Insurance Users must produce evidence of their public liability insurance which provides appropriate coverage for the user of at least $10 million. In addition, if the user has employees, evidence of workers compensation insurance for the user’s workers must also be produced. If a user does not have public liability insurance and is of a non-commercial nature and the school council is satisfied that the use is of a low risk nature, discretion may be exercised in deciding whether to permit use of the school’s facilities. This discretion should be exercised with great caution and only in rare circumstances. The basic requirement is for the community user to have public liability insurance. Activities involving physical activity (e.g. sports, dancing etc) must be covered by insurance. If the requirement to have public liability insurance is waived, the user is required to indemnify the Northern Territory Government for any loss or damage to person or property as a consequence of using the school’s facilities. Note clause nine (9) of the Community Use Agreement. Use of school facilities for polling purposes The department has entered into an Agreement and Memorandum of Understanding with the Australian Electoral Commission and Northern Territory Electoral Commission which eliminates the need for schools to put in place user agreements when schools are being used as polling places. Schools will negotiate operational details such as fees, availability and suitability of school facilities directly with the Electoral Commissions. It be reasonable to expect that political candidates are able to set up signs and notices on school grounds at the conclusion of the school day on the Friday before election-day. For some schools this would not be until after school care finishes or when all or most students have vacated the premises. Principals must clearly define with political parties and candidates where promotional material can be erected/displayed and when it is to be removed. This is to avoid the possibility of star pickets damaging underground services and communication lines. Principals who have any doubts as to whether an activity is allowed should contact their Regional Director for advice. 2.2 Community Use Agreement Template A has been developed for schools to use to appropriately manage the processes.
Insurance Users must produce evidence of their public liability insurance which provides appropriate coverage for the user of at least $10 million. In addition, if the user has employees, evidence of workers compensation insurance for the user’s workers must also be produced. If a user does not have public liability insurance and is of a non-commercial nature and the school council is satisfied that the use is of a low risk nature, discretion may be exercised in deciding whether to permit use of the school’s facilities. This discretion should be exercised with great caution and only in rare circumstances. The basic requirement is for the community user to have public liability insurance. Activities involving physical activity (e.g. sports, dancing etc) must be covered by insurance. If the requirement to have public liability insurance is waived, the user is required to indemnify the Northern Territory Government for any loss or damage to person or property as a consequence of using the school’s facilities. Note clause nine (9) of the Community Use Agreement. Use of school facilities for polling purposes The department has entered into an Agreement and Memorandum of Understanding with the Australian Electoral Commission and Northern Territory Electoral Commission which eliminates the need for schools to put in place user agreements when schools are being used as polling places. Schools will negotiate operational details such as fees, availability and suitability of school facilities directly with the Electoral Commissions. It be reasonable to expect that political candidates are able to set up signs and notices on school grounds at the conclusion of the school day on the Friday before election-day. For some schools this would not be until after school care finishes or when all or most students have vacated the premises. Principals must clearly define with political parties and candidates where promotional material can be erected/displayed and when it is to be removed. This is to avoid the possibility of star pickets damaging underground services and communication lines. Principals who have any doubts as to whether an activity is allowed should contact their Regional Director for advice. 2.2 Community Use Agreement Template A has been developed for schools to use to appropriately manage the processes.
Community-Use-of-School-Facilities-Guidelines_v-2-0.docx