ClubsACTion Magazine December 2020

ClubsACT CLUBSACTION | DECEMBER 2020

ClubsACT

A MESSAGE FROM THE ACT SHADOW GAMING MINISTER – MR MARK PARTON P. 24

CLUBSACT ANNUAL REPORT P.8

COMBINED MESSAGE FROM THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL AND THE MINISTER FOR BUSINESS AND BETTER REGULATION P.21

ClubsACT • CLUBSACT.COM.AU • (02) 6273 4694 • INFO@CLUBSACT.COM.AU

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ClubsACT CLUBSACTION DECEMBER 2020

ClubsACT CLUBSACTION DECEMBER 2020

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ClubsACT

CONTENTS Message from the CEO

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Message from the President

6

ClubsACT Annual Report

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Energy to power the moments that matter

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Message from Attorney-General and Minister for Gaming, and Minister for Business and Better Regulation

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Keno Promo Smartens Up February

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A message from the ACT Shadow Gaming Minister – Mr Mark Parton

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Clubs Plus Superannuation – Hear from the Experts

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Paynter Dixon enters ACT construction market

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A message from the Gambling and Racing Commission

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Member Club Listing

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ClubsACT CLUBSACTION DECEMBER 2020

Designated Driver?

ClubsACT CLUBSACTION DECEMBER 2020

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From the CEO As we enter the Festive Season after what has undoubtedly been one of the toughest years for our club sector, I reflect on the operating environment to be faced by clubs in this parliamentary term.

We know that the club sector is not immune or insulated from COVID or the other economic and social pressures being faced by others in the wider hospitality and recreation markets. But the fact is that there is an overlay of regulation and compliance that clubs face that most other sectors do not.

As I leave ClubsACT in the coming months, my reflections on the challenges to be faced by clubs over the next four years are rather added to, rather than subtract from and includes more demanding gaming regulations and associated compliance requirements, questionable harm minimisation measures, more taxes, growing adverse community sentiment to gambling and the continuing over-reliance on gaming by some clubs and the challenge to diversify. In addition, a fractured ACT club sector that must reunify if it is to move forward effectively.

This of course, runs alongside the growing and obvious disparity between ourselves and NSW - our largest and closest competitor - in the provision of gaming. The ACT’s loss will be Queanbeyan’s gain and the Government will need to consider the void left in the way we contribute to the community.

As the ACT Government, implements the parliamentary agreement I hope they recognize that Clubs have demonstrated their commitment to reducing gambling harm in our community and that the Government embraces the input and expertise the sector can offer. Appropriately structured and in consultation, decisions that will be made have the capacity to provide some positive impact at a time when the outlook is not terribly promising for many clubs. It is certainly clear to me that the significant reform agenda under Labor / Green Government will continue see

> The corporate partners program continues strongly and we have maintained of 28 companies;

> New partners approach the ClubsACT regularly and we

recently welcomed Paytner Dixon to our partner program;

> We resecured the bulk energy procurement deal with over 30 participating clubs;

> We hosted Janine Robinson, an internationally recognized

leader in Responsible Gambling Best Practice in partnership with the ACT Gambling & Racing Commission;

> We developed and provided Gambling Harm Prevention

Strategy to our membership, establishing a better practice document for the club sector;

> We made several submissions to Government including a response to the Code of Practice and Liquor Fee review;

> We appeared on behalf of the industry before the COVID-19 Pandemic Response Committee;

> A new member has joined - the Australian Croatia Club; > We held a number of key election events, with attendance of Presidents and CEO from our member clubs;

> Our Clubs & Community Awards held at the National Press

Club was a huge success, in a faster and more network friendly format;

> We assisted in coordinating political party engagement with our member clubs; and

> Rallied support from other Associations, to champion issues such as water and commercial rates.

I would like to thank the ClubsACT Members, Partners and Board for the ongoing support through this tumultuous year. Wishing you all a wonderful festive season and a

further consolidation of the ACT club industry.

fantastic 2021!

On a positive note, there have been a number of

Gwyn Rees | CEO - ClubsACT

achievements and/or undertakings on behalf of the ACT club sector, worth noting:

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ClubsACT CLUBSACTION DECEMBER 2020

From the President What a year 2020 has been! It will be remembered by all of us as the most challenging of years, both personally and professionally. As an Industry, together we faced those challenges head on and, through the combined determination of our directors, management, staff and members survived and thrived.

The Clubs in Canberra have a lot to be proud of!

It has been an incredible honour to serve as ClubsACT

2020 started with us responding to the needs of

President through this difficult year. I have a

the community across territory boundaries during

tremendous respect and admiration for the individuals

the bushfires, then came the hail damage. We took

who in every area of club operations take pride in the

small steps along the road to recovery, but then, the

industry where they work and volunteer. As we have

COVID-19 pandemic hit - our industry was sent into

navigated through the past twelve months, so too will

involuntary shutdown and we were thrown into a

we seize the new opportunities in 2021.

world full of uncertainty and apprehension for the future of us all in the industry.

At the ClubsACT November AGM we once again posted an improved trading position and we

As our Clubs’ ‘business as usual’ operations were

welcomed two new Board members. I am pleased to

severely stalled during the four months of shutdown, it

announce the ClubsACT Board of Directors are:

is important to recognise the innovative ideas of those member clubs which grabbed the opportunity to work

Kim Marshall – Canberra Southern Cross Club

out ways to keep staff gainfully employed, support members and continue to care for the community, through adapting. It is also important to note those member clubs who had to take the even harder decision to keep their doors closed to survive.

As I write, we are continuing to overcome the challenges of negotiating that same road to recovery.

Working through Covid19 restrictions and ensuring we comply with the ever-changing rules to safeguard our businesses, now and for the future.

