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Reviewing the Code

Background

The General Insurance Code of Practice (Code) was first developed and introduced by the Insurance Council of Australia in 1994.

In 2005 a revised Code, building on the previous Code's framework, was developed by the Insurance Council and its members - the focus was on the Code being a voluntary set of standards to be upheld by insurers.  The revised Code was developed following an extensive consultation process.

The Code commenced operation in July 2006.

The Insurance Council is required to review the Code every three years and according to clause 1.14 of the Code the Insurance Council must appoint an Independent Reviewer to undertake this process.  The review of the Code commenced on 1 June 2009.

About the Independent Reviewer

The Board of the Insurance Council has appointed Mr Robert Cornall AO as the Independent Reviewer.  Mr Cornall has extensive experience in conducting large scale reviews involving a diverse range of stakeholders such as government, regulators, industry and consumers.  Mr Cornall was Secretary of the Australian Government Attorney-General's Department, a position he held for over eight years until August 2008. For further information about the Independent Reviewer please refer to Mr Cornall's CV. 

Process

      • Submissions - written submissions addressing the Terms of Reference are to be lodged with the Review Secretariat by 4.00pm on 1 July 2009.
      • Consultation sessions - public consultation sessions will commence on 27 July 2009 and will be held around Australia. Interested parties must register via email to secretariat@codeofpracticereview.com.au to discuss their submission with the Independent Reviewer. 
      • All registered parties will be provided with up to 20 minutes to address the Independent Reviewer and the Code Secretariat at a public consultation session.  Only people who register will be given allocated time to speak. 

Current Status as at 9 December 2009

Mr Robert Cornall AO has now finalised his report on the Independent Review of the General Insurance Code of Practice.