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Help Shape DIAs Parliamentary Submission On Insurance

The Australian Parliament has launched an Inquiry into the provision, regulation, and pricing of insurance for small businesses and community organisations. This inquiry comes at a critical time for the drycleaning and laundry industry, as members continue to face rising premiums, limited insurer options, and increasing uncertainty.

DIA will be preparing a submission on behalf of the industry — and we need your help to ensure your experiences are represented.

Why Insurance Is a Priority Issue

In recent years, many drycleaners have reported:

  • Major increases in annual premiums
  • Insurers withdrawing from the sector
  • Difficulty obtaining or renewing public liability, machinery, or business interruption insurance
  • A lack of understanding from insurers about drycleaning processes, solvents, and equipment
  • Policies with exclusions that limit their usefulness

These challenges affect business viability, confidence, and long‑term investment. The Parliamentary Inquiry is an opportunity for our industry to communicate the real‑world impact of the current insurance environment.

We Need Your Experiences

To strengthen our submission, we are asking members to share their recent experiences with insurance, including:

  • Premium increases and cost pressures
  • Issues obtaining or renewing cover
  • Situations where insurers declined or withdrew coverage
  • Challenges specific to drycleaning operations (machinery, solvents, fire safety, inspections, etc.)
  • Any positive insurer interactions worth noting

Stories can be brief or detailed — every contribution will help build a clearer picture for policymakers.

All submissions will be de‑identified unless you request otherwise.

How to Contribute

Please reply to the email sent to members today, or send your experience directly to:

📧 info@drycleanersweb.com.au
🗓️ Deadline:Thursday, 19 February 2026

If you prefer to share your story over the phone, simply let us know and we will arrange a time.

Together, We Can Strengthen the Voice of Our Industry

Insurance should support business operations, not create barriers to them. By participating in this call‑out, you can help DIA advocate for fairer, more appropriate insurance products and regulatory settings for the drycleaning and laundry sector.

Thank you to all members who take the time to contribute.