Mr Wilson asks about the six-month premium deferral that Suncorp has offered to struggling SMEs.

Mr Wilson says "it's just a deferral" but the risk to Suncorp has gone down.

Mr Dransfield says the measure was in response to "the Federal Treasurer's request" for action. He says risk can actually increase when business properties are empty, but that Suncorp won't increase premiums as a result.

Mr Dransfield says two thirds of SMEs are served by brokers who will be working with clients on their specific needs. He says direct SME customers have for the most part not taken up the deferral.

They have preferred to cancel cover and have any unused premium returned, with the intention of reinstating cover at a later date.