LIF bill lapses but ‘still alive’, says FPA

A spokesperson for Assistant Treasurer Kelly O'Dwyer confirmed to ifa yesterday that the Corporations Amendment (Life Insurance Remuneration Arrangements) Bill 2016 lapsed because it did not reach royal assent before the session of Parliament was terminated.

"When the Parliament is prorogued, like it has been, all bills that haven't received royal assent lapse," the spokesperson said.

"The bill could be reintroduced in the future but it has to go through the process again. For the moment, it's lapsed but it doesn't mean that it won't be reintroduced before July."

Mr De Gori believes it will be re-introduced, and that the 1 July implementation date remains plausible. 

Prime Minister Malcom Turnbull confirmed this week that there will likely be a double dissolution election on 2 July, after the Australian Building and Construction Commission reforms were rejected twice by the Senate.

"Our understanding is that there is still an opportunity for government to put forward the LIF bill as long as the Senate keeps sitting up until any time before the election is called," Mr De Gori told ifa.

"I don't believe the Prime Minister is going to officially call the election until after the (May 3) budget so therefore Senate and Parliament have to do something between now and then.

"I think they will keep sitting and I think they will take the opportunity to have the LIF bill debated and voted on. My prediction is they will do it but it probably won't happen until next week."

Ms O'Dwyer introduced the LIF reform legislation into Parliament in February. It was then recommended to be passed without changes by the Senate Economics Legislation Committee in March. 

Earlier this month, the government released draft regulations that will support the life insurance reform package, including further guidance on grandfathering and clawback provisions.

The final date to make a submission for these regulations is 28 April.