SGIO - State Government Insurance Office

1926

Today's Insurance Commission of Western Australia began its life in 1926, as the State Government Insurance Office (SGIO). Its earliest responsibility was workers compensation for miners in the Kalgoorlie region.

Politically, there were many questions surrounding legality of this entity. In fact, we spent the first 12 years of our existence, without Canberra's approval. Nevertheless, the state government of the day thought it necessary for the protection of our goldminers.

At the inception of the Insurance Commission of Western Australia, our offices consisted of only a portion of the state actuary's desk. While not formally trained in insurance, Mr. S. Bennett, was the most financially savvy employee of the state government.  So, it was up to him and his crack-team of assistants to cover the insurance of our states most important workers.

Motor Injury Insurance - compulsory third party injury insurance

1943

Today, one of our most recognised responsibilities is providing compulsory motor injury insurance for all drivers on our roads.  However, it was not till much later in our history that we took on that responsibility.

After the ascension of The Motor Vehicle (Third Party Insurance) Act 1943, The state government established the Motor Vehicle Insurance Fund and Entity to provide insurance against liability arising from personal injury.

The joining of SGIO and The Motor Vehicle Insurance Trust was not until 1987. With the combining of the two, we finally had our current services in motor injury and government insurance under the same roof; forming the foundations of our services today.

SGIO and the community

1926 to 1997

The  SGIO has been a supporter of Western Australian community in many ways over the last century.

Perhaps the most visible was the sponsorship of the first AFL team from the west coast, the West Coast Eagles. We were the chief sponsor of the Eagles from 1988 to 2018, proud to be a part of their history, achieving  four premierships in that time.

Other community events and organisations we have sponsored in the past include the annual Chritmas Pageant, the West Australian Youth Orchestra and the Neighbourhood Watch program in WA.

The Insurance Commission of Western Australia is created

1997

Until 1997, the Insurance Commission of Western Australia was called the State Government Insurance Office, and they competed in the general insurance market too.

In 1994 SGIO Insurance Limited which carried insurance covers for personal use like home, travel, life insurance and car damage, was sold by public float, ceasing to be a subsidiary of ours. To distinguish ourselves from the now privatised commercial arm, the new name was chosen.

In the same year, our road safety campaign BELT UP was launched.  through this campaign, we work with sports throughout WA to spread the message that it is important to Belt Up every time you drive. After 29 years we continue to promote road safety through sports across the state.

Today, the Insurance Commission of Western Australia plays a vital role in safeguarding the Western Australian community. We provide self‑insurance and risk management for 109 government agencies, along with compulsory motor injury insurance for all road users in the state.

Our evolution reflects nearly a century of adapting to the needs of Western Australians.