Among the finalists for this coveted title were B2W Solutions' Palak Halwadia, along with Ann-Marie McGuire from Allianz Workers Compensation, and QBE representatives. Notably, Ann-Marie McGuire also secured the award for Excellence in Leadership, with Christopher Agland from GIO Workers Compensation being a close contender.
These awards celebrate industry leaders who not only challenge existing norms but also inspire their peers to strive for better outcomes. Mark Tapper from Konekt emerged victorious in the Excellence in Risk Management category, with Gail Murray of Gallagher and Allianz's Anne Ching named as finalists.
In the Deal-Maker of the Year category, Matthew Needham from Hall & Wilcox Lawyers took the top spot, outshining strong competition from Allianz Workers Compensation's David Mooney and IQumulate's Zoe Higgins. Meanwhile, the Excellence in Claims award was bestowed upon Allianz’s Carolina Zubieta Ortiz, with QBE's Lara Cox and Esteban Neilsen from GIO Workers Compensation recognised as finalists.
Aon's Carrie Burgess was celebrated as the Best Support Person of the Year for her exceptional contributions, surpassing notable candidates such as Kairros' Roshan Thapa and Charlie Cartwright from PSC Insurance.
The outcomes of the ACT Insurance Awards underscore the critical role of leadership and innovation within the insurance sector, highlighting exceptional individuals who are significantly pushing the industry forward. Recognising these leaders not only serves as a benchmark for excellence but also motivates others to elevate their performance standards, ultimately benefiting clients and the broader market.
Looking ahead, the recognition of these industry figures is expected to stimulate further advancements in risk management and claims processing methodologies. As award recipients and finalists set higher performance standards, the insurance sector can anticipate a ripple effect, with more companies seeking to innovate and lead. Industry observers will be watching to see how these award-winning initiatives influence broader practices and policies within the sector in the upcoming year.
Published:Wednesday, 18th Jun 2025
Source: Paige Estritori
![]() | ClearView Names New Underwriting Head Amidst Strategic Changes 30 Jun 2025: Paige Estritori ASX-listed life insurer ClearView has announced the appointment of Peter Tilocca as Head of Underwriting, coinciding with key updates to its underwriting standards and definitions. Tilocca's extensive two-decade career in Australian underwriting includes leadership roles at Zurich, Noble Oak, One Path Life, and RGA Australia. His new role with ClearView commenced on 30 June. - read more |
![]() | Ombudsman Supports Theft Claimant in Home Business Coverage Dispute 30 Jun 2025: Paige Estritori A recent case has seen a policyholder triumph over her insurer after the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) ruled in her favour following a contentious dispute regarding home business operations. The controversy arose when the woman's theft claim was denied by her insurance provider, IAG, over allegations of fraudulent misrepresentation about the use of her rental property. - read more |
![]() | AFCA Upholds Insurance Fraud Ruling Over Disputed Possum Accident 26 Jun 2025: Paige Estritori A motorist's claim that he crashed into a tree to avoid a possum has been denied by the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA), which supported the insurer's fraud decision. The incident involved the driver crashing his Jeep—insured for over $20,000—on a dimly-lit street, purportedly avoiding the rain-soaked motorway en route to the store. - read more |
![]() | Code Watchdog Criticises Insurer for Misleading Rejection Letters 24 Jun 2025: Paige Estritori The Life Code Compliance Committee has recently reprimanded a life insurance provider for issuing misleading rejection letters to policy applicants. These letters were deemed 'ambiguous and contradictory' and failed to clearly inform applicants of their review options after being denied coverage. - read more |
![]() | Insurer Ordered to Pay Full Claim for Confusing Patio Coverage 23 Jun 2025: Paige Estritori A recent ruling mandates that an insurer must fully honor a storm-related claim due to ambiguous policy wording regarding items in open areas. The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) determined that the insurer's restriction on coverage for items in a patio area was unfounded, as the policy's phrasing was not clear. - read more |
![]() | Australia Sees Dramatic Drop in Catastrophe Losses 23 Jun 2025: Paige Estritori Last year saw Australia's insured catastrophe losses plummet to just $500 million, marking the lowest level since 2004, according to Aon's latest Climate and Catastrophe Insight report. Notably, the Insurance Council of Australia reported no disasters for the year, a situation not seen since 1982. This comes in stark contrast to 2023, when disaster-related insured losses soared to over $3.6 billion. - read more |
![]() | Securing Your Farm's Future: Top Estate Planning Tips for New Zealand Farmers New Zealand's farming community forms the backbone of its thriving agricultural sector, yet many overlook the critical importance of proactive estate planning. With farmland often being held within families for generations, securing its future is not just a financial concern, but a deeply personal one as well. - read more
|
![]() | Protecting Your Farming Future: Why Machinery Breakdown Coverage is Essential Farming is a vital part of New Zealand's economy and cultural heritage, representing a way of life for thousands across the country. With its unique landscapes and diverse climate, New Zealand farmers are renowned for producing a wide array of high-quality products that serve not only the nation's needs but also supply a multitude of international markets. - read more
|
![]() | Customizing Your Farm Insurance: Tailoring Policies to Fit Unique Agricultural Needs Those who work the land know that every farm has its own heartbeat - its unique rhythm defined by the crops it yields, the livestock it nurtures, and the natural environment it exists within. Recognizing this individuality is crucial, especially when it comes to safeguarding your agricultural investment with the right insurance policy. - read more
|
![]() | Natural Disaster Preparedness: Insurance Tips for Farmers Facing Adversity In the heart of New Zealand's pastoral verdure, the significance of preparedness for natural disasters is paramount for the farming industry. The distinct landscape, while providing an idyllic backdrop for agricultural pursuits, is not without its challenges. Farmers are often at the mercy of nature's unpredictability, making disaster preparedness not just prudent but essential for the continuity of their livelihood. - read more
|
![]() | Navigating Farm Succession: A Step-by-Step Guide for Rural Australian Families Welcome to our comprehensive guide on navigating farm succession for rural Australian families. The journey of passing on a family farm from one generation to the next is both a critical and challenging milestone. Recognizing that every farm has its unique story and set of circumstances is fundamental to the process. - read more
|
![]() | Understanding Farm Equipment Insurance: What Rural Australians Need to Know Farm equipment insurance is crucial for rural Australians who rely on their machinery for agricultural productivity. This insurance provides a safety net, helping to mitigate the financial risks associated with equipment loss or damage. - read more
|
![]() |
Natural Disaster Preparedness: Insurance Tips for Farmers Facing Adversity In the heart of New Zealand's pastoral verdure, the significance of preparedness for natural disasters is paramount for the farming industry. The distinct landscape, while providing an idyllic backdrop for agricultural pursuits, is not without its challenges. Farmers are often at the mercy of nature's unpredictability, making disaster preparedness not just prudent but essential for the continuity of their livelihood. - read more
|
![]() |
Customizing Your Farm Insurance: Tailoring Policies to Fit Unique Agricultural Needs Those who work the land know that every farm has its own heartbeat - its unique rhythm defined by the crops it yields, the livestock it nurtures, and the natural environment it exists within. Recognizing this individuality is crucial, especially when it comes to safeguarding your agricultural investment with the right insurance policy. - read more
|
![]() |
Protecting Your Farming Future: Why Machinery Breakdown Coverage is Essential Farming is a vital part of New Zealand's economy and cultural heritage, representing a way of life for thousands across the country. With its unique landscapes and diverse climate, New Zealand farmers are renowned for producing a wide array of high-quality products that serve not only the nation's needs but also supply a multitude of international markets. - read more
|