The National Insurance Brokers Association (NIBA) has added a Northern Territory (NT) Sub-Committee to its state and territory committee structure, creating a formal mechanism for brokers in the NT to contribute to the association’s work and representation. The new body follows the establishment of an ACT Sub-Committee in 2025 and extends NIBA’s divisional framework into the NT market, where brokers operate across wide distances and a relatively small population base.
NIBA president Nick Cook said the NT Sub-Committee is intended to align the association’s structures with the locations in which brokers are based and trading. “At NIBA, we are committed to being present where our members are. The launch of the NT Sub-Committee is an important step in ensuring brokers in the region feel connected, represented and supported as part of our national broking community,” Cook said. The sub-committee brings together representatives from several broking firms active in the Territory. Marsh’s Tom Harvie will chair the group, joined by:
The committee will sit under NIBA’s SA/NT divisional umbrella. Its agenda is expected to cover matters such as regional service delivery, the impact of catastrophe and climate-related risks, and the availability and cost of cover for local businesses and households.
NIBA CEO Richard Klipin said the NT group is designed to provide a regular channel between Territory brokers and the association’s national policy and advocacy activity. “The establishment of the NT Sub-Committee reflects NIBAʼs ongoing commitment to create stronger local connections, listening to the needs of brokers on the ground, and ensuring members in the Northern Territory have opportunities to engage, contribute and thrive,” Klipin said.
Harvie said operating conditions in the NT differ from those in more densely populated states and territories. “The Northern Territory has a unique operating environment, and it is important that brokers here have a strong local voice within the broader national conversation. The Sub-Committee will bring Territory brokers together, strengthen engagement, and ensure their voice is heard loud and clear through NIBAʼs advocacy efforts for the profession,” he said. The NT Sub-Committee will report into NIBA’s existing committee framework, which includes divisional committees in NSW/ACT, Queensland, Victoria/Tasmania, and Western Australia, as well as Young Professionals groups and specialist committees focused on convention planning, education, mentoring, regulatory affairs, and other topics.
As part of its broader approach to advocacy, professional standards, and market issues, NIBA works with a range of industry associations and peers across Australia. These include the Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance (ANZIIF), the Underwriting Agencies Council (UAC), the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA), and Insurtech Australia. Through ANZIIF, NIBA connects into an established education and qualification infrastructure for insurance and finance professionals. Founded in 1884, ANZIIF is a membership body that provides education, training, and professional development for the sector in the Asia-Pacific region. It has members in about 50 countries and offices in Australia, New Zealand, and China.
ANZIIF is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO Provider No. 3596) and offers qualifications under the Australian Qualifications Framework, working with insurers, government entities, and non-profit organisations on training and assessment programs. ANZIIF is governed by a board and executive committees under its constitution. Branch executive committees and industry advisory committees contribute market input, while Faculty Advisory Boards, professional development event committees, and the Journal Advisory Committee provide guidance on education events and technical content.
On the underwriting side of the market, NIBA engages with the UAC, which is the representative body for Australian underwriting agencies. UAC’s member agencies together handle more than $7.5 billion in premiums each year for Australian businesses and consumers. Agencies generally operate under authority from insurers to issue policies and, in many cases, manage claims. UAC conducts professional development and education events, organises broker-agency market days, undertakes sector-focused promotional activity, and represents members in discussions with government and industry bodies. It also maintains sub-committees dealing with areas such as membership, expos, and business services.
NIBA’s relationship with the ICA connects brokers into developments across the broader general insurance sector. ICA is the representative body for the general insurance industry in Australia. Its members write about 89% of total premium income generated by private sector general insurers. ICA participates in policy debates on issues such as disaster resilience, recovery, and regulatory settings, and engages with governments and regulators on matters affecting general insurers.
In the technology space, NIBA collaborates with Insurtech Australia, a national, not-for-profit organisation that represents insurtech firms and related stakeholders. Insurtech Australia focuses on insurance-related innovation and digital business models. It runs networking and education activities, facilitates contact between insurtechs and underwriters, distributors, customers, and investors, and engages with regulators and industry stakeholders on regulatory and policy questions relevant to insurance technology. Insurtech Australia’s work is supported by an advisory committee made up of representatives from its platinum partners and chaired by former Insurtech Australia board member Daniel Fogarty. The committee meets quarterly to provide strategic advice and recommendations to management on key initiatives.
