This edition of Broker Business highlights the enduring strength of the mutual model and Unimutual’s commitment to delivering long-term value for Members. From sector advocacy and renewal readiness to pricing stability, risk management insights and the latest Member resources, we continue to focus on supporting the higher education and research sector through protection, prevention and partnership.
There was welcome news for Australia’s mutual sector this month, with the Australian Labor Party formally recognising co-operatives and mutuals in its national platform and supporting the sector’s ambition to double in size.
The announcement acknowledges the important role member-owned organisations play in creating competition, innovation and long-term value. It also reinforces what Unimutual Members already experience every day – the strength of a business that exists solely to serve its members, not external shareholders.
As policymakers increasingly recognise the value of the mutual model, we believe the future is bright for Member-owned organisations and the communities they support. At Unimutual, we remain committed to delivering the benefits of mutuality through sector expertise, long-term partnerships and products designed with our Members’ interests at heart.
Thank you to the many Members and their Brokers who joined our recent 2026/27 Protection Renewal Webinar. The session provided an overview of the renewal process, key protection arrangements for the upcoming year, and important information to assist Members in setting their budgets.
For brokers unable to attend, or wishing to revisit the presentation, a recording of the webinar and supporting materials can be accessed at Renewal Update Webinar.
Unimutual has released its Half-Year Update, highlighting a strong first half of the 2025/26 protection year. Key achievements included the successful completion of the 2025/26 protection renewal, continued investment in risk services and Member resources, and the delivery of another highly successful Annual Member Conference. The update reinforces the strength of the mutual model, with Unimutual remaining focused on long-term sustainability, disciplined underwriting, strong reinsurance protection and practical support for Members.
Looking ahead, Unimutual will continue to focus on renewal readiness, cyber resilience, enhanced risk services and strategic initiatives that support the long-term resilience of the higher education and research sector.
To read more, you can find the review here.
As shared in previous Member updates, property contributions are determined by two key factors:
Understating asset values can leave an organisation under-protected and exposed to significant financial shortfalls following a loss, while overstating values may result in unnecessary contribution costs. Regularly reviewing declared values, particularly in periods of inflation, construction activity or changes to campus infrastructure, helps ensure protection remains aligned to an institution’s actual risk exposure. Taking the time to validate asset values each year is one of the most important steps Members can take to support effective protection and financial resilience.
When reviewing your contribution budget, it’s important to consider both your institution’s risk performance and any changes to declared asset values. It is also important to note that asset value fluctuations are not a function of the insurance market cycle. Even with softening market rates, increases in valuation will influence your overall contribution.
Unimutual has created a document which can be found here
As always, we’re keen to hear your thoughts. If there’s anything we can do to make Broker Business more useful for you, please let us know.
Warm regards,
Geoff Henderson
Chief Executive Officer
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