I would like to congratulate the Labor and Greens Government for their electoral success in the 2020 ACT election. We look forward to working closely with Minister Rattenbury, Attorney-General and Minister for Gaming, and Assistant Minister Cheyne, Minister for Business and Better Regulation.

David Paull – Vikings Group Dub Kolobaric – Raiders Group Paul Berger – Harmonie German Club Simon Patterson – Ainslie Group Mark Copely – Eastlake Group Maurice Reilly – National Press Club of Australia Max Mercer – The Mawson Club Shauna Lodding – The Irish Club Jeremy Wilcox – The RUC at Turner Bowls

ClubsACT CLUBSACTION DECEMBER 2020

As we head towards Christmas and welcome the end of

Thank you to the Members of ClubsACT. This

2020, I would like to give thanks:

year has been a difficult year on many levels

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and your continued support reaffirms your Thank you to all of our Corporate Partners who

commitment to ClubsACT as the organisation

have continued their support and ongoing

to continue to lead the way for the future of our

commitment to the ACT Club industry. Your

industry on your behalf.

support is invaluable and we are fortunate and thankful to have you by our side.

Thank you to Gwyn Rees our outgoing CEO, whose dedicated years of diligent service

Thank you to the directors, management and the

have ensured ClubsACT has remained a strong

many staff who have worked tirelessly through

advocate for the club industry in the ACT.

this very uneasy time. Your dedication, hardwork and resilience has not gone unnoticed.

Thank you, Kate Palmer for the significant contribution you have made to the success of

Thank you to the ClubsACT Board of Directors.

this year and David Burge for your consistent

You understand the importance of the Club

support behind the scenes.

Industry in our community, believe in the opportunities for the future and freely give of

Wishing you all a well-deserved wonderful, happy and

your time to advance our organisation.

safe Festive Season.

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ClubsACT CLUBSACTION DECEMBER 2020

ANNUAL REPORT CLUBSACT - WHO ARE WE? We are the association that represents a vast majority of licensed clubs in the ACT, covering 35 venues and 5 club groups.

We provide a focal point for clubs to establish a sense of common purpose on key issues and the opportunity for the club movement in the ACT to work together to meet the challenges and opportunities that the future holds.

Our aim is to be a reasoned advocate of club interests and to realise a dynamic and prosperous club industry that enhances the quality of life of club members and the Canberra community generally.

We are recognised by the ACT Government and its agencies as the leader of the club movement in the ACT. In that capacity we make submissions and representations to the Government and its agencies on all issues that affect the club movement, and we maintain close liaison with the Government and with members of the Assembly to ensure that the interests of clubs are represented and protected.

We are the public voice of the club movement - a key role of which is to interact with the media (press, radio and TV) and present a good public image of clubs and the club movement.

TRADING RESULTS Despite the challenges of COVID-19, the Association has posted an end of year surplus and our trading performance for the year shows a profit for the year of $88,834 compared to $17,573 in the previous year. The operating surplus was contributed to by the following factors: •

Reduced overheads through rent reduction at the ClubsACT office;

•

Cancellation of the Conference without substantial loss of partnership dollars; and

•

Government Assistance Measures.

It is important to note that these measures and gains will need to carry the Association through the current financial year, in which we are forecasting a small financial loss.

ClubsACT CLUBSACTION DECEMBER 2020

OUR MEMBERS Since September 2015, there are 1447 less poker machines operating in clubs and over that same period 7 clubs have permanently closed. In fact, there has been significant rationalization of clubs over the past 10 years with 43 clubs currently operating compared to 62 in 2009.

Our member Clubs which operate poker machines 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

21.

22.

23.

24.

25.

26.

27.

28.

ACT Rugby Union Club Turner Ainslie Football and Social Club Gungahlin Lakes Golf Club Austrian Australian Club Belconnen Bowling Club Canberra Bowling Club Canberra Services Club Canberra Irish Club Raiders Gungahlin Raiders Belconnen Raiders Weston Southern Cross Club Tuggeranong Southern Cross Club Jamison Southern Cross Club Woden Canberra Deakin Football Club Eastlake Football Club Griffith Eastlake Calwell Eastlake Gunghalin Harmonie German Club Magpies Belconnen Golf Club Mawson Club Murrumbidgee Country Club Spanish Australian Club of Canberra Vikings Erindale Vikings Lanyon Vikings Chisholm Vikings Town Centre Yowani Country Club

Our member Clubs which do not operate poker machines 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Royal Canberra Golf Club Federal Golf Club Canberra Racing Club Australian-Croatia Club Southern Cross Yacht Club National Press Club of Australia

Clubs closures since 2015 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

Belconnen Soccer Club Hawker Eastlake Kaleen Italo-Australian Club Magpies Sports Club Tradies Woden Canberra City Bowling Club Magpies City Club

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ClubsACT CLUBSACTION DECEMBER 2020

COVID-19 COVID-19 has been the most challenging event of 2020 and in our history. With arguably the best health outcomes in Australia, the ACT remains the slowest jurisdiction with the exception of Victoria to ease hospitality restrictions. The ACT still has not moved to a 1 in 2 sqm rule, for indoor spaces.

Our Chief Medical Officer is continuing to take an overly cautious approach to relieving restrictions and it remains the consensus amongst tourism and other business sector leaders that we will not see the 1 in 2 sqm rule for some time. Five months ago, Western Australia moved to allow venues to have one patron per 2 sqm and lifted the limits on customer numbers in late June. They have been joined by South Australia and Tasmania in permitting one person in 2 sqm and they also have higher occupancy limits than the ACT. In the Northern Territory there is no patron limit or square metre rule, people just need to stay 1.5 metres away from those they are not associated with. Queensland is at one person in 4 sqm and has no cap on numbers, it has also moved to one person in 2 sqm in both indoor and outdoor spaces.

