The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has announced the appointment of Andrew Gill as the executive officer of its newly established counter fraud and scams unit.
Gill brings a robust background in investigating insurance fraud, having spent 24 years as a detective in the New South Wales Police fraud and cybercrime squad, followed by a tenure as forensic director at McGrathNicol.
In 2023, ICA members uncovered $560 million in opportunistic insurance fraud related to motor and property claims, while undetected fraud is estimated to cost the industry approximately $400 million annually. These undetected frauds contribute to higher insurance premiums and adversely affect both customers and the broader economy.
The counter fraud and scam unit is designed to enhance industry-wide capabilities in identifying organised fraud networks and emerging fraud trends.
It will work closely with ICA members to gather intelligence on organised fraud, bolstering insurers’ efforts to detect and prevent fraudulent activities. The unit will also collaborate with government bodies to tackle fraud and scams more effectively.
Commenting on the new unit and his appointment, Gill emphasised the financial impact of organised fraud on the industry and insurance premiums.
“Organised fraud is costing the insurance industry millions of dollars each year, and this cost is reflected in everybody’s insurance premiums,” he said. “By reducing fraud, we can have an impact on the cost of a premium and ensure that insurance customers are not paying for the unlawful and unfair acts of organised crime.
“I look forward to starting in this new role and working alongside the Insurance Council and its members to reduce the impact of insurance fraud.”
ICA CEO Andrew Hall expressed his support for Gill’s appointment, highlighting his extensive expertise.
“On behalf of the Insurance Council and its members, I welcome Andrew to the counter fraud and scam team, where I know his years of knowledge and expertise will be a great asset in guiding this important work,” he said. “Andrew will lead the new function as it becomes a standalone entity, external to the ICA, working with insurers to reduce the cost of fraud and scams to insurance customers and the community.”
The establishment of a new unit, along with the appointment of its leader, follows the appointment of a new ICA non-executive director.
