CEO LGIS
[email protected]
As we move towards the end of another year, we reflect on a period of significant milestones, meaningful engagement and strong performance.
In what has been a busy few months our Board of Directors held a regional workshop in Karratha. The City of Karratha was an excellent host, and the Board greatly appreciated the opportunity to learn firsthand about the unique challenges faced by local governments at the heart of Western Australia’s resource economy.
There was also much conversation at the WALGA Local Government Convention 2025 (pg. 23), where we engaged with over 500 delegates including elected members, CEOs, and officers attending concurrent planning and procurement forums. This vibrant gathering gave us the opportunity to meet members from across the state, strengthen relationships and reaffirm the importance of collaboration within our sector.
Our member services team continues to engage actively with all members. By the final weeks of Q4, we aim to have visited every local government. At LGIS member collaboration is at the heart of everything we do and remains one of the fundamental pillars of our service.
In this edition we explore critical topics for the sector. We uncover the common risks associated with playground environments, highlighting the importance of balancing safety with the benefits of play to support children’s development and community wellbeing (pg. 3).
As the festive season approaches, we examine the balancing act between liability and workers compensation, essential for the successful management of work parties. We provide guidance to help manage risks while fostering team spirit during the most engaging time of the year (pg. 12).
This editions feature looks at LGIS’ critical incident support service. As one of our most significant offerings delivered as part of the Scheme, we uncover how this integral program helps members navigate crises such as bushfires, cyber breaches, and fatalities with resilience and compassion (pg. 8).
Finally, we address the vital role volunteer bushfire fighters play in keeping WA communities safe. Discover the new minimum training standards (or their equivalent) brought in under the new State Hazard Plan – Fire 2025, as well as how local governments can best position themselves when things don’t go to plan (pg. 15).
We hope you enjoy this edition of Risk Matters – feedback, story ideas and ‘ask an expert’ questions are always appreciated, if you have an idea send it through to our admin inbox at [email protected].
LGIS had the pleasure of visiting the City of Kwinana to present the 3 Steps to Safety Diligence in Safety Award. We recognised Kwinana’s outstanding commitment to workplace health and safety based upon their incorporation of our three steps ‘assess’, ‘plan’ and ‘act’.
Local governments, as employers, face many of the same challenges as other organisations when it comes to dealing with their employees. The reality is that issues or disputes with employees are inevitable, and on some occasions will lead to an employee pursuing a legal claim relating to their employment.
Injuries that happen during your commute to or from work are not covered by workers’ compensation. However, there is special protection called Journey Personal Injury cover, which is fully funded by the WorkCare Scheme for employees in the local government sector.
This year marks the significant milestone of the 30th anniversary of LGIS. It’s an opportunity to reflect on the remarkable journey we have undertaken together over the past three decades. Since our founding in 1995, LGIS has evolved from a practical response to emerging risks into a pioneering mutual scheme that proudly serves the diverse needs of Western Australia’s local governments.
Fostering children’s development and enhancing community wellbeing, playgrounds are undeniably an influential facet in supporting learning and social interaction. As a hugely important piece of public infrastructure, balancing the risks with the benefits of play is therefore an important issue for local governments to navigate.
Bushfires, cyclones, fatalities, cyber breaches and CCC investigations are all examples of incidents that may send your local government into crisis. If this happens, our team of experts are standing by ready to comprehensively support you through turmoil and disruption.
