ClubsACTion Magazine SEPT/OCT 2020

ClubsACT CLUBSACTION | OCTOBER 2020

ClubsACT

THE ACT JOBS AND ECONOMIC RECOVERY PLAN

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CLUBSACT ONLINE POLL TRACKS VOTING INTENTIONS

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GHAW 2020 - KNOW THE SIGNS OF GAMBLING HARM

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

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ClubsACT CLUBSACTION OCTOBER 2020

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ClubsACT

CONTENTS Message from the CEO

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ClubsACT Welcome new Gold Corporate Partner

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Vale Peter Newell

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Gender equality opportunity as gaming industry begins to emerge from COVID-19 shutdowns 10 A message from the Gambling and Racing Commission

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Energy to get back to business.

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New operational outlook for ACT Clubs

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Jamie’s choices could change his future

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Gambling Harm Awareness Week

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Clubs, Key Issues and the ACT Election

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Reboot Keno

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Utopia Gaming Systems Welcomes Scott Dawson

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ClubsACT Online Poll Results

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Member Club Listing

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ClubsACT CLUBSACTION OCTOBER 2020

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From the CEO The Jobs and Economic Recovery Plan, which the ACT government has designed to return our community to financial health in the wake of the “once in a lifetime economic shock” that is the COVID-19 pandemic, could sadly be considered less than aspirational when it comes to job creation.

At the core of the plan is reaching a milestone of

tax percentage in the country. A recent analysis

250,000 local jobs by 2025. When you consider

in the NAB report titled Supporting Economic

the ACT currently has around 233,400 people in

Recovery: What We Can do for Small Business

work and our population is forecast to increase by

demonstrates that a 50-employee business in the

between 3200 and 4200 people each year, it isn’t

territory would be nearly $100,000 better off if it

the ambitious target it might first seem.

operated in Queanbeyan.

Boosting employment is definitely the right idea,

The quantum of this tax aside, it is also the

but it’s important our aims and our thinking are

complexity behind this tax that is a massive

inspired, not restricted. All possible solutions need

headache for employers, particularly those

to be in play, including those that have perhaps

who operate businesses and employees across

been considered protected or off-limits in the past.

jurisdictions. This is because governments in each state want to capture as much payroll tax as they

In the ACT, our taxes are now the highest in the

can. Des Caulfield of accounting firm MGI Adelaide

nation. Recent announcements from the ACT

explains the issues:

government lay out that our major taxes will continue to rise at many times inflation - in the

“Each state wants employees of businesses trading

middle of the nation’s first recession in 29 years.

in more than one state to be captured as employees

This is at a time when the ACT’s rates revenue,

of their state. Secondly, but just as bad, is that the

commercial and residential, has already grown to

levy is different in every state. It is great to keep

around $600 million.

accountants employed, but how much easier would it be if a company had only one rate to worry about

Another tax line comes a close second: payroll

(or none at all)!

tax. The ACT government in the 2019-20 budget estimated it would raise a massive $583 million.

“Businesses employing in more than one state are

If the government is serious about finding

required to determine how much of the deductible

mechanisms to cut red tape and create jobs, we

can be utilised in each state based on the total

need to have a conversation about it.

wages paid across all states. The deduction available is reduced depending on the proportion of

The ACT has the highest payroll tax threshold in the country - a good thing. However, when this threshold is exceeded, we have the highest payroll

total wages that are paid in each of the states.”

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ClubsACT CLUBSACTION OCTOBER 2020

If you read that and totally understood it, full marks

businesses are not the big banks or multinationals.

to you. But it is little wonder to me that whilst

They are people you likely know or know of. They

extolling the virtue of our high payroll tax threshold,

are people who love Canberra, have taken a risk

we are avoiding discussing the complexity around

here and are investing in people. Payroll tax is a tax

payroll tax and the nightmare that is the grouping

on these job creators, and a tax on the jobs they are

provisions. For example, where a group is found to

trying to create.

exist, is considered to relate to things like where employees are used in more than one business or

I will admit there can be little doubt the territory

where a person (or set of people) has a controlling

budget is going to be in bad shape, and if Jon

interest in two or more businesses.

Stanhope, the former ACT chief minister, is to be believed it was in a disastrous state even before

In fact, it is so complex that in 2016, the ACT

COVID-19. Despite, or more accurately because of

government established a taskforce to pursue

the current state of the economy, now is the right

businesses for payroll tax they were missing,

time to look keenly at this tax. The private sector is

arguing that Canberrans were being “ripped off

part of Canberra’s recovery and, as Australian Small

by companies and individuals that don’t pay

Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Kate

their fair share”. Establishment of this taskforce

Carnell recommended, the ACT should strive to

demonstrates best the government’s view of this

have the lowest payroll tax in the country to boost

tax line: payroll tax is enormously important to the

jobs and local business.

budget and there is so much to be gained here that the tax team overseeing it costs us around $1.5

Payroll tax creates red tape and is a huge cost to

million annually.

employers, hampering their ability to create jobs when we need them most.

