SIRA announces Whitlam as new chair

SIRA announces Whitlam as new chair | Insurance Business Australia

Insurance News

SIRA announces Whitlam as new chair

Gough Whitlam’s son and former NRMA president

Insurance News

By
Daniel Wood

The NSW Government has announced the appointment of Nicholas Whitlam (pictured above) as the next chair of the State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA). A media release said Whitlam “brings extensive experience across the insurance and finance sectors to the state authority.”

Whitlam is the second son of former Australian Prime Minister Gough Whitlam. He was also president of the NRMA and led its controversial demutualisation two decades ago.

“Compulsory insurance, notably CTP and workers compensation, is now a part of everyday life,” said Whitlam in the release. “I look forward to participating in the supervision of these key protections of a civilised society.”

The new SIRA leader was recently chair of the Port Authority of NSW. According to the release, he also served as chair of the Lifetime Care and Support Authority and was on the boards of WorkCover NSW and the WorkCover Insurance Investment Fund.

Whitlam replaces outgoing chair, Trevor Matthews.

SIRA is the state authority responsible for regulating motor accident compulsory third party (CTP) insurance, workers compensation insurance and the home building compensation scheme in NSW.