State Government establishes Community Insurance Fund

2/1/03
The State Government has established a new Community Insurance Fund to assist community organisations to obtain affordable policies and cover in the wake of the insurance crisis.
Government Enterprises Minister Nick Griffiths said the new fund would help not-for-profit community groups which were hit hard by the spiralling costs of insurance premiums, in particular public liability insurance.
"The Community Insurance Fund will provide insurance cover to eligible organisations who in the current insurance environment do not have access to affordable cover," Mr Griffiths said.
"It will be underwritten by the State and managed by the Insurance Commission of Western Australia.
"Community organisations play an extremely important role in the maintenance of a healthy, robust society and this Government is determined to play its part in protecting these organisations from the vagaries of a fluctuating insurance market."
Examples of community organisations to be considered for cover under the new fund include social service groups, cultural and arts organisations, environmental bodies and sporting clubs and associations.
The Minister said the establishment of the Community Insurance Fund highlighted the Government's commitment to addressing the public liability insurance crisis.
He said he hoped that the establishment of the Community Insurance Fund would help return confidence to the sector, while supporting the continuing efforts of productive and socially important organisations.
The classes of insurance cover to be provided to eligible community organisations through the Community Insurance Fund include public liability; professional liability; medical treatment liability; workers' compensation; property; motor vehicle; and personal accident.
Mr Griffiths said the eligibility of an incorporated not-for-profit community organisation to participate in the Community Insurance Fund would be ultimately determined by Treasurer Eric Ripper.
Community organisations should contact the Insurance Commission of WA on (08) 9264 3333 for further information about how to join the Community Insurance Fund.
Minister's Office - 9222 9699