CLUBSACT REPORT

Harm Minimisation – ClubsACT Seizing the Agenda

ClubsACT held another successful micro-conference in November on Harm Minimisation. The feedback was very positive and the themes touched on have proved useful in discussions with Government and the regulator in the period following the event. Some of the issues touched on were relevant to the consideration of our strategic planning review recently undertaken in February.

We are tweaking the model for these microconferences with each new event, and in February we hosted our first for 2023, with the topic of AML and Financial Governance. The keynote speaker for this event was Mike Phelan APM, the just retired former head of the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission, the other key speaker was Michiel Brodie from Addisons who has extensive history in RG compliance and risk.

In his speech, Mr Phelan confirmed that there are no concerns from a law enforcement perspective with organised money laundering occurring in the ACT Club industry.

ClubsACT is committed to seizing the agenda on Harm Minimisation and anti-money laundering from the Government and to become less reactive in our posture on these debates. Our recent strategic planning session re-affirmed our boards commitment in this area.

RSA – Recognition Issues

The ACT is still having issues with the recognition of RSA certifications especially between the NSW and ACT jurisdictions. As the NSW RSA is a 5 year qualification and the ACT RSA is only three years, we are seeking the ACT jurisdiction standardise the qualification at least in line with the NSW jurisdiction. We have raised the issue with ClubsAustralia seeking their support to advocate a single national standard so as to allow for free movement of employees between the jurisdictions, especially on the east coast given the mobility of the hospitality workforce. This position received support from Club Association representatives across all other Australian jurisdictions. The benefits of a single national standard are widely supported.

Ginninderry SPARK Job Trainer Program Summary

Our Second SPARK Training program completed as the previous year was finishing, being 4 weeks training program and 1 week work experience in venue. Of a class of 17, 9 graduates are now fully employed by ClubsACT members and the remaining have either extended their training or have attained employment elsewhere in hospitality. We look forward to the next program currently scheduled for May 2023 and ClubsACT is seeking to increase it training profile going forward for new entrants and existing workers in the industry.

Facial Recognition Technology Update

This issue has been going around and around now for some time. We have started a clean slate approach with the ACT Government and the Gaming and Racing Commission to try and finalise negotiations.

We have asked for a definitive position from the Minister on his support or otherwise for the trial so that we can either proceed or cancel the trial. At this