LIF lobbying still underway

While industry lobbyists have been kept busy of late with debate raging over the definition of independence, advisers associated with the Life Insurance Customer Group (LICG) have been actively pursuing their agenda in the background.

Peter Corrie, an LICG supporter and director of self-licensed firm Rynco, has approached the NSW Chamber of Commerce recently in addition to a number of federal parliamentarians to argue against the government’s proposed changes to life insurance remuneration.

“The chamber has the power and influence with the government, particularly the present government, to challenge these regulations,” Mr Corrie said in a letter to stakeholders, seen by ifa.

“It also has enormous financial resources and a legal team to be effective in changing arrangements for the benefit of business.

“Politicians … on both the Liberal and Labor sides need to know that they have made a grave mistake by not acting in the interests of the life insurance industry, licensees, financial advisers/planners or the consumer.”

The email chain indicates that lobbying efforts against LIF are still ongoing within the industry and the LICG itself is still operational.

The lobby group has faded from the spotlight since a number of its members were defeated in their push to change the AFA constitution in late 2016.

A number of LICG members subsequently left the AFA membership, ifa understands.   

Speaking to The ifa Show podcast in March, in his first media appearance as AFA chief executive, Philip Kewin said uniting the AFA membership was a top priority for his leadership.