NIBA / Special Feature
He believes that as clients face more complex risks and pressures, brokers are being pushed, in the best sense, to evolve. “As our clients challenge us to address their challenges, insurance brokers are driven to look for new and innovative approaches to support them,” he says. He points first to AI and technology. “If you look at the continually evolving AI and technology environment, brokers are having more conversations with clients about cyber insurance, and the risks and opportunities associated with AI,” he says. “At the same time, brokers are also finding ways to embrace AI to evolve the delivery of services more effectively to clients.” He sees a similar pattern in climate and extreme weather risk. “Similar change is happening with emerging weather events that are impacting communities and clients across Australia,” he says. “While this creates affordability and availability challenges for some clients, it also creates an opportunity for innovation.” He is particularly interested in how brokers help bring new solutions to market. “Specialist advice and new capital are always being developed, with insurance brokers helping lead those solutions,” he says. “That is a far cry from consumers being left on their own to consider an online transaction without any advice.” It’s a pointed comparison, and it reinforces a core theme: in a more complex risk environment, the case for professional risk advice gets stronger. Gary believes brokers are well positioned for the future, but only if the profession keeps investing in capability, talent and standards. That is where he sees NIBA’s role as indispensable. “At an industry-wide level, NIBA plays a critical role in supporting insurance brokers with education, talent acquisition, and importantly, a regulatory framework that allows the professionalism, advice and innovation that brokers provide to stand out and thrive.”
For him, the next decade will demand all three. Education to build capability. Talent to sustain the profession. And a strong framework to ensure trust and professionalism remain visible as the market evolves. “The challenges are real,” he says. “But the opportunities are real too. And I believe brokers are strongly positioned to tackle them, especially if NIBA keeps supporting the profession in the right ways.” What He’ll Cherish Most: Culture, Community and Shared Purpose “Having been involved with the NIBA Board for over a decade, there are many great moments to cherish,” he says. “But my key observation about NIBA’s culture is that everyone involved prioritises relationships, trust, a shared pride in our profession and passion for our clients.” It is a line that captures what he values most about NIBA, not just what it does, but how people show up within it. “This plays out best when people on the Board or a State Committee put their organisational thinking to one side and focus on how they can improve our profession for the betterment of all insurance brokers across the country,” he says. That spirit of collective contribution is, for Gary, one of NIBA’s defining strengths. And it is something he clearly feels has endured through periods of change. He is also proud of how the Board itself has evolved over his tenure. “It’s been great to see how the Board has evolved to reflect the continual change across the sector,” he says. “Today, the Board represents the sector differently than when I started — with international firms, network firms such as Steadfast, Austbrokers/AUB and Envest, and representation across all states and territories. It’s a much better cross-section of our diverse profession.” “The way the insurance broking community rebounded after COVID-19 has also been a pleasure to observe,” he says. “That’s reflected perfectly in the way the NIBA Convention found its mojo post-COVID.”
“People come in record numbers from far and wide, across all different parts of our sector, to attend the only event that truly reflects the diversity of our country and our profession.” For those considering getting more involved in NIBA, he offers a heartfelt encouragement. “For anyone thinking about contributing more to our profession and to NIBA, they will absolutely experience a great degree of personal satisfaction, development, and build amazing relationships on that journey. That’s something I’ve really enjoyed in my time with NIBA.” Welcome Kirsten — A Board Journey Worth Taking Gary welcomes incoming Board member Kirsten Mills with warmth and confidence. “I’m sure Kirsten will be a fantastic addition to the NIBA Board and contribute to the industry as it moves forward,” he says. “Knowing Kirsten, she will throw herself totally into the NIBA Board and openly listen to feedback from brokers across the different parts of our industry,” he says. That emphasis on listening feels especially fitting coming from Gary. Across his reflections, on advocacy, self-regulation, consumer insight and the Code, he consistently returns to the importance of listening well before acting. He is also clear that she is joining at an important time. “Kirsten joins the Board at an exciting time, as the new Code reaches the next phase of development. I’m excited for her, and I know her contribution to the future of NIBA will be highly valued.” After more than a decade on the NIBA Board, Gary leaves with a legacy of steady leadership and a clear purpose: keep leading proactively, keep the client voice at the centre, and keep building a profession that earns trust every day.
24 / INSURANCE ADVISER FEBRUARY/MARCH 2026
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