The government argues this is a tax that captures Gwyn Rees is chief executive of ClubsACT.

big corporations, but if you know anyone in business in this town, the faces of many of these

Help us to reopen, please download the COVIDSafe app today.

Visit health.gov.au

Download the COVIDSafe app

ClubsACT CLUBSACTION OCTOBER 2020

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ClubsACT CLUBSACTION OCTOBER 2020

GRENACHE WINS AGAIN! TROPHY & GOLD PERTH ROYAL WINE AWARDS 2020

Signature Series McLaren Vale G-19 Grenache 2019 Following on from the triple trophy-winning 2018, the Grenache has won GOLD and the TROPHY for the BEST DRY RED VARIETAL at the Perth Royal Wine Awards.

The critics are raving too: 93 pts 4 stars TOP VALUE from Huon Hooke: “…great drinkability already and oodles of charm. Lovely wine.

Drink 2020-2030”. The Real Review 93pts from Tony Love: “…Crafted without oak, its varietal fragrance is bang on par, with definite earthy, peppery and sweetly herbal and spicy toned crimson fruits that trigger raspberry, Turkish delight like flavours with sticky, come-again mouth feels. Plenty of interest if you like your grenache leaning more towards a shiraz style. Good value at $24.” WinePilot 92 pts from Angus Hughson: “… a Grenache with impressive youthful vitality …Very drinkable and moreish.” WinePilot “We are all talking grenache, so this was the pick. A lively and vibrant grenache that will develop well with time. Still very young. Classic berry flavours.” Ashley Pini, Drinks Trade Make sure you’re offering your clients the latest in red wine trends!

ClubsACT CLUBSACTION OCTOBER 2020

ClubsACT Welcome new Gold Corporate Partner Paynter Dixon is a leading construction services company that delivers master planning, design and construction services for building owners and occupiers.

Founded in 1914, Paynter Dixon is Australian owned

CONTACT:

and brings a proud heritage of excellence to our

MATTHEW GREENE

clients. With a portfolio that includes some of

General Manager – Education & Community Projects

the most prestigious projects in the hospitality,

Suite 4.04

education, commercial, health & ageing, insurance

17 Moore Street

and remedial sectors, Paynter Dixon has earned

Canberra ACT 2600

a reputation for delivering innovative and costPHONE: 02 9797 5555

effective design and construction solutions.

MOBILE: 0419 617 012 We are the industry leader in delivering exceptional

EMAIL: Matthew.Greene@paynterdixon.com.au

buildings for the club sector, with more than 60

WEB: www.paynterdixon.com.au

years’ experience in the design and construction of hospitality venues. We continue to evolve with our hospitality clients to diversify their business including innovative food venues, fitness centres, reimaged space and hotel accommodation.

Vale Peter Newell It is with great sadness that we advise of the passing of former ClubsNSW Chairman, and Life Member of the Registered Clubs Association of NSW, Mr Peter Newell OAM. Peter passed away in the early hours of September 28, after a long battle with illness. He is survived by his wife Judy, four children and ten grandchildren.

A journalist and newspaper editor by trade, Peter served as President of ClubsNSW from 2004 to 2019 and led the industry through challenging and

peter-newell-one-of-wollongongs-greatest-adopted-

sometimes tumultuous times.

sons-dies-aged-71/

Peter contributed enormously to the club sector and

The club industry is fortunate to have been graced

his local community and in addition to his time as

by the leadership of someone of such integrity,

the Chairman of ClubsNSW, Peter also chaired Clubs

purpose and effective diplomacy who was willing to

Australia for 11 years and served as President of the

devote himself so strongly to the club movement. A

Illawarra Steelers Club where his passion for rugby

genuine industry leader and so highly respected by

league was on full display.

all.

Read the fitting tribute from the Illawarra Mercury

Vale Peter Newell

https://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/6944101/

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GENDER EQUALITY OPPORTUNITY AS GAMING INDUSTRY BEGINS TO EMERGE FROM COVID-19 SHUTDOWNS As operators gathered online to discuss industry topics at the Australasian Gaming Expo, Women in Gaming and Hospitality Australasia is calling on employers to use the post-COVID recovery period to achieve equality of outcomes within their workforce.

Ms Galloway said WGHA advocates the business case that organisations that are inclusive of women and men at all management levels are more innovative, more productive, and deliver better financial performance.

“Around the globe, companies are asking themselves how to work smarter, not harder, and how to innovate to give great outcomes for customers within constrains of public health,” Ms Galloway said.

“Gender equity is the smart business thing to do in these uncertain times as innovation is going to be crucial to survival.”

Ms Galloway said that a gender diverse workforce assists a company to make better decisions by WGHA CEO Helen Galloway said gaming companies have a fresh opportunity to review and reset gender representation after months of shut-downs during

enabling greater diversity of thought.

“Gender equality in management make-up

2020.

will ensure an organisation’s customer base is

“As operators start standing-up staff after COVID-19

Ms Galloway said.

restrictions have interrupted their businesses, this provides many similarities to starting up a new company,” Ms Galloway said.

“Resuming operations with COVID-19 restrictions in effect may require a more distributed workforce, or a degree of restructuring.

