The Minister for Revenue and Assistant Treasurer, Senator Coonan, today announced further details of the proposed Minister's meeting to assess the affordability and availability of public liability insurance.
Senator Coonan said she had written to State and Territory Ministers with responsibility for insurance matters outlining a suggested agenda and date of 27 March 2002 for the meeting.
"The purpose of the meeting is to assist the States and Territories to coordinate the exchange of information about the various courses of action currently being considered in their States," Senator Coonan said.
"The meeting will also provide an opportunity to examine the scope for a nationally consistent approach across different jurisdictions."
"To assist in gathering accurate information about the factors driving up public liability premiums, I have commissioned Mr Peter McCarthy, B App SC FIAA, an actuarial consultant with Ernst and Young to provide a detailed report to the meeting."
Senator Coonan said she expected a representative from each of the States and Territories would make a presentation to the meeting about initiatives underway in their respective jurisdictions.
"I have been heartened to see the level of action and range of ideas being canvassed by the States over the past few weeks. I look forward to hearing more details about the proposals the States are considering to assist community, sporting and cultural organisations, tourism operators and small businesses to access affordable premiums."
Senator Coonan said she was inviting the public, industry groups and stakeholders to contribute to the meeting by providing written information or recommendations regarding the affordability and availability of public liability insurance.
"I have already received a large number of letters and submissions regarding public liability insurance, particularly from community and non-profit organisations. These letters have drawn my attention to this issue, and all letters received will feed into the considerations of the Ministers meeting."
Additional comments and recommendations should be forwarded to The Manager, General Insurance Unit, Department of the Treasury, Langton Crescent, Canberra, ACT, 2600, by close of businesses, 15 March 2002.
Senator Coonan said she would also be working closely with her Commonwealth Ministerial colleagues with a portfolio interest in public liability insurance in the lead-up to the meeting.
Media Alert - Senator Coonan will be available to comment this afternoon at 3pm in the Ground level foyer of the Commonwealth Place Offices, 70 Phillip St, Sydney.