This continues to impact significantly on hospitality in the ACT and we remain at a distinct disadvantage to neighbouring NSW. Whilst most clubs are reporting that gaming revenues are modestly tracking above the previous year, occupancy restrictions continue to impact food, beverage and events business.

During, the initial stages of shut-down the Government was responses to calls from ClubsACT and other business leaders and did initiate a range of economic recovery measures as part of its response to the COVID-19 shutdown, these included: •

$3.3 million distributed to clubs from the Diversification and Sustainability Support Fund (derived from a tax on machines) to keep staff employed.

•

A waiver/refund of gaming machine tax liabilities for clubs for March 2020 gaming activity (for clubs that pay tax monthly) or gaming activity in the first quarter of 2020 (for clubs eligible to pay tax quarterly).

•

Provided clubs with a rebate of fixed water and sewerage charges on Icon Water bills for two quarters.

•

Provided gaming machine licensees with the opportunity to access a payment of $15,000 per authorisation to voluntarily surrender gaming machine authorisations – and allowed that funding to be used for a broad range of expenses.

•

Live music as short-term measure is able to be claimed as a community contribution.

ClubsACT will continue to lobby for restrictions to ease, to ensure our venues return to a more viable level of operation.

ClubsACT CLUBSACTION DECEMBER 2020

CLUBS TRADING PERFORMANCE The hot summer and bushfires, had at the start of 2020 resulted in clubs seeing similar revenues in the months of January and February, to those prior to the smoking bans in 2006. However no-one of course could have anticipated COVID and subsequent impact of shut-down.

Putting this into perspective, the closure in March resulted in an end of financial year result for clubs at $126,902,961 with a shortfall of about $40 million on a normal year.

Whilst our expectation going forward is that the club sector, will recover the Government’s significant reform agenda will continue to impact clubs and how they operate. Clubs will need to adapt to a lower level of gaming income, particularly following the anticipated introduction of bet limits.

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ClubsACT CLUBSACTION DECEMBER 2020

ACT ELECTION RESULTS The ACT election held on 17 October 2020 resulted in the return of a Labor Greens Government.

The ACT Greens tripled their seat count in the ACT Legislative Assembly, with both ACT Labor and the Canberra Liberals losing two seats each.

With the completion of the distribution of preferences, the ACT Greens now hold six seats in the tenth ACT Legislative Assembly, ACT Labor 10 and the Canberra Liberals nine. In the previous Assembly, the Greens held two seats, Labor 12 and Liberals 10.

Most significantly for clubs, in Ginninderra, incumbent ACT Labor MLA, former Attorney-General Gordon Ramsay who held the gaming portfolio was outed by Canberra Liberals’ Peter Cain after retiring Canberra Liberals MLA Vicki Dunne’s seat went to ACT Greens’ Jo Clay. The exit of Mr Ramsay, has meant the clubs will be dealing with a new Attorney-General and Gaming Minister during this parliamentary term, with Shane Rattenbury securing this portfolio.

Canberra Liberals’ Mark Parton was re-elected in the Brindabella and he retains clubs under his portfolio responsibilities. His shadow portfolio has been renamed Shadow Minister for Gaming and Community Clubs.

PARLIAMENTARY AGREEMENT The 10th ACT Parliamentary Agreement between ACT Labor and the Greens was signed on 2 November 2020 and there is a more detailed acknowledgement of the essential role clubs play in the social life of Canberrans. It does however signal further change the industry over the coming fours years.

The agreement undertakings that relate to clubs are follows: 1. Establish a Community Clubs Ministerial Advisory Council with government, industry and unions to build a long-term, sustainable clubs sector in the ACT; 2. Target a further reduction in the number of electronic gaming machine licences in the ACT to 3500 by 1 July 2025, and support this through the introduction of incentives for Clubs to consider, including additional incentives to move to zero machines within a venue location 3. Establish a rigorous, across-venue self-exclusion regime across the ACT for people experiencing harm from gaming, with significant penalties for breaches. This exclusion regime will align with or exceed reforms currently progressing in NSW to allow exclusion by family members; 4. Match or exceed any further harm reduction gaming reforms commenced in NSW, such as cashless gaming; 5. Introduce the harm reduction measures of $5 bet limits and $100 load-up limits following a thorough review and transitional plan to manage impacts on clubs particularly smaller clubs that upgrade machines less regularly. A staged rollout of this reform should commence by the end of 2022 at the latest;

ClubsACT CLUBSACTION DECEMBER 2020

6. Facilitate planning and other processes to allow clubs to diversify to other revenue generating streams, particularly development of available land for social housing and land supply purposes, that are supported by the community; 7. Provide a just transition for workers in the community clubs and gambling industry by: ensuring that new or transferred employment is on permanent and secure terms; providing support and retraining for employment in new jobs of their choosing; and ensuring worker entitlements are secure in business transfer or winding up. The parties agree to vigorously enforce existing regulatory requirements and support existing workers in the industry with uninhibited access to their union, training, and work health and safety enforcement; 8. Conduct a review into water costs for high-intensity club users of non-potable water in 2021, with the goal to allow clubs to maintain operations while not requiring cross subsidisation by other ACT water users; 9. Establish a five-year $5 million Building Energy Efficiency Upgrade Fund, to be accessed by community clubs; and 10. Support clubs to become heat and smoke refuges for local communities. This will include ensuring appropriate air filtration systems, and financial payments for venues designated as official extreme weather refuge sites.

The measures being sought by the new ACT Government are in large part reasoned and it does demonstrate that ACT Labor and the Greens have listened to the representations made by ClubsACT and our community clubs. It will be very important that as next steps are taken, the Government continues to do so in consultation with the club sector to minimise injurious financial impacts.

