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.
On his personal website, Whitlam describes himself as a company director, former banker and “a prominent Australian businessman.” He’s also written books about Paris, Spain’s civil war and a personal memoir.
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.
