CALI embraces its wild side with inaugural conference

Taking place on 2 April 2025, the Council of Australian Life Insurers’ (CALI) inaugural conference will be hosted at Sydney Taronga Zoo, just ahead of the federal election.

The event will bring together policymakers, regulators, industry experts and consumer advocates to discuss key issues of the life insurance industry and a special panel on better serving women with four speakers, including:

• Jamila Rizvi, deputy managing director, Future Women

• Deanne Stewart, CEO, Aware Super

• Dr Rebecca Huntley, CALI research lead, 89 Degress East

• Trish Gregory, financial adviser, Hayes & Co Insurance Services

   

   

The conference will also host a two-hour workshop to kick off the 2025 review of the Life Code where, CALI said, attendees will “help shape its foundations and deep dive into how it could better support Australians experiencing mental health challenges”.

CALI chief executive Christine Cupitt said the life insurance industry has reached a “pivotal moment” with so many going underinsured in Australia, making these key discussions that much more crucial.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for attendees from all parts of the life insurance ecosystem to influence the future of the Life Code and help shape its next evolution,” Cupitt said.

“About 3.4 million people are underinsured to meet basic needs for income protection. Even more concerning, our research shows only one in three working Australians are aware of the life insurance coverage they have.

“That’s why we’re looking beyond the horizon to understand the changing needs of all Australians. At the conference we’ll be diving into conversations about how insurers can better support women, Gen Z and Gen Alpha, and people with mental health challenges.”

MLC Life Insurance chief executive and managing director Kent Griffin said the conference presents an important opportunity for key stakeholders to shape the future of the life insurance industry.

“Wild For Life 2025 isn’t just another industry event — it’s a call to action. This conference will challenge us to think bigger and act bolder in how life insurance serves Australians,” Griffin said.

“With real conversations, real collaboration, and real outcomes, this is a unique opportunity to drive lasting change.”