CEO LGIS
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Quarter three of 2024 has provided plenty of opportunity for us to connect with members and in this edition, we dive into some of the hot topics for the sector.
The recent WA Local Government Convention was an excellent opportunity to chat with members and talk about the issues that matter to you. LGIS also appreciated the invitation from WALGA to provide members with an update at their AGM on our 2023/24 results and achievements. For more information, our end of financial year reports, A Year in Review and Annual Financial Report, are now available on the LGIS website or you can read the article on page 18.
There was plenty of conversation on our convention stand as delegates placed their ‘vote’ for the top risks for their local government. Unsurprisingly the perennial issue of financial sustainability came in at number one, followed by assets and infrastructure. Waste management closed out the top three with less than half the votes of financial sustainability. Whilst similar, these results did have a notable contrast to the survey of CEOs, published in the 2024 JLT Risk Report, which showed that cyber security was the number two concern for sector leaders.
Cyber security is also a priority concern for LGIS. Successive audits and assessments by the OAG, and LGIS, has highlighted vulnerabilities across the sector for local government organisations both big and small. Our cyber security workshop roadshow has started and are scheduled through to the end of November; check out ‘Where we’ve been’ on page 23 for more dates and a session near you.
In this edition we explore how your LGIS Cyber Protection assists through the Cyber Protection Breach Manager service (page 16) and we also look at cyber security trends and what the sector needs to know in 2024 (page 14).
Assets and infrastructure featured as a concern for delegates at the convention and we’ve got two stories looking at managing asset risks. The collapse of building companies in WA and across the country has member’s scrutinising the risks for their major capital projects. On page 10 we look at the benefits of a principal arranged construction cover to give members more control and protection for their investment.
Playgrounds and risky play are our feature for Spring, they’re a high-risk local government asset, in terms of frequency and quantum of claims, and an important community facility. We look at how members can manage their risks and the new services that LGIS provides through the regional risk program to supplement our existing liability risk program (page 3).
Psychological safety is another area in the spotlight for members and we take a look at the City of Mandurah’s initiative to create a mentally healthy workplace on page 8.
We hope that you enjoy our Spring edition, and if you have any feedback on this edition or questions for Ask an Expert, please send it through to me or our editorial team at [email protected].
If you have any questions about the magazine, or if you’d like to discuss any matter regarding your membership, cover, claims, or risk management services with LGIS, please contact me directly on 9483 8886.
The 2024 WA Local Government Convention over 8 to 10 October was an excellent opportunity to chat with members and talk about the issues that matter to you. Over 650 delegates attended from across the state and we appreciated the effort many made to seek out our team to provide feedback and ask questions.
Members are once again asking questions about fire safety for e-bikes, e-scooters and other light electric vehicles (LEV), alongside the installation of EV charging stations. This is an evolving risk area and members should consider the developing situation.
2023/24 proved an interesting year for the LGIS scheme and our members. There have been inflationary pressures, labour markets have been tight and skilled workers difficult to find, the workforce is ageing, and there has been substantial legislative change including the Local Government Act and a brand-new Workers Compensation and Injury Management Act.
The recent WA Local Government Convention was an excellent opportunity to chat with members and talk about the issues that matter to you. LGIS also appreciated the invitation from WALGA to provide members with an update at their AGM on our 2023/24 results and achievements. For more information, our end of financial year reports, A Year in Review and Annual Financial Report, are now available on the LGIS website or you can read the article on page 18.
By their very nature playgrounds have an element of risk, designed to challenge children and deliver development opportunities. They’re valued and sought-after amenities in every local government area across Western Australia. They also come with high levels of expectation from the community that they will be well designed, in appropriate locations and maintained in a condition that ensures safe and enjoyable experiences for children
The claimant (child) was travelling across a bridge in the playground and fell through a confined space causing a broken femur, cuts and bruises. The claimant alleged that the playground was unsafe and had design flaws that didn’t prevent children from injuring themselves.
LGIS is the unifying name for the dedicated suite of risk financing and management services for WA local governments, established by the WA Local Government Association in conjunction with JLT Public Sector (part of the Marsh group of companies). LGIS is managed by JLT Public Sector (ABN 69 009 098 864 AFS Licence 226827).
Risk Matters, via this website, is designed to keep members, their staff and elected members informed on topical risk management and insurance issues and LGIS programs and services.
