Homeowners in high-risk areas being priced out of insurance will be among the key topics addressed at the upcoming Insurance News Outlook 2025 conference.

Hundreds of thousands of Australians are believed to live in flood zones, and the threat has been sharpened by insurers starting to move away from flood opt-out products – meaning many who can’t afford flood cover can’t afford home insurance at all.

This creates concerns around the wider economy and mortgage availability.

The issue will be discussed by a panel consisting of Insurance Council of Australia GM of regulatory and consumer policy Alexandra Hordern, chief corporate affairs officer for Allianz Nicholas Scofield and the Financial Rights Legal Centre’s Julia Davis.

ICA believes the only sustainable way to bring premiums down is to reduce risk, and is pushing for more government investment in disaster mitigation and smarter land use planning.

But ICA CEO Andrew Hall admits flood pools are being discussed with politicians.

Allianz has long advocated for a flood reinsurance pool to address the issue in the short term, and consumer groups have flagged means-tested subsidies as an alternative approach.

Outlook 2025 takes place in Sydney on March 12 and aims to tackle the key issues affecting the industry, providing unparalleled access to experts. Tickets and further information are available here.

The conference’s opening session will examine the findings of an exclusive market report, then Hollard Australia founder Richard Enthoven will speak on growth opportunities in Australia.

Edgewise Insurance Brokers account director Stella Pruscino, who is on the National Insurance Brokers Association board, and Berkley Re’s Asia-Pacific CEO Glen Riddell will take part in a panel discussion examining future trends in emerging risk, risk management and technology.

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission’s credit, banking and general insurance senior executive leader, Nathan Bourne, will outline the regulator’s general insurance priorities.

And Australian Financial Complaints Authority GM of code compliance Prue Monument will tackle expectations around transparency.

A panel of industry leaders will discuss the key challenges and opportunities of the year. The panel includes IAG CEO Nick Hawkins, Lloyd’s regional director Chris Mackinnon, Suncorp CEO of commercial and personal injury Michael Miller, Liberty senior VP for Asia-Pacific Ben Hissey, and WTW’s Pacific head of broking Trent Williams.

The event is supported by gold partners Finity and Liberty, and sponsors Allianz and AAMC. Attendees are entitled to five NIBA CPD points and eight ANZIIF CIP points.