Risk management and insurance

Integration of risk management and insurance pays dividends

Council continues to manage our affairs responsibly and to the benefit of our communities. As part of the Corporate and Operational Plan objective to continuously develop and evolve our enterprise risk management and business continuity planning, Council conducted a refresh of the risk framework in line with global best practice. This resulted in a staged move away from dependence on the commercial insurance market, which is volatile in availability and cost. As part of this, Council sought membership in Local Government Mutual Services (LGMS), a self-insurance scheme of local governments in Queensland. LGMS arranges cover collectively for councils and provides access to extensive support networks and resources. The LGMS scheme has proven to be successful, giving local governments control of their liability, property, and workers’ compensation insurance. To be considered for membership councils need to show a strong commitment to risk management. In contrast to the traditional insurance market, which is focused on profit to maximise shareholder returns, LGMS refunds any surplus to Council members or utilises this surplus to the benefit of members. In 2021/22, Council, for the first time, received a risk management rebate on the cost of liability covers, did not need to pay broker’s fees, and earned income via the share in the Liability Mutual surplus distribution.

Crossfield Manuel Safety and Wellbeing Officer Mabuiag, Division 4 “I enjoy working with people on the ground, making sure they have what they need, and have the knowledge and confidence to work safely in a safe work environment .

Crossfield began working with Council in 2014 as an Environmental Health Worker, transitioning to Safety and Wellbeing Officer in 2021. Prior to this, he was a Purchasing Officer with Mabuiag Island Council and a Supervisor with Community Enterprise Australia. This year Crossfield completed his Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety, building on and formalising his knowledge and experience in this area.

Crossfield conducts audits and inspections to ensure that staff can work safely, both in the office and in the field, to minimise the risk of workplace injuries. He makes sure that staff have the required safety equipment and supplies as well as the correct training and knowledge to use it. This includes fire and first aid equipment and supplies, spill kits, and personal protective equipment. Crossfield also ensures that safety equipment and supplies are stored correctly, are easy to access and have adequate signage. He investigates any workplace incidents and trains and assists staff in completing incident reports.