For example, while it is true that gaming machines in some other jurisdictions support $5 bet limits and $100 load-up limits – noting also that all accept $50 notes (while we do not), the machines approved in the ACT and already purchased by our clubs operate on a different protocol. We will need a robust assessment of what changes will and won’t be possible with the current gaming technology and without clubs facing onerous costs. If the expenses are too great, this will be prejudicial for many clubs, whose operations could become untenable without compensation.

We welcome the fact Labor and the Greens have clearly and publicly spelled out both their harm reduction goals and proposed support for community clubs, as much of this was absent from the previous parliamentary agreement.

Water for example, remains a critical issue for our many clubs who maintain public assets like sporting fields and golf courses, so we are pleased to see the promise of a water costs review and that Labor supported an extension to the Water Abstraction Charge waiver. Helping clubs diversify and funding for energy efficiency upgrades will help with future sustainability.

Last summer clubs also demonstrated once again the important role clubs play in our community, implementing a range of initiatives to support people impacted by the horrific bushfire season, including becoming safe havens for people who had to evacuate their homes.

The new Parliamentary Agreement formally acknowledges the part clubs have always played by pledging to support clubs to become smoke and fire refuges.

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ClubsACT CLUBSACTION DECEMBER 2020

It is important to further note the club sector has already taken huge steps towards reducing reliance on gaming. Since September 2015, the number of machines on gaming floors has been reduced from 5022 to just 3575 – well on its way to the Government’s stated goal of 3500.

CASINO The Canberra Casino sale between Aquis and Blue Whale Entertainment fell over earlier this year, as a result of the transfer of ownership failing to navigate probity with the ACT Government. The deal had been contingent on Blue Whale obtaining approvals from the ACT Gambling and Racing Commission before December 21, which it failed to do.

The Casino’s financial reports were also listed late February. The operating result for the consolidated entity for the year to 31 December 2019 was a loss of $3,957,193 (2018: loss $3,396,832). Operating revenue for the year amounted to $24,433,082, a 6.14% decrease from the 2018 result ($26,032,797).

The end of 2020 marks five years from when the new owners presented their unsolicited bid to the ACT Government to operate 500 C class poker machines. No machines currently operate.

OTHER DEVELOPMENTS OVER THE PRVEVIOUS YEAR Despite the challenges of COVID, there have been of achievements and/or undertakings on behalf of the ACT clubs sector, worth noting: •

The corporate partners program continues strongly and we have maintained of 28 companies;

•

New partners approach the ClubsACT regularly and we recently welcomed Paytner Dixon to our partner program;

•

We resecured the bulk energy procurement deal with over 30 participating clubs;

•

We hosted Janine Robinson, an internationally recognized leader in Responsible Gambling Best Practice in partnership with the ACT Gambling & Racing Commission;

•

We developed and provided Gambling Harm Prevention Strategy to our membership, establishing a better practice document for the club sector;

•

We made several submissions to Government including a response to Code of Practice and Liquor Fee review;

•

We appeared on behalf of the industry before the COVID-19 Pandemic Response Committee;

•

A new member has joined - the Australian Croatia Club;

•

We held a number of key election events, with attendance of Presidents and CEO from our member clubs;

ClubsACT CLUBSACTION DECEMBER 2020

•

Our Clubs & Community Awards held at the National Press Club was a huge success, in a faster and more network friendly format;

•

We assisted in coordinating political party engagement with our member clubs; and

•

Rallied support from other Associations, to champion issues such as water and commercial rates;

Next month, we have our end of year event and we will host the ACT Greens leader Shane Rattenbury who will make a key address to our members.

THE FUTURE Clearly the ACT club sector is not immune or insulated from COVID or the other economic and social pressures being faced by others in the wider hospitality and recreation markets. But the fact is that there is an overlay of regulation and compliance that clubs face that most other sectors do not.

As I leave ClubsACT in the coming months, I continue to reflect on the operating environment to be faced clubs in the ACT in the parliamentary term and invariably add to – rather than subtract from – the list below: •

more demanding gaming regulations and associated compliance requirements;

•

questionable harm minimisation measures;

•

more taxes;

•

more onerous responsible service of gaming;

•

minimum unit pricing for alcohol;

•

growing adverse community sentiment to gambling;

•

the continuing over-reliance on gaming by some, and the challenge of diversification; and

•

a fragmented club sector that must reunify if it is to move forward effectively.

This of course, runs alongside the growing and obvious disparity between ourselves and NSW our largest and closest competitor - in the provision of gaming. The ACT’s loss will be Queanbeyan’s gain and the Government will need to consider the void left in the way we contribute to the community.

As the ACT Government, implements the parliamentary agreement I hope they recognize that Clubs have demonstrated their commitment to reducing gambling harm in our community and that the Government embraces the input and expertise the sector can offer. Appropriately structured and in consultation, decisions that will be made have the capacity to provide some positive impact at a time when the outlook is not terribly promising for many clubs. It is clear the significant reform agenda under Labor / Green Government will continue see further consolidation of the ACT club industry.

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ClubsACT CLUBSACTION DECEMBER 2020

I would like again to give thanks to President Kim Marshal and I would like to record my appreciation for her contribution and input over the past 12 months. In addition, to her availability to participate and represent ClubsACT at a range of meetings, events and occasions – she is always putting in more time for our industry than her other volunteer roles demand.

To the ClubsACT Board, past and present, thank you for your faith in me over the past 8 years and for your council, on behalf of Kate and I, we greatly value your support and guidance over the past year.

