Speakers 2023
Guest speaker
Nova Peris
OAM OLY
Nova Peris is an Olympic Gold Medalist, a Commonwealth Champion and the first Aboriginal woman elected to Federal Parliament.
With an astonishing sporting career representing Australia across the globe in two different sports, Nova’s compelling story embodies the purpose and passion it takes to succeed.
General Insurance
Adam Small
Managing director of Primus Build
Adam Small is a qualified builder and carpenter. With over 15 years of experience he has extensive knowledge in the building and construction industry, specifically related to residential rebuild of properties.
Adam applies his practical approach along with his expertise of standards and specifications for each job.
Arelene Lowry
Partner at Sparke Helmore Lawyers
Arelene Lowry has 20 years of insurance experience in the NT, including workers compensation, liability and personal injury. With specialist experience in indemnity, contribution, and defending recovery claims, she conducts all aspects of catastrophic claims involving serious injuries, as well as complex medical, quantum and intricate liability issues. Her experience in class actions and managing voluminous discovery means she is well versed with complex litigation, involving multiple parties across several jurisdictions.
Dr Allan Manning
DBA, B.Com, MBA, FCPA, ANZIIF (Fellow), FCII, FCILA, FEUDI ELAE, FCLA, FIICP
For over 50 years, Dr Allan Manning has managed large and complex losses involving major and complex claims all around the world. Using his experience he now acts as an adviser on large and complex claims, acts as an expert witness, and conducts policy reviews and drafts insurance wordings.
He has developed knowledge-based services such as PolicyComparison.com, BIcalculator.com, RiskCoach and the business continuity management system, ContinuityCoach.com now used across the globe.
Allan is one of Australia’s most academically qualified insurance professionals having lectured at RMIT, Melbourne, and Victoria Universities and has delivered over 1,250 papers on insurance and risk management topics. He holds the post of Adjunct Professor with Victoria University in the Faculty of Law and Justice, and is the author of 16 books on insurance, including Understanding the ISR Policy and It May Happen to Me! The Essential Guide to General Insurance. He has been rated in the top 20 most influential people in insurance 9 times. He was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2012 Insurance Industry Awards and is an Honorary Life Member of The Institute.
Dwight Shepherd
Darwin Broking Manager, Gallagher
Dwight is a highly accomplished professional with an extensive track record in the Northern Territory Insurance market. Dwight possesses in-depth knowledge of the NT market conditions and has a keen understanding of the specific factors influencing local enterprises. His invaluable insights make him a trusted asset for providing specialised advice to businesses.
Katrina Hickson
Development Underwriter
Katrina Hickson is specialising in Cyber Insurance with responsibility for educating and providing cyber insurance solutions to brokers, while building on a strong foundation to support Broker’s across NT and QLD. Katrina has more than 17 years of insurance and premium funding experience dedicated to the local market.
Luke Smith
Head of Commercial & Catastrophe Claims at Allianz Australia Insurance Ltd
Luke is a seasoned Claims Professional with a remarkable 28-year journey within the Australian Insurance Industry. Throughout his career, Luke has been at the helm of expansive operational domains, overseeing Home, Motor, Commercial Claims, and Government Self Insurance schemes at various prominent Australian insurers.
Today, as a key member of the Allianz Australia family, Luke leads the charge for the Commercial Claims division and spearheads the NATCAT (Natural Catastrophe) response team. His recent focus has been on crafting a thoughtful strategy for in-person engagement, a critical component in helping towns and communities rebuild in the aftermath of Natural Disasters.
With a deep-rooted commitment to serving both customers and communities, Luke’s wealth of experience and dedication to making a difference is truly inspiring.
