The Tasmanian government has confirmed its hand-picked insurance consultant is being paid approximately $100,000 for work on the TasInsure scheme, after initially skirting questions about the figure.
Deputy Premier Guy Barnett deflected questions about the fee on Sunday, telling reporters he would “get back” to them when asked whether industry sources were correct.
Instead, he praised consultant John Trowbridge as “the Michael Jordan of insurance” and “the best of the best”.
Treasurer Eric Abetz said the contract was worth approximately $100,000 after questions from Labor.
“Without any alternate ideas as to how to help Tasmanians overcome their expensive insurance premiums, Labor continues with its relentless negativity,” Abetz said.
“John Trowbridge is one of Australia’s best when it comes to the insurance industry.”
“He’s hit the ground running, with work already underway to ensure we set up TasInsure for long term success.”
Labor MLC and shadow finance minister Luke Edmunds had called on the government to come clean about the consultant’s salary and terms of reference.
“Has his consultant been asked to independently assess whether TasInsure is actually a good idea for Tasmania – or is he being tasked with finding a way, any way, to cobble together something that vaguely resembles the premier’s hollow election promise?”
Trowbridge, a former APRA board member who received an Order of Australia last year, was appointed in January to advise on TasInsure’s development and governance.
Before taking up the role, he publicly questioned the proposal and warned a thorough cost–benefit study was needed.
“It’s a small market in Tasmania and it’s volatile,” Trowbridge said in July 2025. “I just don’t see that they can make it work with such a small market share.”
The state-owned insurer was the Liberals’ signature election promise, with claims it would save households $250 a year.
However, industry analysis commissioned by the Insurance Council of Australia estimates the scheme would cost $150 million to establish and run annual deficits of up to $13 million.
The report warns those losses could drain MAIB reserves within 15 years, ultimately leaving taxpayers to foot the bill.