Thank you Gwyn Rees 20 NOVEMBER 2020

ClubsACT CLUBSACTION DECEMBER 2020

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ClubsACT CLUBSACTION DECEMBER 2020

Brewed to be as refreshing as a dip in the ocean on a hot summer’s day, the newest addition to 4 Pines’ core range, Extra Refreshing Ale, is a proud member of the 1% for the Planet global movement.

Collective change is powerful.

This global movement of 1,500 members has given more than $365 million to non-profit organisations that protect and reduce our impact on the environment.

As part of this movement, 4 Pines will give 1% of revenue from all Extra Refreshing Ale sold (on-tap and pack).

The funds will be donated to Take 3 and Organic Matters Foundation, two organisations chosen by 4 Pines staff.

Care for our planet is smack bang in the center of everything at 4 Pines.

We’ve been B-Corp certified for over 3 years, and now our 1% for the Planet pledge will be able to expand our impact. It’s all about treating the world right, so the fun we have today continues.

Chris Willcock, 4 Pines Chief Brewer says, “The brew team had fun with this one. We’ve always wanted to brew our version of a classic Aussie Ale. Brewing with local Pride of Ringwood and Melba hops gave us some of that classic taste, which defined a generation of Australian beer, with a modern hint of crisp summery fruit aromas. It’s been carefully designed for enhanced sessionability, and the fact that it gives back, makes us even more excited for people to try it.”

Hitting taps and bottle shops Australia-wide. Give it a crack. Give back.

ClubsACT CLUBSACTION DECEMBER 2020

Gender Equality Survey

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Gender Equality Survey Women in Gaming & Hospitality Australasia (WGHA) is concerned about the state of the industry, with the significant and ongoing impacts of COVID19 and how these impacts apply to gender equality.

WGHA’s Board of Directors established a strategic direction to ensure we are driving systemic change in the industry via informing on best practice and empowering individuals to reach their full potential. Please complete this survey to provide valuable information to WGHA in planning their delivery in 2021. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WGHA20

Male Advocates Needed Be a voice for gender equality in our industry! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WGHANominateM

Female Equality Survey The Power of Role Models “You need to see it to be it” Nominate a female to feature in WGHA materials in 2021! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WGHANominateM

www.wgha.org.au

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ClubsACT CLUBSACTION DECEMBER 2020

Energy to power the moments that matter After the unpredictable challenges and setbacks this year, it’s great to see that ACT clubs have safely reopened their doors—and in time for the festive season.

As the capital region’s local energy retailer, we

Our team of dedicated account managers can also

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provide personalised and flexible support options,

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Connect with a local energy expert at:

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ClubsACT CLUBSACTION DECEMBER 2020

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A combined message from the newly appointed Attorney-General and Minister for Gaming, and Minister for Business and Better Regulation Canberra clubs play an important role in our community. They create spaces for people to come together, they create local jobs and they provide financial and in-kind support to sporting teams and other groups that help us all to build and maintain the social networks that connect us and enhance our wellbeing.

2020 has been a difficult year for the whole community.

spaces for the whole community and we want clubs to

Clubs have keenly felt the impacts of temporary closures

thrive long into the future. This means supporting clubs

and ongoing social distancing requirements and have

to find other sources of revenue.

played their part in following the COVID-19 public health restrictions, which have been so important in

The Parliamentary and Governing Agreement for the

keeping our community safe. The ACT Government

next four years includes important commitments that

has supported clubs through the COVID recovery, with

will help to achieve this vision. In implementing these

a range of measures including rebates on water and

commitments, we will be working closely with the club

sewerage charges, allowing clubs to claim staff wages

industry and other key stakeholders. We believe that

and COVID 19-related community aid as community

by working together and supporting clubs to diversify

contributions, waiving gaming machine tax liabilities for

their revenue streams, we can reach a sustainable

the first quarter of 2020 and offering $15,000 for every

solution that enhances the wellbeing of clubs and the

gaming machine license voluntarily surrendered, to help

communities they support.

with clubs’ immediate cashflow issues.

TO ACHIEVE THESE GOALS WE WILL:

Many of Canberra’s clubs rely on poker machine revenue to survive. While understandable, this is a challenge because it is well established that problem gambling has serious negative impacts on the wellbeing of some Canberrans, with flow-on effects for their families and the broader community. The ACT Government is committed to reducing gambling harm and supporting a sustainable future for clubs. We want clubs to be safe

WORK COLLABORATIVELY

> Establish a new Community Clubs Ministerial Advisory Council with government, industry and unions which

will help to build a long-term, sustainable clubs sector in the ACT.

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ClubsACT CLUBSACTION DECEMBER 2020

REDUCE GAMBLING HARM

BUILD COMMUNITY RESILIENCE

> Further reduce electronic gaming machine licences

> Support clubs to become heat and smoke refuges

in the ACT to 3,500 by 1 July 2025 and provide

for local communities. This will include ensuring

incentives for clubs, including additional incentives to

appropriate air filtration systems, and financial

move to zero machines.

payments for venues designated as official extreme

> Establish a rigorous, across-venue self-exclusion

weather refuge sites.

regime across the ACT for people experiencing harm

We look forward to working with Clubs ACT to build a

from gaming, with significant penalties for breaches.

strong, safe and sustainable clubs sector in the ACT.

> Match or exceed any further harm reduction gaming

Shane Rattenbury

> Introduce $5 bet limits and $100 load-up limits

Tara Cheyne

reforms commenced in NSW, such as cashless gaming.

following a thorough review and transitional plan to manage impacts on clubs, particularly smaller clubs that upgrade machines less regularly. A staged rollout of this reform will commence by the end of 2022 at the latest.

SUPPORT CLUBS

> Facilitate planning and other processes to allow clubs to diversify to other revenue generating streams,

particularly development of available land for social housing and land supply purposes, that are supported by the community.