Matt McDonald
Partner at Hall & Wilcox
Matt is one of Australia’s leading insurance lawyers. Matt has vast experience and expertise in class actions, mass tort litigation, complex/large loss recoveries and first party coverage disputes. Matt has pioneered a highly innovative model for major event recovery actions. He also has vast experience in complex property and construction liability claims. Matt is known for being an exacting practitioner. He is appreciated by his clients for his straightforward and cost-effective advice. Responsive and personable, Matt applies the insight of his years of experience across a broad range of legal work for insurers. He has a particular talent for conveying highly complex legal concepts, factual and expert material in an accessible, user-friendly way. Matt is recommended in the Legal 500 Asia-Pacific in class actions, public and product liability, professional indemnity, property, and coverage disputes and in Chambers Asia Pacific for insurance.
Matthew Curll
Partner at Hall & Wilcox
Matthew is head of Hall & Wilcox’s National General Insurance Practice. He is a leading insurance lawyer advising Australian and English insurers in the full range of first-party and third-party risks for almost 30 years.
He is also the joint head of Hall & Wilcox’s award winning National Financial Services
Practice specialising in insurance, superannuation, wealth, funds, finance and regulatory work.
Matthew has held government-appointed positions in key industry portfolios. He was the former Chairman of NSW Homeowners Warranty Insurance Scheme Board and NSW Home Building Advisory Council (2011-2015) and Solicitor Member of NSW Architects’ Registration Board (2013-2019).
Matthew is technically strong and applies an emotionally intelligent approach to his work. He seeks to understand his client’s objectives and to partner with them in looking at pragmatic, cost-effective, and strategic solutions having regard to those objectives. For challenging claims, he looks for the existence of any ‘outside the box’ solutions.
Matthew also has a science degree majoring in physical chemistry/applied mathematics which assists him to understand complex engineering and financial loss issues and translate them into user-friendly language.
Nicole Richardson
National Manager, Catastrophe Claims (Allianz)
Nicole Richardson, has been an insurance professional for more than 10 years. Today, as National Manager of Allianz’s Catastrophe Claims team, she has been responsible for executive level management of some of Australia’s most significant flood and storm events impacting domestic property and motor customers.
Leading by example and setting clear claims strategies, Nicole delivers extraordinary customer outcomes through creating opportunities for her direct and indirect team members to champion the customer through innovative claims solutions.
Ralph Bonig
Special Counsel at Finlaysons
Ralph has an extensive background in the provision of advice and advocacy in a range of insurance related areas. His client base is diverse and in addition to insurers it includes large corporations, professionals and government instrumentalities. Ralph has acted in complex multi-party professional indemnity claims as well as public liability and catastrophic personal injury claims and medical malpractice claims. He is a past President of the Law Society of SA as well as a former director of the Law Council of Australia. He continues to sit on a number of committees dealing with national issues, including indigenous issues, professional indemnity, proportionate liability and the NDIS.
Scott Cooper
National Manager, Disaster & Recovery (Allianz)
Scott Cooper is a passionate advocate for the insurance industry in Australia and has been so for many years.
In his roles centring on disaster recovery, Scott sees first hand the impact to families and businesses arising from catastrophic events such as cyclones, floods, bushfires and storms.
This passion extends to the important role that insurers like Allianz play in assisting Australians in their time of need.
Scott works directly with customers in their communities, with aid agencies, brokers, the ICA and numerous repair partners to drive recovery and advocate for greater resilience for Australians.
Steven Manning
Chief Executive Officer LMI Group
Steven commenced his insurance career in 2002 as a claim preparer. As a 20-year, career veteran of the insurance industry Steven has been involved in all manner of property and business interruption claims.
In 2019 Steven was appointed as the Group’s Chief Executive and will now lead and drive the strategic direction and vision of the Group. Steven has committed to bringing his focus on business development and industry engagement, whilst ensuring the culture and respect that is synonymous with LMI will always remain.
Seeking out greater insight into driving operational excellence, Steven is currently halfway through Harvard’s on campus three-year Owner/President Management (OPM) program which will support him in advancing his leadership growth and the Group’s agenda.
