The organisers of Victorian small events and organisations hit by higher public liability premiums have been thrown a lifeline with a special insurance package to be offered from July. Broker Jardine Lloyd Thompson has joined with the Victorian Government and the Municipal Association of Victoria to back the group insurance scheme. Sports clubs, festivals, scouting groups, and other non-profit community groups will benefit.

Costs are still being worked out under a pooled insurance basis. Victoria is the first state to come up with a rescue package for small organisations. The government will present its plan at tomorrow’s Canberra summit.