Queenscorp Insurance Services MD Michael Parker has won the Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance (ANZIIF) TurksLegal Bright Light Award.

The award provides an opportunity to showcase an idea or view on insurance claims.

Mr Parker’s submission, titled The Insurance Industry Needs CPR, highlighted opportunities to revive the sector through a simple application that could assist consumers.

The prize is $5000 cash, up to $1500 to spend on professional development and the opportunity to showcase the idea across the industry. Mr Parker will also sit on next year’s judging panel.

The runner-up was Suncorp Risk Adviser Cissy Huang for her ideas around “an end-to-end claims prevention approach”.

The winners were announced at the ANZIIF General Insurance Breakfast in Sydney last Wednesday, attended by more than 400 people.

Evari CEO and ANZIIF board member Daniel Fogarty moderated a panel discussion on issues including implications from the Australian Securities and Investments Commission’s call for a blanket ban on commissions.

The Hayne royal commission was also discussed, as were issues around affordability and access. The panellists were Suncorp Group EM Accessibility Annabelle Butler, Hollard Insurance CEO and Insurance Council of Australia Chairman Richard Enthoven, AUB CEO Mark Searles and Taylor Fry Principal Win-Li Toh.