> Provide a just transition for workers in the community clubs and gambling industry by: ensuring that new or transferred employment is on permanent and secure terms; providing support and retraining for employment in new jobs of their choosing; and ensuring worker entitlements are secure in business transfer or winding up.

> Conduct a review into water costs for high-intensity club users of non-potable water in 2021, with the

goal to allow clubs to maintain operations while not requiring cross-subsidisation by other ACT water users.

> Establish a five year $5 million Building Energy Efficiency Upgrade Fund, to provide funds to community clubs for upgrades.

Attorney-General and Minister for Gaming

Minister for Business and Better Regulation

ClubsACT CLUBSACTION DECEMBER 2020

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KENO PROMO SMARTENS UP FEBRUARY February is the smart time to drive Keno in your hotel and boost customer engagement with the game.

Following the success of Keno’s Smart TV In-Venue

“Keno turnover increased by 4.7% overall versus the

Prize Promotion in February 2020, Keno will be

same period the year prior, and venues that ran the

running the popular promo again this February,

Smart TV In-Venue Prize Promotion outperformed

offering Victorian hotels a way to boost their sales

those that didn’t by 5.8%,” says Bzdega.

following the Christmas holiday period.

overarching theme of TV and Entertainment.

“This promotion represents a great opportunity to acquire new customers and reward existing Keno players.”

The promotion commences on Sunday 31 January and

Bzdega notes the in-venue promotions were snapped

runs until Saturday 27 February, with the major prize

up by venues, proving the popularity of Keno’s Local

component being eight TV and Entertainment Packs,

Area Marketing product.

Keno’s February Major promotion will combine a national major prize with 500 (225 Gold and 275 Silver) in-venue prize promotions, all linking to an

valued at $10,000 per pack.

The in-venue prizes – either a 65” Series 8 Hisense Two winners will be selected each week, with players

UHD 4K Smart TV, valued at $2,500, or a 50” Series

required to spend just $10 on any Keno product to

8 Hisense UHD 4K Smart TV, valued at $,1200,

enter, and then scan their ticket.

depending on the package level – can be won by

There was an almost five per cent increase in both Keno turnover and in-venue sales for the same period the previous year during the promotion period,

Keno players who spend $10 on any Keno product and will automatically receive a raffle ticket to complete and place in a barrel.

according to Keno’s Head of Trade Engagement and

To download your club’s promotion marketing assets,

Operations, Ralf Bzdega.

visit www.kenoconnect.com.au

24

ClubsACT CLUBSACTION DECEMBER 2020

A message from the ACT Shadow Gaming Minister – Mr Mark Parton 2020. What a year. I think it’s safe to say that most of us cannot wait for it to be over. It was a disaster from go to whoa, from bushfires and hailstorms to the pandemic and, I know it seems a little partisan, but I’d suggest that the election result was not one that most in the club space were rooting for. the 1700+ club staff in the ACT. Unsurprisingly it was heavily amended by the new Minister, Mr Rattenbury, but it certainly signalled that I’ll be watching the fortunes of your industry very closely and calling the government out when it’s appropriate.

Here’s a small slice of my speech to the motion.

“I think we’d all agree wouldn’t we, that as opposed to President Trump, I think we can all respect the will of the people.

There are three parties represented in this chamber.

In my ongoing role as the Shadow Minister overseeing community clubs in the ACT, I’ll do whatever I can to protect the sector from the potentially damaging components of the Labor/Greens agreement. It must be said that there are some positive aspects of the power sharing agreement including a focus on water charges and the strengthening of the exclusion framework and I welcome these.

The COVID shutdown has had a massive impact on our clubs and I know it’s pushed a number of you into ‘backs to the wall survival mode.’ I will do whatever I can to assist you through this next 12 months and beyond.

Earlier in December, I took a motion to the chamber calling upon the government to protect the jobs of

Two of those parties went to the election six weeks ago promising a moratorium on machine reduction for our clubs and a moratorium on regulatory and tax change in the gaming space.

One party…..the party that secured 14% of the primary vote had a different view. And I don’t fully understand how it is that somehow, we’re going to implement the policies of that minor party and absolutely trash the club sector.

That doesn’t sound like democracy to me.

Now, I know that I’ll hear from the Minister Mr Rattenbury in this motion. We all know what his position is, He made it abundantly clear in a motion

ClubsACT CLUBSACTION DECEMBER 2020

25

that he ran in this chamber in July. It was a motion

Standalone Labor gaming policy is irrelevant. It will

that was heavily amended by Labor through Gordon

always become a victim of power-sharing agreements.

Ramsay so as to reflect reality. If the original motion

Mr Ramsay can go back to the clubs and say “We’re

had been voted on, it would have gone down 23 votes

really sorry guys…this is what we wanted to do, but

to two.

the Greens made us do this instead.”

Six weeks later, and much of it now government policy

I would suggest that in this brave new world, clubs

despite the fact that more than 85% of electorate

should continue to engage and communicate. The

didn’t vote for it.

new Minister is much more likely to genuinely engage with you than was Mr Ramsay and I would urge you to

So I know that we’ll hear from Mr Rattenbury….what

contact his office with your concerns. Needless to say,

I’m keen to see is if anyone from the Labor Party is

communication with my office is also imperative.

prepared to raise their head up above the bunker and explain to this parliament why their sensible evidence

All the best for the Festive Season and the New Year.

based approach for a moratorium on machine reduction and a moratorium on regulatory change……I want to hear from Labor as to why this was their very clear position six weeks ago, but now it’s not.

I did forecast this five months ago in this chamber.

Back in July I said….and I quote… “Labor’s Gaming policies are irrelevant. We all know that there is to be a continuation of Labor government here in the ACT, it will be with the assistance of the Greens.

