State governments are being encouraged to follow Tasmania’s lead and trial public liability cover for all groups using public education facilities.

Australian Council for Health, Physical Education and Recreation  (ACHPER) National Executive Director Jeffrey Emmel says the insurance is a step in the right direction.
 
“It’s a very important issue for organisations like us that are trying to promote physical activity,” Mr Emmel told insuranceNEWS.com.au.

He says that in some cases schools’ third-party insurance covers community groups using their facilities, but the council always makes sure its branches are covered.
 
“The bigger picture of taking the pressure off community groups or whatever sort of sporting club is really important, because we know the cost of insurance has gone up,” Mr Emmel said.

In announcing the trial, to begin on July 1, Tasmanian Premier David Bartlett said the issue of public liability has deterred community groups from using Education Department facilities for fear of being liable if someone is injured.

“Consequently, some communities are missing out on using vital sporting infrastructure,” he said.