Our Role 

The Insurance Council represents the interests of the Australian general insurance industry.

Established on 1 July 1975, Insurance Council succeeded the Fire Accident and Marine Underwriters Association, which traced its origins back to 1867.

Insurance Council was established to act as the peak body for general insurance companies in Australia licensed under the Insurance Act 1973.

Insurance Council's 52 member groups include insurance and reinsurance companies, Lloyds underwriters, intermediaries and agencies from both the private and public sectors. They account for more than 90 per cent of all insurance business transacted in Australia by authorised insurers. Insurance Council funds its activities through a membership levy.

The main objectives of Insurance Council are:

• Represent members' interests in both domestic and international issues.
• Represent the general insurance sector to Government and the community.
• Anticipate, and assist the industry to meet, the needs of consumers and the community generally.
• Improve the Industry's image.
• Promote community awareness of the role and benefits of insurance.
• Encourage improved service standards across the insurance sector and promote appropriate self-regulation.
• To promote private sector provision of insurance services.
• To effectively and efficiently manage Insurance Council of Australia resources.

Insurance Council is headed by an Executive Director, who is responsible to a Board of Directors elected by Member Companies. They are supported by an Executive Team who manage a series of divisions as well as by a comprehensive committee structure drawing on industry experts from member companies.

Insurance Council represents its members, handles issues and develops industry positions through government lobby, public affairs, industry forums, issues management and consumer services, all of which are backed up by technical research and resources.