​It was need that prompted the creation of the LGIS mutual in 1995. Lead by the WA Local Government Association (WALGA) the sector banded together to make sure that local governments in WA would always have sustainable protection for their organisations and communities.

Local governments had little appeal to the commercial insurance market and there was either no available cover or premiums were exorbitantly high, with year-to-year fluctuations causing budgetary headaches.

More than 62,000 claims later, LGIS recently celebrated 25 years of helping councils ensure the sustainable and appropriate protection of the sector through the creation of the Mutual with the Liability and WorkCare Schemes in 1995.

Soon after, in 1996, Risk Management and other support programs were added to the Scheme, providing a consistent risk management approach across the entire sector – protecting the Scheme and local communities.

Today, LGIS has 100 per cent of WALGA members as Scheme members 

The 2020/21 financial year has been tumultuous, once again proving the reasons local governments decided to protect themselves through a mutual Scheme hold just as true today as they did 25 years ago.

Once again, the commercial insurance market has backed away from the local government sector, losing its appetitive to provide cover and substantially increasing premiums where cover is available.

In contrast, LGIS has kept contributions at manageable levels, broadened Scheme covers to provide even more protections and provided a $7 million COVID-19 relief package to assist with contribution payments.

The release of these funds should ease some of the pressure on local governments during the pandemic.

Through working together local governments across the state have benefited and ensured the protection of their communities.

Of course, this isn't the first time LGIS has benefitted members throughout its history.

From the day-to-day business that has seen more than $574 million in claims managed to the creation of the property scheme in 2002 and the addition of the Bushfire Volunteers Scheme in 2012.  

When commercial insurers had little interest in providing coverage, LGIS was there.

LGIS chief executive Jonathan Seth said he was proud of the Schemes' achievements over the years.

"The WA local government insurance Scheme is proof that when local governments work together great things can happen. I and the team at LGIS are proud to be part of a Mutual that protects the sector which through its service and dedication is at the heart of local communities across the state," he said.

"It's not just the millions of dollars' worth of claims over the years that are important, its knowing that the programs we've created can reduce the incidence of people getting injured at work and help members reduce risks to the community.

 "After the 2016 Yarloop fires LGIS proactively paid out claims to help the Shire of Harvey rebuild the town's assets.

"The Mutual doesn't just protect property and insurance contributions. It is equally about lessening the risks to our local government members, increasing the mental and physical health of workers, and keeping the business of local government running smoothly.

"It is with pleasure I congratulate all members for being part of the Mutual for 25 years and look forward to 25 years more."