insurance

Interesting.
What exactly do they get paid to do then?
I thought that a broker or agent is legally bound to ensure their client understands the product they are purchasing and dont fall into any traps.

"What exactly do they get paid to do then?"
Brokers are paid to "act in their customer's best interests". Agents (as they used to be called) are paid to act in the interests of the company they represent (most wouldn't acknowledge that but it is the case).
The business you are seeking to place is "Retail Business" under the legislation. The onus upon the broker for this is much greater than it is for Wholesale Business ie. say a retailer / pub etc. The hoops he is required to jump through whether you proceed to buy thru him or not are the problem. He is also required to maintain a record of your enquiry and any discussions for 7 years including why he recommended the products, how they would have met your requirements, copies of Financial Services Guides, Statements of Advice etc. 8 times out of 10 after you get his quotes and all of the docs you will tell him you can get it cheaper online even though the product you choose is probably inferior to his suggestion. Remember though he can't advise you on their products because he is not accredited in them.
You are loosely correct about the broker being "legally bound" etc and after considering the above many are simply saying all too hard and working only in the wholesale market.

Thanks Kenell.
The internet has destroyed many businesses unfortunatly and flooded the country with cheap crap that nobody is happy with.

Insurance is gambling that something might go wrong and like gambling the more you invest the greater the rewards.

The broker that I used for many years in my small town did a fantastic job but he sold and retired and the staff left one by one and so did the experience and service.

Would love to find a similar business but is proving difficult.

Yes! Brokers are very helpful in this matter.