Suzy Cairney
Partner at Sparke Helmore Lawyers
Suzy is a projects and commercial lawyer with experience in project procurement, development and operational contracts in the ports, water, construction and resources sectors. She has experience in Australia and overseas on a wide range of major infrastructure projects, including in respect of bioremediation, renewable energy and biodiversity.
Vernon Sawers
Forensic Accounting Specialist
Vernon has over 30 years’ experience in forensic accounting and loss adjusting areas across Australia, UK and South Africa. He has quantified damages resulting from major recalls or withdrawals in the food, wine, beverage and fishing (abalone) industries, as well as recalls in the supply of defective packaging items. These claims have included the quantification of losses in multinational corporations spanning operations in Australia, the UK, Europe and the US.
Personal Injury Management
Beth Sutton
Client Manager at Gallagher Bassett
Based in Hobart, Tasmania Beth runs the MyPulse program for Ambulance Tasmania and Department of Police, Fire and Emergency Management. In this capacity, Beth oversees the delivery of comprehensive wellbeing services to a diverse workforce of over 9000 emergency service workers and volunteers.
With over a decade of experience in the industry, Beth has held various key positions with in the Northern Territory Motor Accidents and Workers Compensation sectors. Her extensive background has equipped her with a deep understanding of the intricacies and challenges associated with managing psychosocial factors and wellbeing in the workplace.
Beth’s expertise lies in developing and implementing innovative strategies that prioritise and put workers at the centre, in both the wellbeing and personal injury management spheres.
Chloe Moore
CGU National Workers Compensation Claims Manager
Chloe Moore is the National Claims Manager for CGU’s end-to-end Workers Compensation business. She is an Exercise Physiologist with 12 years industry experience, and has a passion for helping people return to life post injury. Chloe has a strong focus on customer service – to help make workers compensation simple and create sustainable value for all. Chloe designed and implemented CGU’s FY23-25 Claims Improvement program which is on track to reduce claims costs by >$20m.
Dr Ameya Kamat
Neurosurgeon
Dr Ameya Kamat is a highly qualified neurosurgeon, specialising in the surgical treatment of conditions involving the brain, spine and peripheral nerves. Dr Kamat’s innovative approach aims to avoid surgery whenever possible.
In 2019, he received the Fellowship in Neurosurgery from the College of Neurosurgeons followed by the degree of Masters in Medicine (Neurosurgery), cum laude, in Cape Town, South Africa.
With a special interest in Spine, Dr Kamat then went on to complete a Complex Spine Fellowship at Macquarie University Hospital, Sydney, with some of Australia’s most respected spine surgeons.
Wanting to make Australia his permanent home; in 2023 he was awarded Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.
Dr Kamat has worked as a Consultant Neurosurgeon at the Royal Darwin Hospital since 2020. He has also been appointed as a Senior Clinical Lecturer at the University of Otago, Wellington and presently at Flinders University NT.
Dr James Hundertmark
Dr Mary Wyatt
Occupational Physician
Mary is an occupational physician who is active in policy development and research through AFOEM and other organisations. Her interest is in getting research into practice. Decades of work in injury management has included running an early intervention case management approach across several medium to large employers. Other work has included IMEs, running RTWMatters.org (a non-profit seeking to share evidence-based practices that support better RTW), research on RTW, teaching via Monash University, work as a treating practitioner, conducting a state-based review of return to work for a regulator and advisory work for various insurers / regulators.
Mary is the lead Fellow in AFOEM / RACP’s most recent Health Benefits of Good Work policy development – It pays to care: Bringing evidence-informed practice to work injury schemes helps workers and their workplaces. An imperative for change and call to action.
Dr Rebecca Dingle
Occupational and Environmental Physician
Dr Dingle is passionate about the interface between health and work. She has worked extensively in the mining and resources, construction, health, education and manufacturing industries. Dr Dingle has a strong focus on the implementation of Evidence based- injury management programs, health surveillance and monitoring programs that improve worker health and safety.
