 Contact: Richard Lance
Telephone: (02) 8864 8279
Federal, State and Local Governments in Australia continue to attract greater public and media scrutiny, encouraging more transparent operating processes.
In recent times the sector has changed many of its
delivery systems:
- non-core government functions are now commonly undertaken by government-owned-enterprises, operating in monopoly or near-monopoly environments
- government-owned energy, utility, port, airport and financial institutions are being progressively corporatised or privatised
The growing societal dependence on this infrastructure and government regulatory functions mean that governments are now more frequently held to account in law. Common themes include:
- complex injunctions sought against Federal and State Governments
- damages claims against Local Governments for bodily injury caused by footpath and road maintenance
- challenges and torts arising from compliance and enforcement activities
Apart from such professional liabilities, governments own many assets and are major employers, so they face the same occupational health and safety, property protection, industrial relations and liability issues as private sector organisations. Public accountability adds a political risk dimension to all of these issues. Sound quality systems and prudential management plans are, therefore, increasingly important to the effective management of risk and efficient management of claims.
Central risk-funding arrangements such as Treasury-managed funds and state risk management authorities at State level and Council "Pools" at local level are replacing conventional insurance practices. The success of these approaches is based on effective identification and control of risk. Marsh has built a centre of excellence in understanding and helping governments and government organisations to manage risks at all levels. Services include:
- managing Local, State and Federal centralised insurance arrangements
- providing a claims management system using our STARS™ technology platform
- risk analysis and development of robust risk management systems
- development of risk control systems including training, auditing and advice
- business continuity planning to protect against disruption of service delivery
- specialised risk-related advice to assist with policy development
- employee benefits consulting and insurance
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