Pera, why is it that when I’m flying VFR in Class E or G radar airspace, occasionally I will have air traffic control calling VFR aircraft in my general area? When I answer, they give me traffic on another VFR aircraft in my area.
ATC are simply providing an unrequested RIS service because they have time.
I suggest that you have to monitor the frequency so that you obtain a FIS. I don't think that this requirement makes ATC responsible for traffic alerts.
I would think that ASA, CASA etc would be liable if ATC was held responsible for two vfr aircraft colliding in class E. AIP is very clear about the ATC responsibilities. It even states:
ENR 18.1.2 Traffic information services provided by ATC do not relieve pilots of their responsibilities for continued vigilance to see-and-avoid
other aircraft.
I guess if you have to monitor the frequency to get FIS, it makes sense that you make a broadcast if you think you are in conflict with an IFR aircraft, especially in non radar class E.