Gemma Kearney
Senior Injury Management Consultant – Allianz
Gemma is an experienced physiotherapist and injury management consultant with a passion for promoting early intervention injury management strategies to ultimately return a person to full health following personal injury.
Gemma understands the importance of open effective communication, and building a strong rapport with all key stakeholders to optimise mutually beneficial claim outcomes.
Grace Cairns
Head of NT MAC – Allianz
Grace has 17 years’ experience in Personal Injury at Allianz and holds a Masters of Management (Personal Injury), specialising in Scheme design, injury and claims management and strategic management. Her corporate and public sector experience across senior claims roles, account management and strategic leadership roles affords her a holistic, customer-centric approach to personal injury programs.
Grace moved to the Territory 12 months ago to take up the position of Head of Northern Territory Motor Accident Compensation, leading a team of professionals who provide services to the Motor Accident Compensation Commission including Claims Management, Investment, Reinsurance, Finance, Risk and Compliance, Marketing and Road Safety.
Jaclyn Zipple
Occupational Therapist
Jaclyn is a passionate and hard-working Occupational Therapist at Procare Group with clinical experience in aged care, disability, Aboriginal health and paediatric settings. Jaclyn is skilled in enhancing client strengths while providing support to improve their health and wellbeing with an individualised approach. A strong communicator, she is driven to help people achieve their recovery and return to work goals. Jaclyn’s area of expertise lies in supporting those with complex and serious injuries, focusing the approach on enabling behaviours. Jaclyn is also an accredited FIM practitioner and has extensive experience in the Serious Injury space. Jaclyn is highly passionate about providing services to those living in regional and remote areas to ensure equal access to care and services.
Jason Vowles
WA Business Manager – Navigator Group
Jason has been working within the Worker’s Compensation industry in WA for 14 years, being heavily involved in treatment, injury/claim management, vocational rehabilitation, and program development & implementation. Jason has held management positions across several providers in WA and was a finalist for ARPA WA’s Excellence in Leadership award in 2022.
Jemima Thomas
Business Manager at WorkFocus Australia
Jemima has worked in the personal injury space since 2016, both in rehabilitation and insurance and working across schemes over Australia. She has specialised experience with working with clients with psychological, long term and complex injuries. Jemima relocated to Darwin in 2023 and is the Business Manager for WorkFocus Australia in NT/SA.
Jessica Smith
Workers Compensation Manager – NT, Personal Injury
Jessica is Allianz Australia’s Workers Compensation Manager for the Northern Territory.
Jess has been with Allianz for 12 years, working in NSW before moving to Darwin in late 2015.
Jessica holds a double degree in Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts (Major in Politic Studies, Minor in Psychology).
Kate Frost
Senior Associate, Hall & Wilcox
Kate Frost is a longstanding Darwin insurance lawyer with specialist expertise in workers’ compensation claims in the Northern Territory.
Kate has acted on behalf of self-insurers, insurers, employers, claim managers and the Nominal Insurer of the Northern Territory, providing high level advice and representation on liability, quantum, risk, strategy and recovery.
Kate thrives on providing clear, practical advice that carefully balances a client’s obligations with the best case outcome, no matter the size or complexity of the matter at hand.
Kerry Barnaart
Director Rehabilitation and Compensation
Kerry Barnaart is the Director Rehabilitation and Compensation in the Northern Territory. Kerry has 20 years’ experience working for the Regulator, having held various positions prior to taking on the Directors role, including managing the inspectors in the work health and safety environment and as the Chief Investigator for the Northern Territory. She represents the Northern Territory on multiple National workers compensation organisations and is a member of the Nominal Insurer. Kerry understands the unique challenges for the Regulator in designing and managing the Scheme as a whole and the complex undertaking of balancing the needs of workers and employers.
Kye Brown
NT Branch Manager
Based (and born) in Darwin, Kye has been the NT Branch Manager for GB since December 2020, bringing more than 16 years’ NT workers’ compensation and business leadership experience to the role. Kye has worked in national injury management, Wellbeing, and WHS roles as an Insurer, employer, and now a claims Manager. Kye’s experience working on the NT Government portfolio in various roles brings a deep understanding of NT Government agencies operations, and has enabled her to build strong relationships with senior managers and executives.
