QBE Australia Pacific CEO Vivek Bhatia is reading an opening statement.

He says QBE's strategy is around being customer-centred, simpler, and stronger.

Mr Bhatia says during the bushfire response QBE waived excesses "for the first time ever" and he's "very proud" of the insurer's staff and how they dealt with the catastrophe.

QBE is responding to "the unique challenges" of COVID-19. Almost 98% of QBE employees are working from home, he says.

Mr Bhatia says while systemic risks such as war or pandemic cannot be covered by the industry, it is important to consider "how we tackle this better in the future".