A new committee of eight experienced brokers aims to strengthen the profession’s voice on claims issues.

The National Insurance Brokers Association says the first meeting of its Claims Committee was held this week, marking a “significant step in NIBA’s commitment to championing better claims outcomes for consumers across the general insurance sector”.

Committee members will provide informed perspectives on current and emerging claims issues, the association says.

They will identify systemic problems and opportunities for reform, and support NIBA’s engagement with government, regulators, insurers and the Insurance Council of Australia.

The committee aims to strengthen insurer engagement, improve the claims experience for clients and build greater confidence in the insurance sector more broadly.

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NIBA president Nick Cook says the launch “reflects the profession’s ongoing commitment to lifting standards where it matters most to clients and the communities they serve. Claims are the moment brokers prove their value, and this committee ensures that voice is heard clearly by clients, insurers, regulators and government.”

A survey of more than 400 SME owners earlier this year found 95% see brokers as critical to claims resolution.

Committee chair and Lockton operational specialist Adam Squire said: “This committee gives the profession a clear, co-ordinated voice on the issues affecting claims outcomes and I’m looking forward to working with such an experienced group of brokers to drive meaningful change.”

The other committee members are:

• Gallagher head of claims Dennis Dalati
• Marsh national manager for claims operations Pit Wen Lee
• Lockton pacific head of claims Jeff Williams
• Austbrokers Comsure chief risk officer Stephen Hamill
• Envest Broking head of claims Mark Johnston
• Willis head of claims for corporate risk and broking Sarah McPherson
• Network Insurance House GM of claims Sha Rijal