Australia’s mainstream media acknowledges attractions industry insurance crisis

Following on from lobbying by the Australian Amusement, Leisure and Recreation Association (AALARA) and Australasian Leisure Management reporting on the issue over the past two years, Australia’s mainstream media has this week given extensive coverage to the insurance crisis impacting the attractions and amusement industry.

Looking for backing for the creation of a Discretionary Mutual Fund, AALARA is reportedly ready to meet with “government officials” in the coming weeks to discuss a loan to implement the industry-saving fund.

A number of News Ltd titles including the Courier Mail along with 7 News reported AALARA's Kristy Ahrens as stating the situation is unsustainable.

Ahrens, AALARA's General Manager, was quoted as saying "the insurance crisis is having a devastating effect on our industry, especially amongst smaller operators who are experiencing an inability to gain insurance.

“Some operators have been unable to achieve any insurance at all. This has resulted in amusement rides excluded from events, sitting idle in theme parks or in sheds across the country.”

AALARA estimate businesses’ insurance premiums have soared by an average of 300% in the past few years with according to the association some operators reportedly having been “stung with price hikes of 750%”

AALARA also reports Australian theme parks’ insurance prices had increased tenfold, from $150,000 four years ago to $1.5 million.

AALARA have observed that insurance premiums increase even further following a tragic accident - highlighting the risks of amusement attractions.

Image: Perth Royal Show