Well-known WA broker Alan Bishop is among industry participants to be recognised in this year’s Australia Day Honours.

Mr Bishop – a former National Insurance Brokers Association (NIBA) President and Executive Chairman of EBM Insurance Brokers – was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to the insurance industry and to the community.

Mr Bishop co-founded Elkington Bishop Molineaux in 1975 in Perth and has overseen its growth into a national business with offices also in NSW, Victoria and Queensland.

In 2004 NIBA awarded him the Lex McKeown Trophy for outstanding service to the association and the broking profession and he received the NIBA Award for Business Excellence in 1987. He was president of the organisation from 1996-1998 and served for 15 years as a director.

EBM says Mr Bishop was involved in directing the broking industry through some turbulent times, including the HIH crisis, and the introduction of the Financial Services Reform Act.

“He is a great contributor, he has established and built a very successful business, strong links into Asia and the rest of the world and is a quiet but very strong contributor to the community,” NIBA CEO Dallas Booth told insuranceNEWS.com.au. “We are absolutely delighted his efforts have been recognised.”

Mr Bishop has actively supported groups including Teen Challenge WA, Ronald McDonald House, Churchlands Senior High School Foundation and he is a Wembley Athletic Club life member.

QBE Insurance Director Stephen Fitzgerald was named an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for service to the investment management sector, to Australia-Europe business relations and to cultural and environmental philanthropy.

Consumer advocate Simon Smith, who was AAMI Insurance GM Consumer Issues from 1995-2002 and a founding director of the State Insurance Consumer Appeals Centre in Melbourne from 1989-1992, was honoured with an AM for service to the law, particularly in consumer affairs, to higher education and to history.

Mr Smith wrote From Club to Corporation: Motor Insurance and the rise of Australian Associated Motor Insurers 1933-1999, and co-authored Urgent Repairs Needed – Motor Vehicle Property Damage in Victoria.

Anthony Hawkins, the former CEO of WorkCover Queensland, was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for services to public administration, particularly in the area of workers’ compensation insurance. Mr Hawkins is a director of the Queensland Law Society’s Lexon Insurance, which provides professional indemnity cover.

Royal Automobile Club of Queensland President Bronwyn Morris, a director of RACQ Insurance, was recognised for significant service to business through leadership and advisory roles.

MetLife Australia Chairman Geoffrey Brunsdon was named a Member of the Order for service to the finance, banking and insurance sectors and to charitable organisations.

Australian Prudential Regulation Authority Deputy Chairman John Lonsdale received the Public Service Medal for his work during a 30-year Treasury career. His time as Head of the Secretariat to the Financial System Inquiry in 2014 was also cited.