A message from the Gambling and Racing Commission Chair

As part of measures to contain the spread of Covid-19, the Australian Government announced the closure of a wide range of businesses, including all clubs and gambling venues, effective from 23 March 2020. As the ACT’s gambling regulator, the Commission recognises the substantial and ongoing impact this has for venues and their staff.

A message from the Gambling and Racing Commission Chair

To assist with offsetting these impacts, the Chief Minister has announced a range of measures aimed at providing financial support for clubs and the casino. The Commission and our team at Access Canberra are committed to streamlining the implementation of these initiatives and working with venues and staff as restrictions and regulation evolves.

The Commission also recognises that the closure of clubs has diverse and far reaching impacts for patrons and families.

The ACT Government support specifically for Clubs includes:

 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 that pay tax quarterly).  Mandatory payments to the Industry Diversification Fund will be frozen for twelve months from 23 March 2020.  A total of $3.3m is available in the Diversification and Sustainability Fund for distribution to clubs –to keep staff employed.  Access to a payment of $15,000 per authorisation if licensees voluntarily surrender gaming machine authorisations.  Providing clubs with a rebate on fixed water and sewerage charges on their Icon Water bills for the next two quarters.

As plans and preparations are made for venues to re-open, it is a good time for harm prevention and reduction processes to be reviewed, to ensure you are meeting your duty of care. It’s important to make sure patrons are aware of the support that is available so they can seek help if they feel they need to. The Commission looks forward to working with clubs as restrictions ease, to facilitate a vibrant club culture that is founded on care for the community and the patrons of our community clubs.

Paul Baxter Chairperson, ACT Gambling and Racing Commission

ACT’s Business Liaison Line: For information about support available through the ACT Economic Survival Package. Ph (02) 6205 0900. Canberra Business Advice and Support Service: Small businesses can receive up to four hours of fully subsidised, tailored advice and access online business development resources. Ph (02) 6297 3121. Small Clubs Liaison: Small to medium sized clubs (with a gross gaming machine revenue of four million dollars or less) can access the liaison function for support in dealings with the ACT Government, particularly regarding regulatory or administrative issues: Smallclubsliaison@act.gov.au or (02) 6207 4727 ACT Gambling Counselling & Support Service: 1800 858 858 Gamblinghelponline.org.au