Community insurance crisis

Eligibility - Queensland citizens
Principal Petitioner:
J Cheverton
Sector Development & Policy Manager, QCOSS
PO Box 306
Total Signatures - 1,503
Sponsoring Member: Peter Wellington MP
Posting Date: 2/8/2004
Closing Date: 15/10/2004
Tabled Date: 19/10/2004
Responded By: Responded Minister on 8/12/2004
TO: The Honourable the Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly of Queensland
Queensland citizens draws to the attention of the House the significant negative impact on community life resulting from massive increases in the costs of public liability insurance in recent years. Many community events and community festivals have been cancelled in Queensland because of the high costs of public liability insurance. Access to community halls is restricted. Community services have been reduced or withdrawn completely because insurance is not available or too costly. Women’s refuges have removed outdoor children’s play equipment because they cannot afford the insurance premiums. The opportunities for communities to meet and exchange views are being eroded across the state. Your petitioners, therefore, request the House to establish an independent, public inquiry into the impact of public liability insurance increases on Queensland’s community life and to consider and recommend policy solutions at both state and national level to maintain social capital and community capacity.