Kyle Skiba
CGU Injury Management Advisor
Kyle is an Exercise Physiologist who has been in the Worker’s Compensation industry for 10 years and is committed to helping injured workers return to health, work, and a fulfilling life after injury. Kyle continues to reduce the cost and impact of workplace injuries, through his considered design and application of claims initiatives.
Leigh Ezbery
General Manager Underwritten and Distribution Workers Compensation · Allianz Australia
Leigh has worked in the Risk and Insurance Industry for over 20 years; prior to the current General Manager role he has held roles with major employers in WH&S and Risk Management. Leigh has held various roles within the last 25 years including Head of Workers Compensation, Western Australia Underwriting Portfolio Manager, Tasmanian QBE State Manager and most recently General Manager Workers Compensation Underwritten and Distribution.
As General Manager Leigh sits as part of the Senior National Leadership Team. This team is responsible for the strategic direction and delivery of business initiatives for the Workers Compensation & Personal Injury business within Australia. This role requires working closely with key stakeholders, intermediaries, and business partners to ensure the delivery of quality outcomes and execution of key business objectives. Leigh has a passion for Learning and Development and working with individuals and teams to focus on areas of development.
Rachel Fox
Regional Manager at Corporeal Health
Rachel Fox is an allied health professional who has close to 10 years experience working within the personal injury sector in the Northern Territory; encompassing clinical, insurance and consultancy-orientated roles. She has a passion piece for education and advocation of all stakeholders involved throughout the journey of a claim and; specifically, empowerment of the injured worker to enable them to return to health – inclusive of their individualized occupational, avocational and recreational goals.
Ralph Bonig
Special Counsel at Finlaysons
Ralph has an extensive background in the provision of advice and advocacy in a range of insurance related areas. His client base is diverse and in addition to insurers it includes large corporations, professionals and government instrumentalities. Ralph has acted in complex multi-party professional indemnity claims as well as public liability and catastrophic personal injury claims and medical malpractice claims. He is a past President of the Law Society of SA as well as a former director of the Law Council of Australia. He continues to sit on a number of committees dealing with national issues, including indigenous issues, professional indemnity, proportionate liability and the NDIS.
Sara Lucas
Neuropsychologist
Dr Sara Lucas is a clinical neuropsychologist who consults for MLCOA. She has a Bachelor of Psychology and Doctorate of Clinical Neuropsychology. She has 23 years of experience and has been in private practice assessing insurance claims for 17 years focusing on traumatic brain injury. She has a number of research publications and has also taught extensively to Masters level students.
Sharon Richens
Head of Customer – Altius Group
Sharon has 25 + years of personal injury experience anda genuine passion for holistic workplace wellbeing.
She is a trained ACDC Mediator, specialising in workplace issues and safety leadership with extensive experience in complex personal injury claims and understands the need for whole person-centred approaches to achieve outcomes.
Some of her most exciting work has come from being invited to partner with ABC Commercial on their Happy Body at Work initiative. This award winning workplace mental health and wellbeing program improves employee energy, resilience and performance.
Sharon is currently undertaking a Masters in Mental Health to further her strong interest in psychological health and wellbeing in the workplace.
Steve Hartwig
Mental Health and Wellbeing Manager
Steve is an experienced workplace psychologist, who has worked across both the private and government sectors over the past two decades. He has worked specifically in the area of work injury for the past fifteen years, both as a private treater and as an in-house psychologist. Steve is currently employed with Gallagher Bassett in the role of Mental Health & Wellbeing Manager, which has a strong focus on guiding, coaching, and upskilling GB claims managers in relation to managing psychologically complex claims. Steve has postgraduate qualifications in both psychology and management, is a published author, and is an Adjunct Lecturer with the University of Adelaide.