Country shows fear what the future may hold if insurance hikes force out ride operators

The loudspeaker squawked that the dodgem cars ride was over, and the music stopped. Key points: Show ride operators have held a show-stopping strike to protest rising insurance costs Insurance premiums have increased by 300 per cent over 12 months, with just one international supplier available The Showmen's Guild of Australasia said the federal government promised a $5 million loan that never came Justin Gill, a fifth-generation show ride operator, or showman, stepped out of the booth and away from the ride. The day was not done, but Mr Gill and all the other show ride operators at the Charleville show in south-west Queensland were standing in protest and solidarity over a rapid increase in insurance costs. "At the moment, there's only one supplier of public liability insurance who is willing to insure rides and the amusement industry, which is an overseas company," he said. "It's a huge industry employing more than 7,000 people and contributing $1.4 billion to the economy annually, which will be killed off if these insurance rises aren't addressed and some support offered," Mr Pink said.