Three insurance moves in recent days span aged care reform, rising Western Australian claims costs, and Australia's dispute resolution policy. Each carries direct implications for the market.
Bupa has confirmed Jayant Krishnan as managing director of its Villages and Aged Care (BVAC) Australia business, joining the executive leadership team. He had been acting in the role since April 2026, previously serving as finance director for BVAC Australia.
The appointment lands nine months into the Aged Care Act 2024, the most sweeping reform of Australia's aged care system since 1997. A new worker screening process commences in mid-2026, adding further compliance obligations for large providers.
For brokers with aged care clients, leadership continuity at a major provider matters. Governance instability increases claims and liability exposure. An internal appointment reduces risk during a compliance-intensive transition.
Nick Stone, CEO of Bupa Asia Pacific, said the appointment reflected the depth of leadership talent within the organisation.
"Jayant has been an outstanding leader at Bupa for many years and has played a significant role in the success of our aged care business. I know he will continue to make a meaningful difference for our residents and their families," Stone said.
Perth's insurance litigation market is tightening, and Barry Nilsson is responding by pulling a principal and a full team from a rival firm.
Laura Bendlin (pictured left) joins as principal, bringing Ivan Mihaljevic, Logan Vanderweide, and Serafina Butcher, all from local firm Jarman Legal. The team practises exclusively in insurance litigation, covering general liability, personal injury, workers compensation, and motor injury claims
The hire reflects rising scheme pressure. WorkCover WA set its recommended premium rate for 2025/26 at 1.823% of total wages, up from 1.732% the previous year.
Higher claim sizes and increased claim numbers were the key drivers. The regulator's quarterly data has also flagged a rise in long-duration claims, with insurers recording higher estimated days lost for unfinalised matters.
Bendlin brings more than a decade of litigation experience across workers compensation, medical negligence, and public liability. Mihaljevic has specialised in personal injury and workers compensation for approximately two-and-a-half years.
Peter Murdoch, chairperson and insurance & health principal at Barry Nilsson, was direct about conditions in the Perth market.
"The legal recruitment market in Perth is currently extremely competitive, and we're pleased to have these experienced insurance specialists with deep local knowledge joining the firm," Murdoch said.
The hire follows Barry Nilsson's largest-ever promotion round – 30 appointments in June 2026. For brokers placing workers compensation and public liability risks in Western Australia, the firm's Perth insurance litigation bench is now materially deeper than it was 12 months ago.
National law firm Moray & Agnew has formalised a pro bono partnership with the Australian Dispute Resolution Advisory Council (ADRAC), becoming the organisation's registered office and providing executive, legal, and governance support.
In workers’ compensation, health complaints, and anti-discrimination matters, legislation requires parties to attempt conciliation before proceeding to a formal hearing. The quality of Australia's alternative dispute resolution (ADR) framework directly affects claims costs, resolution timelines, and litigation volumes for insurers.
Lauren Stubbs (pictured right), head of pro bono at Moray & Agnew, said the partnership reflects the firm's public interest commitments.
"Pro bono is an important part of who we are as a firm. ADRAC performs an important role in advancing the understanding and effectiveness of dispute resolution in Australia. We are proud to support the organisation and its mission," Stubbs said.
Moray & Agnew is a national firm of more than 850 people and over 120 partners. Built on a foundation in insurance law, its dispute resolution and litigation practice spans commercial litigation, construction, corporate, and workplace legal services.
