Aware that many of its members are finding it increasingly difficult to obtain public liability protection for their operations, the Australian Amusement, Leisure and Recreation Association (AALARA) is looking to create an industry Discretionary Mutual Fund.
Noting in a recent communication that “many operators (are) being refused cover entirely” it advises “AALARA believes this situation is only going to get worse in the future and proposes (an) alternative model.”
With DMFs offering ‘discretionary cover’, an insurance-like product that may involve an obligation on the DMF to consider meeting a claim, the Association is looking to work in conjunction with an Australian Financial Services Licence Holder to commence an industry DMF, which, it says “would be owned by the members, run by the members, for the benefit of all members”.
With plans well advanced, AALARA has been seeking member feedback on the proposal.
AALARA cites the benefits of a DMF as including:
• Any surplus can be returned to members in the form of lower premiums, not shareholders
• Group buying leverage
• Tax savings
• Opportunity to fight claims that can harm the industry
• Being a longterm solution for the future of the industry
• Members will still receive a Public Liability Certificate of Currency to satisfy councils and show societies
AALARA Conference 2021
AALARA has advised that its 2021 conference will take place at the Sea World Resort Conference Centre from 17th to 19th May next year.
Click here to view event details for the AALARA 2021 Conference in the Australasian Leisure Management industry Calendar.
About the author
Nigel Benton
Co-founder/Publisher, Australasian Leisure Management
Born in the English county of Dorset, Nigel Benton is the co-founder and Publisher of Australasian Leisure Management, Australia, New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific’s only magazine for professionals in all areas of the leisure industry and the www.ausleisure.com.au website - the go to news resource for industry leaders and professionals.
With a long-term commitment to communicating all that is best about the leisure industry (aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues) his career has been defined by an ability to develop and implement industry communications.
Starting his career working in heritage visitor attractions and then adventure travel in Africa and the Middle East, an interest in writing about his experiences led to his change of career into magazine journalism and publishing.
In addition to publishing, Nigel speaks on marketing communications at a range of industry events.
He was made a Life Member of the World Leisure and Recreation Association in 2006 and is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (London).
In 2020, he launched the new Asian Leisure Business website.
As of October 2024, he was inducted into the Australian Fitness Awards Roll of Honour at the 2024 AUSactive National Awards.
Among a range of published works and features, his comments on a Blog (blogspot) from 2007 to 2011, when this website went live in its current form, may be interesting to reflect back on.
His philosophy on life is to be kind to all and to indulge those that you love.
His passions include family, Newcastle United and motorcycles (especially British ones) as well, until February 2025 when she left us, caring a little pug named Stella.
Click here to connect with him via LinkedIn.
Read more from this author
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