The eastern seaboard’s top disaster management officials have commended Suncorp Group’s disaster management capabilities, following a forum at the Group’s Brisbane HQ.
The top brass from the Queensland, New South Wales and Victorian State Emergency Services, along with Queensland Police and the Queensland Reconstruction Authority (responsible for the State’s resilience building initiative, Get Ready Queensland), joined Suncorp’s insurance leaders for a wide-ranging discussion that addressed everything from disaster technology to disaster readiness and communications.
Brian Cox, Assistant Commissioner for Queensland SES said information sharing between SES and insurers was vital to preparing for and responding to weather events.
"When we engage and collaborate with one another, we effectively improve our communities’ preparation for these potential disasters, as well as igniting a more effective response," A/Commissioner Cox said.
Brian Cox, Assistant Commissioner, Queensland SES
The disaster management approach showcased today is a blueprint for Australian insurers to consider how they evolve their support for customers before, during, and after an event.
Suncorp’s EGM Home Claims, Alli Smith said “collaboration was essential ahead of event season.”
“Our Disaster Management Team drive our preparedness through three core annual activities: Post Season Review, Disaster Management Plan, and Simulation,” said Ms Smith.
“Hearing from partners allows us to be better prepared for upcoming weather events, and to test our technology and response in advance of severe natural disasters.”
Partners also had the chance to see Suncorp’s award-winning geospatial technology in action. The technology uses aerial imagery to provide early insights into community impacts off the back of major weather events.
“The data gained from this technology allows Suncorp to observe potential community and customer impacts faster, and with more accuracy than before,” she said.
“We’re able to provide proactive customer support, virtually and in-person on the ground following a weather event.”
Suncorp also showcased the AI Damage Detection technology it uses to identify those customers in need of support following a weather event, sometimes even before they’ve contacted their insurer to make a claim.
“These technologies are crucial in enabling Suncorp to deliver on our purpose: to build futures and protect what matters,” said Ms Smith.
“Our role in supporting customers is now elevated; we’re able to reach out in advance and provide the support our customers need in times of vulnerability.”
While strategy discussions continue between the partners, one thing is for certain: improved collaboration is necessary and information sharing can improve the support offered to potentially impacted customers and communities.
