The WA Government is following other states in tort reform, announcing plans to introduce a threshold for general damages, caps on economic loss and regulation of advertising by lawyers.

The move comes as part of the WA Government’s five-point plan announced last week to address the public liability insurance crisis. A spokesman said the legal reforms are not as aggressive as the Carr Government’s program, but closer to the Queensland model.

Premier Geoff Gallop said his government’s plan attacks the crisis on a number of fronts, “but at the end of the day it will be up to the insurance industry to provide affordable cover to the community”.

The WA Government will also provide insurance cover for not-for-profit and essential community groups. Mr Gallop also intends to run a “risk management and public safety awareness campaign”, help businesses and community groups achieve bulk buying power through pooling, and legislate to provide immunity to volunteers.

The Volunteer (Protection from Liability) Bill 2002 has already passed through the Lower House of the WA Parliament.

Meanwhile, Attorneys-General across the country are also set to meet this week in a two-day conference to discuss a range of issues including tort reform.