Helen Robinson (pictured) has been appointed chief executive officer of the Insurance Commission of Western Australia (ICWA) for a five-year term, following a period as acting CEO. Western Australia Treasurer Rita Saffioti announced the appointment on Jan. 28. Robinson’s term is effective immediately. She has led the organisation in an acting capacity since July 2025, when former CEO Rod Whithear retired after 13 years in the role.
Robinson joined ICWA in July 2024 as chief operating officer. Since then, she has been involved in shaping the organisation’s strategy and overseeing operations. Her prior experience includes senior roles in finance and general management across government and non-government organisations, including positions at Serco, St John of God Health Care, Synergy, and Western Power. Saffioti said Robinson’s sector background and experience at ICWA were key elements in the decision. “I congratulate Helen Robinson on her appointment as chief executive of the Insurance Commission of Western Australia. Ms Robinson has more than 20 years’ experience across government and non-government organisations and has demonstrated that she is a dedicated leader during her time as acting CEO. I’d also like to acknowledge ICWA’s former CEO Rod Whithear for his contributions over 13 years of service in the role,” Saffioti said.
ICWA board chair Rob Bransby welcomed the appointment and linked it to the organisation’s forward agenda. “Helen brings proven leadership and strategic insight that will guide the Insurance Commission of Western Australia through its next phase of modernisation, with a continued focus on delivering efficient, fair, and sustainable outcomes for the state of Western Australia,” he said. ICWA is a statutory corporation and Government Trading Enterprise owned by the Western Australian government. It provides compulsory third-party motor injury insurance to more than 2.2 million drivers and 3.4 million registered vehicles in Western Australia. The commission also delivers self-insurance arrangements for nearly 150,000 government employees and for government assets valued at about $87 billion. The CEO is an ex officio member of the ICWA board and is responsible for the organisation’s day-to-day management. The commission also works with state entities on risk and loss management; in 2025, ICWA assisted 109 state government agencies with these functions, according to its latest annual report.
Robinson said her focus is on ICWA’s statutory mandates and on working with stakeholders as the organisation progresses its next strategy. “It’s a privilege to lead an organisation that plays such an important role in supporting the community and the state. I look forward to continuing to work with the board, our people, and stakeholders to continue to lift the value we deliver to the state. As we look to the future, we’re focused on deepening our understanding of the people and agencies we serve and lifting the value we deliver to the state,” Robinson said. ICWA’s 2025 annual report outlines the development of a new five-year corporate plan, including updated focus areas. As part of this work, the commission has engaged with government agencies to identify opportunities for collaboration, particularly in risk management, claims handling, and injury recovery.
For the 2025 reporting year, ICWA said it supported more than 22,000 people recovering from road or workplace injuries through its insurance and self-insurance schemes. It reported customer satisfaction of 75%, which the commission identified as its highest recorded level, and noted the use of customer journey mapping to review claimant and agency experiences and to inform service changes. ICWA also funds and participates in research partnerships aimed at improving outcomes for people injured in motor vehicle crashes. In addition, it supports the Belt Up campaign, which promotes seatbelt use across Western Australia. During the year, the commission relocated its head office to Tower 2, Mia Yellagonga, 5 Spring Street, Perth. The move was described by ICWA as providing improved accessibility for staff and visitors.
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For the insurance sector, Robinson’s appointment confirms continuity of leadership at ICWA after an 18‑month acting period and comes as the commission works on its next five-year strategy in compulsory third-party motor injury insurance and government self-insurance. Bransby said the organisation’s current position provided a base for its ongoing role in the state’s risk and injury schemes. “Thanks to the dedication and expertise of our staff, we are in a strong position – both financially and operationally – to support the WA government, its agencies, and the wider community in managing risk, reducing loss, and helping people recover from personal injury,” Bransby said.
