The Australian Consumers Insurance Lobby Inc (ACIL) has named Carol Roberts as its newest committee member.
Roberts brings a long history in business consultancy, financial planning, and consumer advocacy, with a specific focus on the strata sector – an area that ACIL deems essential for its ongoing consumer protection work.
Roberts’s career has spanned various sectors, including running businesses specialising in commercial accounting and strategic planning from 1993 to 2018.
In 2013, she shifted her focus to financial planning, primarily helping retirees and those nearing retirement. Through her work, she has addressed the need for stronger protections in retirement villages, over-50s communities, and the strata sector, particularly around insurance and legislation.
Roberts also has a military background, having served 11 years in the Australian Regular Army between 1973 and 1984.
In addition to her professional roles, she has contributed to teaching financial literacy to seniors and is currently working toward a master’s degree in financial crime. Her advocacy emphasises improved governance and transparency in the retirement sector.
Commenting on her new role, Roberts said she plans to bring her experience and energy to the committee to support better outcomes for consumers, particularly older Australians.
“I am very excited to join and be an active committee member of the Australian Consumers Insurance Lobby,” she said.
ACIL chairperson Tyrone Shandiman welcomed Roberts to the committee, highlighting her extensive background in consumer advocacy, especially within the strata industry.
“Carol’s expertise and commitment to consumer advocacy will be instrumental in driving forward our mission,” he said.
The appointment aligns with ACIL’s broader efforts to advocate for consumer fairness and protection within Australia’s insurance market.
In another key appointment, John Devaney, a retired insurance broker from North Queensland, has been appointed as ACIL’s newest board member.
Devaney has over 50 years of experience in the general insurance sector and has been involved with the Australian Reinsurance Pool Corporation (ARPC) on the Cyclone Reinsurance Pool, providing input as a member of the North Queensland community committee.
Commenting on his appointment, Devaney highlighted the issues that need more attention from insurers and governments, including the experiences of North Australians with cyclone risks and the challenges faced by strata insurance consumers nationwide.
“I’m delighted and privileged to join ACIL colleagues in our advocacy on behalf of consumers,” he said.
Shandiman expressed optimism about Devaney’s contribution to the board, citing his deep experience in insurance and consumer issues as crucial for advancing ACIL’s goals.
Aside from making appointments, ACIL recently outlined its key focus areas for the upcoming year. These priorities include:
ACIL reaffirmed its commitment to improving transparency and outcomes for insurance consumers across Australia, particularly in high-risk areas like Northern Australia.
