emerging risks like reputational damage, increase in extreme weather and even AI-related exposures are becoming part of daily reality.

Identifying vulnerabilities

Emerging risks are challenging because they’re less predictable. Cybercrime can target anyone, from a global corporation to a small local retailer. Supply chain breakdowns can happen with a single delayed shipment. Reputational issues can spread globally in hours via social media.

The first step in managing these risks is awareness. Businesses should regularly assess their vulnerabilities, considering not just physical risks but also digital and reputational risks.

Insurance as part of the solution

Insurance is a part of your risk management, providing a financial cushion.

Modern policies are starting to address emerging risks more specifically, but it’s vital to understand where gaps may exist. Cyber cover, for example, can range from basic data breach response to comprehensive incident management and liability protection.

Practical steps for resilience

Protecting your business requires a mix of risk management and insurance. Practical measures include:

• Strengthening cyber security systems and training staff.
• Building relationships with multiple suppliers to reduce reliance on one chain.
• Monitoring brand and customer sentiment to respond quickly to reputational issues.
• Regularly reviewing insurance cover to ensure it reflects today’s risks.

Staying ahead

The pace of change means risks will keep evolving. Businesses that thrive are those that are adept and are prepared to manage the unexpected.

Talk with your insurance adviser about emerging risks, they’ll be able to provide advice and risk management assistance.

General Advice Warning

This communication including any weblinks or attachments is for information purposes only. It is not a recommendation or opinion, your personal or individual objectives, financial situation or needs have not been taken into account. This communication is not intended to be a constitute personal advice. We strongly recommend that you consider the suitability of this information, in respect of your own personal objectives, financial situation and needs before acting on it. This document is also not a Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) or a policy wording, nor is it a summary of a particular product’s features or terms of any insurance product. If you are interested in discussing this information or acquiring an insurance product, you should contact your insurance adviser to obtain and carefully consider any relevant PDS or policy wording before deciding whether to purchase any insurance product.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is creating new opportunities for charities and community groups to deliver their services more effectively. From improving efficiency to enhancing decision-making, AI has the potential to help organisations stretch their resources further and have a bigger impact. However, it also brings risks that must be carefully managed to protect trust, values, and the people these organisations support.

Opportunities for the Sector

AI can assist Not-for-Profits and Community Groups in many ways. By analysing data, it allows leaders to make more informed decisions and measure the success of programs more accurately. Communication can be personalised, ensuring that donors and supporters feel more connected to the cause. Routine tasks such as data entry or scheduling can be automated, freeing up valuable time for staff and volunteers to focus on higher-level activities.

Volunteer management is another area where AI can provide value, matching individuals’ skills to the roles where they are needed most. During disasters, AI can also enable faster and more targeted responses, while AI-powered tools have the potential to extend services to more people who need help.

Risks That Need Attention

While the benefits are promising, AI is not without risk. Its effectiveness depends on the quality of data being used, and poor data can lead to flawed outcomes. Privacy and data security must be carefully safeguarded to prevent sensitive information from being compromised.

There are also risks of bias or discrimination if AI systems are trained on inadequate or biased data. Over-reliance on technology could reduce the human connection and empathy that are central to charitable work. Ethical concerns, accessibility challenges, and potential donor unease about AI use also need to be considered. Ultimately, charities must ensure that AI enhances human decision-making rather than replacing it.

Responsibilities and Good Governance

For charities and community groups, the use of AI requires thoughtful planning and strong oversight. Organisations need to ask whether AI is truly the right solution for the problem at hand and ensure that its use aligns with their charitable purpose and values.

Robust governance frameworks are essential. Boards and Responsible People must exercise due diligence, ensuring that AI systems are safe, reliable, and fit for purpose. This includes reviewing data governance and cybersecurity policies to address new risks that AI may introduce. Transparency is also vital: supporters, donors, and beneficiaries should be informed about how AI is being used and reassured that it will not undermine the charity’s mission.

The ACNC’s Governance Standard 5 highlights the duties of Responsible People to act with care, diligence, honesty, and in the best interests of their charity. These principles apply directly to the adoption of AI. Responsible use of the technology will protect trust, which remains one of the most valuable assets any charity holds.

Moving Forward

AI offers powerful tools for charities and community groups, but its use must be balanced with caution, transparency, and a continued focus on human connection. By adopting AI responsibly, organisations can improve efficiency and impact without losing sight of the compassion and values that make them unique.

General Advice Warning

This communication including any weblinks or attachments is for information purposes only. It is not a recommendation or opinion, your personal or individual objectives, financial situation or needs have not been taken into account. This communication is not intended to be a constitute personal advice. We strongly recommend that you consider the suitability of this information, in respect of your own personal objectives, financial situation and needs before acting on it. This document is also not a Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) or a policy wording, nor is it a summary of a particular product’s features or terms of any insurance product. If you are interested in discussing this information or acquiring an insurance product, you should contact your insurance adviser to obtain and carefully consider any relevant PDS or policy wording before deciding whether to purchase any insurance product.