ACT Shadow Gaming Minister – Mr Mark Parton

26

ClubsACT CLUBSACTION DECEMBER 2020

Image Caption (L to R): Stefan Strano, CEO of Club Plus Super, Gemma Dooley, Chief Investment Officer, Club Plus Super, Jeff Williams, CEO, BarcatJosh Landis, CEO, ClubsNSW

HEAR FROM THE EXPERTS Employment and economic outlook for 2021.

Club Plus Super CEO Stefan Strano knows it’s been a tough year for everyone.

“The volatility of the economy due to COVID-19 has created uncertainty for members around jobs, superannuation and financial wellbeing. Many members have contacted us with concerns about the impact the global pandemic could have on their super and on their employment prospects, now and in the future,” Stefan says.

and bartenders have all returned back to their homes overseas. We have also lost 147,000 backpackers who were working in other hospitality roles*.

“This means there are significant opportunities for people looking for work. We’ve also got some fantastic links for staff across Australia to ensure that they can keep improving their skills and be ready for the next opportunity.”

Hear more from Jeff.

EMPLOYMENT PROSPECTS IN THE CLUB INDUSTRY Josh Landis, ClubsNSW CEO:

So, he asked industry experts to share their outlooks on the economy, hospitality and clubs.

“Once there is a vaccine, people will get back to normal and that means jobs will be recreated. But the real issue here is what our clubs look

THE ECONOMY & WHAT COMES NEXT Gemma Dooley, Club Plus Super Chief Investment Officer:

like as we come out of coronavirus — what do we do to change our businesses to remain relevant?

“There are so many opportunities for clubs to continue being relevant to

“The good news is that the government is intensely focused on supporting a strong and sustained economic recovery for Australia, and driving down the unemployment rate across the country.

“To stimulate economic activity and job growth, they have committed to invest an additional $14 billion in new and accelerated infrastructure

their communities, to continue employing, to continue contributing to charities and sporting groups. A club industry that’s growing is great for everybody.”

Hear more from Josh.

projects across the country over the next four years and have pledged

KEY TAKE OUTS

$74 billion to the new JobMaker scheme, which will create jobs across

There are some growth opportunities in the economy, for jobs and for

many industries.”

the club industry.

Hear more from Gemma.

THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY AND WHERE THE OPPORTUNITIES ARE LIKELY TO BE Jeff Williams, Barcats CEO and Founder: Jeff Williams is CEO and founder of Barcats a digital platform created three years ago to connect job seekers with the hospitality industry, one

1. If you’re looking for new employment opportunities or hospitality training, visit barcats.com.au 1. There are things you can do today to change your tomorrow.

1. Most important of all, if you’re changing jobs, take Club Plus Super with you.

job at a time: “In February, there were about a million hospitality workers operating.

But since the pandemic, around 25 per cent, or 115,000, of skilled labour

NEED HELP WITH YOUR SUPER? Contact our team if you need support or help with your super today.

who were chefs, managers, baristas

*Statistics based on estimates undertaken by Barcats’ research and discussions with Senator Christine Kennealy, The Australian Hotels Association and ClubsNSW in June 2020. Issued by Club Plus Superannuation Pty Limited ABN 26 003 217 990, AFSL 245362, the Trustee of the Club Plus Superannuation Scheme ABN 95 275 115 088. This is an example only and does not consider your personal circumstances. The outcome is not guaranteed. This is general advice only and does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Prior to acting on any information in this document you should read the appropriate Product Disclosure Statement for any product you are considering, (available at clubplussuper.com.au or by calling 1800 680 627) and seek independent financial advice around this if you are unsure. Employment and economic data sourced from Federal Budget 2020-21: https://budget.gov.au/2020-21/content/download/glossy_jobmaker.pdf

ClubsACT CLUBSACTION DECEMBER 2020

27

Paynter Dixon enters ACT construction market One of Australia’s oldest design and construction companies with a long history of working in the club industry has entered the ACT market.

Paynter Dixon - Bankstown Sports Club.

Paynter Dixon, established in 1914, has set up an office

The business blossomed in the 1970s and 1980s as clubs

in the heart of Canberra in Moore Street and has already

changed to meet the demand for hospitality services in

started working on projects in the commercial and

the rapidly growing Sydney market.

insurance sectors.

Today, Paynter Dixon is assisting its hospitality clients Paynter Dixon General Manager for the ACT Peter

to diversify their business, designing and building

Cavallaro said the outlook for the ACT construction

innovative food venues, fitness centres, re-imagined

market was positive.

space and hotel accommodation.

“2020 was a year like none other with COVID-19 causing

There is no better example of a long-term collaboration,

major disruption and uncertainty,’’ Mr Cavallaro said.

than Paynter Dixon’s work for Bankstown Sports Club.

“The ACT has weathered the pandemic storm well, and

Paynter Dixon won its first project with the club in the

we see the 2021 year being a positive one for the local

1980s and has delivered numerous major projects since.

economy.

Paynter Dixon broke new ground for Bankstown Sports “The ACT’s club industry is particularly robust, despite

Club with the construction of a 10-storey commercial

COVID-19, and we also see an increasing demand for

tower on the club’s land.

services as the hospitality industry further develops.’’

The $55 million project, which was completed in Paynter Dixon began working with the club industry 60

August 2018, set a benchmark for commercial buildings

years ago, after successfully building some of Sydney’s

constructed for a club.

iconic hotels.

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ClubsACT CLUBSACTION DECEMBER 2020

“We were thrilled to win this award as it acknowledged the skill of the project team and the quality Paynter Dixon delivers.

Paynter Dixon - Club Parramatta

“It was also an excellent example of a collaborative effort between the client and our team.’’

