AALARA presents need for Federal Government backing for insurance crisis resolution at Canberra meetings

Representatives of the Australian Amusement, Leisure and Recreation (AALARA) have been in Canberra over the past two days discussing the future of the attractions industries and the critical situation it faces in relation to public liability insurance.

AALARA’s representatives yesterday met with Federal Assistant Treasurer, Michael Sukkar and Simon Frost, Senior Advisor to Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg.

Following the meetings, AALARA advised in a communication to members, “both meetings were promising, and whilst we have no guarantees as yet, we had a very interested and fair meeting with them.

“They both raised a couple of queries (and) … both clearly see the value of our industries to the economy and the very way of Australian life.”

AALARA went on to state “we also had some valuable meetings with other political professionals throughout the day yesterday who are supporters and allies of AALARA.

“They too are working in the background to ensure our message isn’t lost, our urgency is heard and our solution is reached and provided by Federal Treasury.”

AALARA’s representatives today also discussed its issues with the office of Federal Tourism Minister Dan Tehan, on which it advised “we are hopeful that the fact that he has reached out to us indicates that AALARA’s meetings yesterday resonated and our ask is being closely considered.”

Currently looking to establish a Discretionary Mutual Fund as an alternative to the lack of available insurance for industry operators, AALARA is seeking Federal Government backing, potentially in the form of loan, to start the Fund.

AALARA adds “from where we sit, it all looks promising, however, until the DMF takes on its first member, we don’t want to get ahead of ourselves.”

Insurance issues will be among topics discussed at AALARA's single day 'roadshow' events in Sydney, Melbourne and on the Gold Coast in May.

For more information go to www.aalara.com.au/2021-conference/