NEWS / Industry Bulletin
NIBA PRESIDENT ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
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he President of the National Insurance Brokers Association (NIBA), Dianne Phelan has announced that the Association’s Board has appointed Philip Kewin as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Kewin will join NIBA on 16 August 2021 to commence a period of transition, working closely with the current Chief Executive Officer, Dallas Booth, who will retire from the role on 31 October 2021. Phelan, pictured below, said, “The NIBA Board acknowledges the significant contribution outgoing CEO Dallas Booth has made for the benefit of all members. He will be missed and we look forward to a more formal acknowledgement of Dallas later in October.” Philip Kewin joins NIBA following a long career in financial services, most recently as Chief Executive Officer at the Association of Financial Advisers, a role he has held for the last four years. He has been extensively involved in representing
the interests of AFA members and the financial advice industry more broadly, particularly with the Federal Government, the Federal regulator, ASIC, as well as other key industry bodies and stakeholders. During his tenure, he oversaw significant growth of AFA members at a time when total adviser numbers were shrinking. Prior to his four years’ service at the AFA, Kewin was responsible for the Adviser Life Risk and Investment business at Zurich Australia, including five years as General Manager of Life and Investments. Prior to Zurich, he had his own financial planning business. Phelan revealed that the NIBA Board Succession Committee undertook an extensive search process in conjunction with a professional recruitment firm. Arrangements will be made for Kewin to meet members, key stakeholders and other industry representatives after he joins the organisation, confirmed Phelan.
COVID-19 INDEMNITY SCHEME
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he Federal Government has announced that it is establishing a COVID-19 Vaccine Claim Scheme to provide assurance and confidence to patients and health professionals in the COVID-19 vaccine rollout. Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt has revealed in the event someone suffers a significant adverse reaction, causing injury and economic loss because of vaccination, the Scheme will help guide potential claimants through a no-fault claims process scheme. Under the scheme, proven claims will be able to receive appropriate compensation without the need of formal court processes. Potential claimants accessing the scheme will still have the option of pursuing action through a court judgement if that is their preference. The COVID-19 Vaccine Claims Scheme will be backdated to the start of the national vaccine rollout – 22 February 2021 – and will be linked to the Human Biosecurity Emergency Period under the Biosecurity Act 2015. The scheme will support claims made against privately practising health professionals who administer a COVID-19 vaccine approved for use by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). Details of the COVID-19 Vaccine Claims Scheme will be finalised in consultation with peak bodies, indemnity insurers, patient groups and states and territories.
For breaking news and updates curated specially for insurance brokers please visit: niba.com.au/articles
12 / INSURANCE ADVISER AUGUST 2021