Stage two works are now underway which will see the old Club Parramatta site transformed into an underground multi-storey carpark for club patrons and staff.

While Paynter Dixon has worked on several flagship club projects, it has a long record of assisting smaller clubs grow into great community assets.

Paynter Dixon recently completed a design and construct upgrade project for Cowra Services Club in the NSW Central West.

The project included a new main bar with café, sports lounge and coffee lounge, a new gaming area and outdoor gaming terrace.

A separate club entry was also built – delivering direct access from the Club’s motel to the function rooms.

More recently, Paynter Dixon received a Master Builders Association Merit Award in the Excellence in Construction Awards for the first stage of the Club Parramatta project.

The Castle Hill RSL Group (CHRG) owned project won the award in the new hospitality buildings - $20-$50 million category.

The project has set a new benchmark for hospitality, leisure and entertainment in western Sydney.

It included a range of eating and dining concepts, a children’s playground area, multi-purpose function and events space and a stylish roof top-bar, perfect for watching sport.

Project Manager Jamie Vlatko said the win could be attributed to a wonderful team effort.

The project was completed with minimal disruption to the club’s operations.

Business Development Manager Tony Fucile said the project was a great example of a collaborative project approach delivering an excellent outcome.

“We developed a strong working relationship with the Cowra Services Club by delivering on its vision to provide superior services to its members and guests,” Mr Fucile said.

Paynter Dixon’s Canberra office will also service rapidly growing regional areas across NSW, including the South Coast.

To find out more about our services go to: www.paynterdixon.com.au

ClubsACT CLUBSACTION DECEMBER 2020

29

GAME ON? IN-PLAY! AVERAGE IN-PLAY BET IS 4X GREATER THAN PRE-GAME*

Talk to your Wagering Sales Executive about how to make the most out of Summer sport in-venue

*National live betting figures 1/07/2019 – 30/06/2020.

Think! About your choices. Call Gambler’s Help, Gambling Help or the ACT Gambling Counselling & Support Service on 1800 858 858 www.gamblinghelp.nsw.gov.au or www.gamblinghelponline.org.au.

Think of the people who need your support. Gamble Responsibly.

30

ClubsACT CLUBSACTION DECEMBER 2020

A message from the Gambling and Racing Commission The ACT Gambling and Racing Commission are here to help ensure you are feeling confident about your role in gambling harm prevention over the summer period.

We encourage you to take a look at the resources available to you and your members:

> Harm prevention webpage tools and information > A practical guide to challenging conversations (REAL Conversations by Wisdom Learning)

> RESPOND – Weigh up all the information you have about this patron and decide on an appropriate response

> RECORD – Enter your response and the outcome in the ACTGED Gambling Incident Register

For assistance with ACTGED, the ACT Self-

> Digital Don’t Play It Down venue support kit

Exclusion Scheme or gambling harm prevention

>

act.gov.au or call 6207 3595 (option 3).

Gambling Help Online tools, education and forums

questions please email us at ExclusionSupport@

Club staff and people experiencing harm related to

Smaller clubs can also use the Small Club Liaison

gambling can also access free advice and support

line to have any of your queries referred to the

via the Gambling Helpline (1800 858 858) and

most appropriate teams in Access Canberra. Email

Gambling Help Online. Support can be provided

SmallClubLiaison@act.gov.au, or call 6207 4727.

over the phone, through live online chat, email and face to face.

Please note the Exclusion Scheme phoneline and Small Club Liaison phoneline will have reduced

When you are out on the gaming floor, remember

staffing from 25 December to 3 January (inclusive)

the 4 R’s:

so please leave a voice message and the team will

> RECOGNISE – Look for and recognise the signs of

get back to you as soon as possible.

gambling harm, are your patrons gambling differently or more often?

> REPORT – Make sure behaviours of concern are

recorded in the ACTGED Gambling Incident Register

We wish you a safe and enjoyable holiday season.

ClubsACT CLUBSACTION DECEMBER 2020

31

MEMBER CLUB LISTING AINSLIE GROUP

•

Eastlake Calwell

•

Erindale

•

Ainslie Football Cub

•

Eastlake Gungahlin

•

Town Centre

•

Gunghalin Lakes Golf Club

HARMONIE GERMAN CLUB

•

Chisholm

AUSTRIAN AUSTRALIAN CLUB

MAGPIES GOLF CLUB

•

Lanyon

AUSTRALIAN CROATIAN CLUB

MURRUMBIDGEE COUNTRY CLUB

YOWANI COUNTRY CLUB

CANBERRA CLUB

NATIONAL PRESS CLUB OF AUSTRALIA

Associate Members

CANBERRA DEAKIN FOOTBALL CLUB

RAIDERS GROUP

CANBERRA SOUTHERN CROSS CLUB

•

•

Woden

•

Weston

•

Tuggeranong

•

Gungahlin

•

Yacht Club

ROYAL CANBERRA GOLF CLUB

•

Jamison

BELCONNEN BOWLING CLUB

Belconnen

CANBERRA IRISH CLUB

SPANISH AUSTRALIAN CLUB OF CANBERRA

CROATIA DEAKIN SOCCER CLUB

THE MAWSON CLUB

FEDERAL GOLF CLUB

THE RUC AT TURNER BOWLS

EASTLAKE GROUP

THOROUGHBRED PARK

•

VIKINGS GROUP

Eastlake Football Club

THE REX HOTEL CAPITAL EXECUTIVE APARTMENTS HOPSCOTCH BAR Kindred Organisations CANBERRA BUSINESS CHAMBER WOMEN IN GAMING AND HOSPITALITY AUSTRALASIA.

32

ClubsACT CLUBSACTION DECEMBER 2020

Diamond

Platinum

Gold

Silver

Bronze