In our connected world, we all have a digital footprint. We shop online, bank from our phones, and share information on social media. While this makes life convenient, it also makes us a target for cybercriminals. As cyber threats become more common and sophisticated, cyber insurance has emerged as a crucial layer of protection, not just for big corporations, but for individuals and families too.

Beyond Identity Theft

You might think of cybercrime as just someone stealing your credit card number, but the reality is much more complex. A single breach can expose a wide range of personal information, from your social security number and medical records to your bank account details. This can lead to a long and expensive process of recovering your identity and your financial health.

This is where cyber insurance comes in. A typical policy can help cover the costs of:

• Identity restoration: The legal and administrative costs of recovering your identity after it's been stolen.
• Data recovery: The expense of hiring a professional to restore your data and repair your computer systems after a virus or ransomware attack.
• Financial losses: Reimbursement for funds stolen from your bank account or investment portfolios as a result of a cyberattack.
• Cyberbullying and extortion: Coverage for legal fees and other related costs if you become a victim of online harassment or extortion.

Why It's a Smart Investment

Think of cyber insurance as a modern-day insurance policy for your digital life. You have car insurance to protect you from an accident and home insurance to protect you from a fire. With the increasing risks we face online, doesn't it make sense to protect your digital assets as well?

It’s not just about the money, either. Many policies also provide access to a team of experts who can guide you through the recovery process, helping to restore your peace of mind after a stressful event. In a world where we can't completely avoid digital risks, having a plan in place is the smartest move you can make.

Ready to Secure Your Digital Life? Talk to an Expert.

The world of cyber risk is constantly changing, and it can be hard to keep up. That's why talking to an insurance adviser is the best way to ensure you have the right protection. They can help you understand the specific risks you face based on your lifestyle and digital habits.

Our team is here to answer all your questions and help you find a cyber insurance policy that fits your needs.

General Advice Warning

This communication including any weblinks or attachments is for information purposes only. It is not a recommendation or opinion, your personal or individual objectives, financial situation or needs have not been taken into account. This communication is not intended to be a constitute personal advice. We strongly recommend that you consider the suitability of this information, in respect of your own personal objectives, financial situation and needs before acting on it. This document is also not a Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) or a policy wording, nor is it a summary of a particular product’s features or terms of any insurance product. If you are interested in discussing this information or acquiring an insurance product, you should contact your insurance adviser to obtain and carefully consider any relevant PDS or policy wording before deciding whether to purchase any insurance product.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming industries everywhere, and construction is no exception. From planning and design to jobsite safety and ongoing maintenance, AI is helping construction firms work smarter, faster, and more efficiently.

What Is AI?

AI is technology that imitates human intelligence. By analysing huge amounts of data in real time, it can identify patterns, predict outcomes, and suggest the best next steps. In construction, this means everything from optimising project schedules to preventing costly delays.

Why It Matters for Construction

AI offers benefits across every stage of a project:

• Preconstruction: Improving design, predicting costs, and scheduling resources more accurately.
• On the jobsite: Enhancing worker safety, boosting productivity, and supporting quality control with robotics and smart monitoring.
• Postconstruction: Extending the life of machinery, anticipating maintenance needs, and reducing future costs.

For example, while an AI chatbot might save minutes on admin tasks, predictive analytics could save millions by flagging risks early and recommending changes to project timelines.

Challenges to Adoption

Despite its promise, the construction industry has been slower than others to embrace AI. That’s partly because projects are highly complex, involving many partners, specialists, and suppliers. Adoption often depends on a firm’s budget, the skills of its team, and its openness to trying new technology.

The Shift Is Happening

Today, more construction and engineering firms are turning to AI to manage rising costs, tackle supply chain disruptions, and address labour shortages. As adoption grows, companies that embrace AI are likely to gain a real edge, operating more efficiently and delivering better results for clients.

General Advice Warning

This communication including any weblinks or attachments is for information purposes only. It is not a recommendation or opinion, your personal or individual objectives, financial situation or needs have not been taken into account. This communication is not intended to be a constitute personal advice. We strongly recommend that you consider the suitability of this information, in respect of your own personal objectives, financial situation and needs before acting on it. This document is also not a Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) or a policy wording, nor is it a summary of a particular product’s features or terms of any insurance product. If you are interested in discussing this information or acquiring an insurance product, you should contact your insurance adviser to obtain and carefully consider any relevant PDS or policy wording before deciding whether to purchase any insurance product.