Clubs NSW and Poker Machines
Reverend the Hon. Dr GORDON MOYES: I ask to Minister for Primary Industries, on behalf of the Minister for Gaming and Racing, and Minister for Sport and Recreation, the following question without notice. Is the Minister aware that Clubs New South Wales has called on its members to move away from poker machine profits and diversify their businesses to focus on gyms and retail shops as sources of revenue? Is the Minister further aware that poker machine takings currently provide 68 per cent of club revenue? Will the Minister explain what specific measures the Government is considering to encourage clubs to change their focus from increasing poker machine revenue to other means of revenue raising, given the concern about gambling addiction in the community?
The Hon. IAN MACDONALD: I will refer that detailed question to the Minister for a speedy reply.
Deferred Answer to Clubs NSW, Poker Machines and Revenue Diversification
On 6 June 2007 Reverend the Hon. Dr Gordon Moyes asked the Minister for Primary Industries, representing the Minister for Gaming and Racing, and Minister for Sport and Recreation, a question without notice regarding ClubsNSW and poker machines and revenue diversification. The Minister provided the following response:
I am aware that ClubsNSW has called on its members to move away from gaming machine profits and to diversify their businesses through limited redevelopments that may include gyms and retail shops as other sources of revenue.
I am aware that the poker machine revenue figure quoted is based on a consultant report prepared for ClubsNSW and is referenced in the IPART review “Issues Paper”.
In March 2007, the Premier commissioned IPART to conduct a detailed review of the NSW registered clubs industry. Specifically, IPART has been asked to review, and make recommendations on the role and performance of the clubs industry with the purpose of facilitating a sustainable clubs industry into the future. This includes their roles in the community, their financial viability, and how their performance can be strengthened.
The Issues Paper is available through the IPART website at www.ipart.nsw.gov.au. Submissions close on 27 July 2007. IPART’s final report is due to be delivered by June 2008. The Government will consider IPART’s recommendations after that time.