A practical and up-to-date examination of Total and Permanent Disability claims across Australia. Explore key issues in assessing permanency, navigating superannuation fund definitions and managing medical and vocational evidence. Consider recent case law developments, insurer decision-making and procedural fairness, as well as strategies for resolving disputes efficiently through internal review, AFCA and litigation. Essential for practitioners advising claimants, insurers or trustees with insights into current challenges and best practice in handling TPD claims in 2026.

Presenters

Rob Taylor, Barrister, Jack Shand Chambers
Rob Taylor was admitted as a Solicitor in 1984 and as a Barrister in 1992. He has practiced for more than 38 years in personal injuries and associated litigation. He was employed as a Solicitor by Carroll & O’Dea for 8-years and was working as an Associate Partner when called to the Bar. As Counsel, Rob has appeared regularly in the Supreme Courts of NSW and ACT, the NSW District Court, the Compensation Court and Workers Compensation Commission of NSW and more recently in the Personal Injuries Commission of NSW. Rob has a large practice involved in preparation of and appearing for injured workers in Work Injury Damages claims and for Plaintiffs in Medical Negligence claims, TPD and Income Protection claims and Common Law/Public Liability claims. He also has a large practice assisting in the preparation of Motor Accident claims and appearing at Assessments, mostly for injured Plaintiffs. From time to time, but thankfully not regularly, he has also appeared in and represented clients in the NSW Court of Appeal and the High Court. Rob has a reputation as Counsel who fights hard for his client, who prepares claims well and who provides regular and detailed Advices on how a claim can be best prepared not only to maximise the quantum of the claim but also how to identify and, if possible, avoid or minimise problems with a claim.

Rebecca Nichols, Barrister, More Chambers
Rebecca Nichols has broad experience working in various practice areas since 2000 and specifically in commercial litigation, financial services, general insurance and personal injury disputes for the last 16 years. She commenced at the private Bar in 2010 and has continued her broad practice conducting both plaintiff and defendant litigation. In recent years, she has developed an extensive practice in superannuation and life insurance disputes. She appears in both State and Federal Courts and is also a regular advocate in alternative dispute resolution processes. Rebecca is a member of both the Australian Lawyers Alliance and Australian Insurance Lawyers Association. She holds a Bachelor of Law (Hons) from QUT.

Adrian Coombes, Barrister, Seven Windeyer Chambers
Adrian was called to the Bar in 2014 and practises primarily in the areas of insurance, superannuation, commercial and personal injury disputes. He has appeared in numerous first instance and appellate TPD and income protection cases. Prior to coming to the Bar, Adrian was a senior associate at a mid-tier firm, practising in insurance and commercial law.

Fiona Hanlon, Special Counsel, Moray& Agnew
Fiona has over 25 years’ experience in the Insurance and Financial Services sector, specialising in disputed disability, trauma, death and TPD claims advice and litigation on behalf of life insurers and superannuation trustees across various Australian jurisdictions. She has conducted a number of major cases, several of which have become leading authorities in the Life Insurance sector. She works with issues involving the Insurance Contracts Act 1984, policy construction, legislative interpretation, distribution problems, and compliance as well as underwriting and avoidance issues arising out of non-disclosure and misrepresentation. She also provides advice to trustees and administrators on their obligations under trust deeds and relevant superannuation legislation. Fiona is a regular presenter at industry events, such as ANZIIF's Annual Review of Life Insurance law, the ALUCA national conference and the ALUCA’s Claims Management Group on issues related to life insurance risk products.