Conference Program

In this session we will provide you with strategies for tackling bullying, discrimination, and harassment at work in the context of psychological claims. As part of the session, we will address recent legislative change in this space, including Respect@Work and positive legal obligations. These reforms emphasize the need for workplaces to take proactive steps to prevent and address these issues, and they introduce more stringent legal obligations for employers.By understanding the psychological impact, implementing effective strategies and staying informed about legal obligations, organisations can create a safer and more respectful work environment. This proactive approach not only helps in managing psychological claims but also fosters a positive and inclusive workplace culture.

Explore how industry leaders are transforming insurance and legal operations though AI, data, and digital evolution. This panel offers an executive perspective on the opportunities and challenges of modernizing personal injury insurance, highlighting key considerations and strategies for the integration of emerging technologies. Gain insights into how AI and data are driving innovation and reshaping the future of the industry.

Jane Kittel, CEO, MPM Group, acquired by Gallagher Bassett in December 2023, will share the companies transformation journey which involved an investment of ~$20m over 4 years to build a platform for sustainable growth. As a plan manager in the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), the MPM Group acts as a financial intermediary for clients (NDIS participants) helping and supporting participants to manage their plan budget, perform claims administration and provide plan support.

The company’s transformation journey included getting the right people capability, transforming processes, technology and data as well as building a strong acquisition capability – sales and marketing to cement the company’s leadership position. Growing the company from 10,000 clients to over 64,000 clients, with payments processed growing from $200m to $2.6bn annually in 2024, the MPM Group is recognised as an industry leader in innovation and has developed a technology platform that leverages automation and robotics to streamline the invoice and claims process, and data technology to help prevent non-compliant and fraudulent claims.

Mental health claims, though a small percentage of total claims, have surged from 6% in 2014/15 to 9% in 2020. These claims are not only increasing but are also significantly more costly, with median compensations of $55,270 compared to $13,883 for physical injuries. Additionally, psychological sequelae claims are becoming more prevalent.

In this session, Darrin will provide valuable insights into the best practices for managing psychological claims from a clinical treatment perspective, including Work Oriented Treatment. He will outline key elements to look for in a treatment regime to ensure progress and provide an overview of preventative strategies at an organisational level. This will include innovative approaches such as Health Coaching, Proactive Psychological Wellbeing checks, MindMovement, and the management of critical incidents and vicarious trauma, all of which can be enhanced through the adoption of modern technologies.

From paper brief to AI, from billable unit to fixed fee and beyond - Reinis will guide you through the evolution of litigation in the Work Heath Court, whilst Shane will update you on the latest decisions and developments in the Northern Territory and what to expect in the future.

The aim of this talk is to explore the scientific evidence of how factors across our lifecourse influence our cognitive responses to injury and thereby influence our recovery. This includes the development of pain catastrophising, fear avoidance behaviour, a sense of injustice, and why we adopt a passive approach to our recovery. Deepening our understanding of such cognitive responses and adopting evidence-based approaches can help us better support people in their recovery from injury and illness.

Re-thinking Recovery is the world’s first intervention to combine modern pain science and virtual reality (VR) in an occupational rehabilitation setting. Developed by IPAR Rehabilitation, this service aims to improve the recovery outcomes for clients with persistent pain following a workplace injury. Lead by 60 pain coaches nationally, the program runs eight weights combining immerse VR sessions, modern pain science and coaching. Initial data from completed clients shows significant improvements in pain interference, self-efficacy, catastrophizing, and severity. These findings suggest promising outcomes for enhancing rehabilitation and return to work success and preventing long term disability associated with persistent pain.

The future of workers' compensation claims will be shaped by technological advancements and the entry of Gen Z into the workforce. AI and data analytics will streamline claims processing and risk management, while wearables and IoT devices will provide real-time health monitoring. Telemedicine will offer remote consultations, and automation will enhance efficiency. As Gen Z values mental health and ergonomic work environments, there will be increased focus on psychological support and improved workplace design. The rise of remote work will also introduce new complexities in determining claim validity. These shifts aim to create a more responsive and effective workers' compensation system.

Exploring trends in the modern workforce in relation to diversity, inclusivity and the important role employers play in fostering safe and supportive environment. Through a focus on shifting from compliance to commitment, employers can apply a practical approach to supporting employees of diverse backgrounds, injury and disability, whilst meeting obligations.

An opportunity to hear from a panel of injury management experts from NT PFES and Gallagher Bassett, discussing challenges, latest trends and best RTW practice to support first responders. This session will be sure to empower and inspire.

Over the past 12 months, Allianz Personal Injury have embarked on first ever, whole of division initiative aimed at implementing a national biopsychosocial risk management strategy to revolutionise claims management and enhance customer recovery outcomes. This program provides a nationally consistent and differentiated approach to managing barriers to return to work and preventing secondary mental injuries.

This panel discussion will showcase data, insights, and outcomes from the initial phase, highlighting the positive impact of the program on customer experience and recovery outcomes. Additionally, it will provide an overview of the recently commenced phase two roll out this transformative project nationwide, demonstrating our commitment to continuously improving customer experience and outcomes through innovative and holistic risk management strategies.

Award winning human futurist, forensic optimist and energising catalyst; Chris will make sense of the rapidly changing and increasingly disrupted digital world we live in… and make a case for a future that will be undoubtedly better - and more awesome - than it is today.