Petition

The petition of residents of the State of Queensland draws to the
attention of the House that the Government’s Group Insurance Scheme and
its other efforts to improve the affordability and availability of Public
Liability Insurance are failing the people of Queensland. Community not-
for-profit organisations are still being senselessly devastated by
unavailable insurance cover or unaffordable premiums, and scores of
successful significant events have been cancelled. Our small towns are
suffering severely. Whole communities are battling to overcome the
staggering economic loss of forced cancellations and organisations are
losing opportunities for vital fundraising. Country people are very
angry that the loss of, and loss of viability of, community events is
eroding our traditional recreational pursuits and seriously effecting our
way of life.
Your petitioners therefore request the House that Mr Beattie’s Government
investigate the relevant actions taken by other State Governments,
particularly New South Wales, which reportedly has public liability
insurance premiums that are much lower and more available than in
Queensland. Furthermore, that the Government liaise with the Insurance
Council of Australia and/or major insurance companies regarding what
initiatives they require for public liability insurance to be returned to
reasonable affordability.