The Australian Insurance Law Association (AILA) is set to introduce a new approach to its annual national conference in 2025, opting for a streamlined, single-day event.
Branded as “Insurance Fast Forward,” the conference is scheduled for Oct. 16 in Melbourne and will feature a concentrated agenda of keynote addresses and panel discussions, concluding with an industry dinner at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Lucy Terracall, who serves as both conference chair and AILA Victoria state president, described the event as a rare opportunity for industry stakeholders to convene and discuss pressing issues.
“The AILA National Conference is the only opportunity in the year to be in the same room with the key decision makers, legal advisers, and representatives from the major insurers, insurance brokers, underwriters, and other service providers who are engaged in the issues affecting our industry,” she said.
The program will open with a keynote from the Honourable Justice Michael Osborne, head of the Insurance List at the Supreme Court of Victoria.
Osborne is expected to discuss his experience at the Victorian Bar, focusing on judicial processes that aim to expedite the resolution of insurance disputes.
The discussion will centre on compliance and enforcement trends, reflecting the regulatory priorities currently shaping the insurance landscape.
Other sessions will address workforce development, litigation funding, changes in financial lines claims management, and the sector’s response to cyber threats.
Terracall emphasised the importance of assembling a diverse range of speakers.
“Securing these speakers for the conference was a top priority because regulatory compliance and enforcement agendas impact every single participant in the insurance sector, whether it’s lawyers, underwriters, brokers, loss adjusters, or claims managers,” she said.
Terracall attributed the strong speaker lineup to AILA’s established reputation and industry connections.
“There was a real willingness to participate because AILA is a well-regarded and long-established association with a great reputation for education and for bringing the industry participants together,” she said.
Registration for the 2025 AILA National Conference is now open, with further details available on the AILA website.
At its 2024 national conference, held from Sept. 11-13 at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, AILA announced the winners of the Ron Shorter Award, which recognises excellence in public speaking within the insurance profession.
The award, named after Ron Shorter – a former practice manager at Colin Biggers & Paisley Lawyers and a long-standing supporter of AILA – aims to foster strong communication skills in the sector.
Eliza Sinclair of Wotton + Kearney was selected as the 2024 recipient for her presentation, “Cozzie Living! The Impact of the Current Cost of Living Crisis on the Insurance Market.”
Sinclair’s talk used hypothetical scenarios to highlight the complexities of risk assessment in the current economic climate. She received a $1,000 prize and the Ron Shorter Award trophy.
Adam Cass from Sparke Helmore Lawyers took second place and was awarded $500, while Tess Douglas of MinterEllison placed third, receiving $250.
