8 March 2002

Public Liability Insurance Information Sheet

  • The Government is very concerned about the affordability and availability of public liability insurance and its impact on small business, community groups and local councils.
  • The Minister for Revenue and Assistant Treasurer, Senator Helen Coonan, has written to her State and Territory Ministerial counterparts inviting them to a meeting to be held on 27 March 2002. The purpose of the meeting is to enable an exchange of views between States and Territories on this issue and to examine the scope for a consistent approach across jurisdictions.
  • State and Territory governments have responsibility in this area, and States and Territories are actively exploring options to address community concerns in this area.
  • Senator Coonan has received a large number of letters and submissions on the issue of public liability insurance from concerned members of the public. These letters have drawn the Minister's attention to the difficulties being experienced by business and community organisations in this area and will feed into the considerations of the Ministers meeting in March.
  • The Minister would welcome any additional comments for consideration at the March Ministerial meeting. Further submissions should be sent to:

      • The General Insurance Unit
        Department of the Treasury
        Langton Crescent ACT 2600

    by COB 15 March 2002

  • In addition, those interested in this area may wish to contact the Minister responsible for insurance issues in their State or territory for further information on initiatives being undertaken at the State an Territory level