Read a roundup of activities around the AILA-NZILA branches

Queensland

Queensland hosted a panel discussion on climate change with leading experts and the insurance response to it.

The discussion was well attended by industry professionals.

The final seminar for the year was another fantastic panel discussion on non-confirming building products (NCBP) and managing the myriad issues arising from them. 

The discussion was moderated by barrister Anthony Collins with Tim Bugg, Principal Risk Engineer for Liberty International Underwriters, and Greg du Chateau, a leading expert on building and safety codes. It covered practical, insurance and legal issues arising from NCBP claims.

In March, the Qld branch will host its Tomorrow's Leaders Today seminar aimed at giving young professionals leadership insights and skills from current leaders. Guest speaker is Blake Solly, CEO of the South Sydney Rabbitohs.

Thanks to members and friends for their support through 2017 and we look forward to another great year in 2018.

Victoria

Victorian events have included:

14 September: Utmost good faith, unconscionable conduct and other notions of fairness – where are we now? It was presented by barrister Peter Mann and Stanley Drummond, from Thomson Geer, and chaired by Katy Adams, from the Financial Ombudsman Service.

Hosted by Thomson Geer, the seminar was sold out and explored concepts of utmost good faith, good faith and fair dealing, unconscionable conduct, and providing financial services “efficiently, honestly and fairly”. Those concepts or duties operate both outside and alongside the express terms of a contract of insurance.

26 October: Networking event – Off and racing. Guest speaker Andrew Nicholl, CEO of the Australian Trainers' Association, shared his story that entailed his career trajectory from the insurance industry to CEO of one of the leading organisations in the Australian horse racing industry. 

Young professionals and the young at heart attended the annual event en mass and enjoyed networking opportunities. 

23 November: Section 6 is gone - but what happens next? It was presented by barrister John Tesarsch and Matthew Ellis, from Norton Rose Fulbright, and chaired by Samantha Downes, from Lander & Rogers.

Presenters reviewed:

• The difficulties created by section 6
• Various Commonwealth provisions giving third-party claimants direct rights against liability insurers
• Issues raised by the new regime
• Calls for similar reform in other jurisdictions, including Victoria.

Western Australia

Western Australia is busy planning for the 2018 National Conference from 31 October to 2 November.

The theme is Evolution & Revolution.

WA's three final seminar events for the year were:

• Strokes, haemorrhages and other internal problems: When is an injury an "injury"?
• Negotiations and settlements: ethical guidelines
• A Sundowner panel seminar to wind down 2017.

Watch this space for an exciting 2018.