100 Years of Helping WA
A century of helping WA
Since 1926, we have supported WA when needed most. First we provided workers' compensation. Then, protected the state assets we all love and provided for the treatment of injuries caused by car crashes.
In that century, thousands of Western Australians have worked here. We've seen so much change in technology, insurance markets and governments.
Today, over 500 Western Australians work here, dedicated to helping other Western Australians.
1926 - The beginnings
The State Government Insurance office was established in June 1926, initially to provide workers' compensation for mine workers.
The insurance fund supported mine workers in the Goldfields experiencing an injury or "the miner's disease" (today known as silicosis).
The Kalgoorlie Miner newspaper reported at the time;
"...[it is] directed that the Government Actuary establish a State insurance office for workers' compensation and employers' liability throughout the State."
Kalgoorlie Miner, Saturday 5 June 1926
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1943 - Motor Injury Insurance
Seventeen years later in 1943, owners of motor vehicles were compelled to insure themselves in the case of causing an injury as a result of a crash. In 1949 a separate arm of the State Government Insurance Office known as the Motor Vehicle Insurance Trust was tasked with administering this compulsory insurance and a separate fund was established to divide costs from the workers' compensation.
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1987 - SGIO
In 1987 the two offices combined under the one name, SGIO. The Government Insurance Fund was established to protect State owned assets like schools, police stations and the art gallery.
Where were you when the hail hit?
Learn how the Insurance Commission helped WA recover.
Take a look at a century of protecting priceless assets and supporting the arts in WA.
What happened when the calendar turned from 1999 to 2000? Would our computers cope?