“This is the ideal opportunity to reset where necessary to deliver gender equitable outcomes in a workplace.”

represented and their needs are being considered,”

WGHA is a not for profit organisation with a purpose to achieve an inclusive industry and ensure the leaders of the industry are driving this change.

The organisation showcases and celebrate those doing well and holds accountable and supports those organisations that have room for improvement.

WGHA represents the gaming, hospitality and gaming related industries to assist delivering better outcomes for women.

ClubsACT CLUBSACTION OCTOBER 2020

A message from the Gambling and Racing Commission The Gambling and Racing Commission are here to help as your members and patrons start returning to your gaming areas.

Get in touch with us or take a look at these resources

For assistance with ACTGED, the ACT Self-Exclusion

to ensure you are feeling confident about your role in

Scheme or gambling harm prevention questions

gambling harm prevention:

email ExclusionSupport@act.gov.au or call 6207

> New webpage with resources to refresh on harm prevention,

> A practical guide to challenging conversations (REAL Conversations by Wisdom Learning),

> Digital Don’t Play It Down venue support kit, > Contact us at accesscanberragamblingharmprevention@ act.gov.au if you need to attend your Approved Annual GCO Training Session, and

> Remember the 4 R’s: • RECOGNISE – Look for and recognise the signs of gambling harm, are your patrons gambling differently or more often?

• REPORT – Make sure behaviours of concern are

recorded in the ACTGED Gambling Incident Register

• 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 patrons who may be experiencing harm from gambling, the ACT Gambling Support Service offer both over the phone and face to face counselling sessions. To speak to a counsellor over the phone, or to arrange a face to face meeting, your patrons can call the National Gambling Helpline on 1800 858 858.

3595 (option 3).

Smaller clubs can also use the Small Club Liaison line to have any of your queries referred to the most appropriate teams in Access Canberra. Email SmallClubLiaison@act.gov.au, or call 6207 4727.

Finally, save the date: This year the ACT Gambling Harm Awareness Week will be brought to you via a virtual format from 19 October to 25 October 2020.

Keep an eye out for further details over the coming months.

NEW WEBPAGE - https://www.gamblingandracing.act.gov. au/industry/gambling-harm-prevention-information-forgambling-licencees-reopening-after-covid-19 PRACTICAL GUIDE - https://clubsact.com.au/wp-content/ uploads/2020/09/real-conversations-plan.docx SUPPORT KIT - https://www.gamblingandracing.act.gov.au/ dontplayitdown/venue-support-kit

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ENERGY TO GET BACK TO BUSINESS. After the unpredictable challenges and setbacks this year, it’s great to see that ACT clubs are safely reopening their doors.

As the capital region’s local energy retailer, we understand the vital role power plays in your business and recognise how the events of 2020 have impacted you. We’re here to assist and want to make sure you’re accessing all of the support measures available to you.

ACT Government COVID-19 rebates.

Have you checked your eligibility for the ACT Government electricity rebates?

In response to the impact of the pandemic, the ACT

Ongoing bill support now, through and beyond these trying times.

If you’re an ActewAGL customer and finding it difficult to pay your energy bill, there are ways to make your payments more manageable. In just a few clicks at my.actewagl.com.au you can:

> Request a payment extension. > Set up direct debit EvenPay, which enables you to

smooth out your annual energy charges into set, smaller fortnightly or monthly payments.

Government announced a COVID-19 Economic Survival Package. Designed to provide practical and swift

We also offer personalised and flexible support

economic support to the ACT in a time of challenges,

options, such as tailored payment arrangements.

the package applies one-off payments to eligible

Connect with a local energy expert at assist@

electricity bills.

actewagl.com.au or by calling 13 14 93 (Monday– Friday, 8am–6pm) to find out more.

Find out more about the ACT Government COVID-19 electricity rebates and their eligibility criteria at actewagl.com.au/rebates

Power to choose.

Energy that’s actually local.

actewagl.com.au ActewAGL Retail ABN 46 221 314 841

ClubsACT CLUBSACTION OCTOBER 2020

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New look.

Same Style.

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Project Coordination has completed 27 club projects for the Canberra Community, including most recently, ‘TThe Gungahlin Club’ for the Eastlake Group on Hinder Street.

Get your next club project completed by an award winning Licensed Club Builder.

Phone: (02) 6285 1555 • www.projectcoordination.com.au

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ClubsACT CLUBSACTION OCTOBER 2020

NEW OPERATIONAL OUTLOOK FOR ACT CLUBS Since Clubs across the Eastern Seaboard started to open their doors to a new world on June 1st, Aristocrat have been engaging with venues to get a clear picture around the new operating environment to understand how we will need to adapt for the future. There is no substitute for

experience, and with New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia and the Northern Territory now with at least 12 weeks of trade, we are getting some consistent feedback around what changes venues may look to adapt to for the long haul. While we have considered a long list of comments and observations, our most consistent operational feedback are around 4 main points.

1. Spacing is here to stay – while adopted in NSW and SA, the player experience suggests wider banks is being enjoyed by players. Going forward, Clubs should be looking to offer some permanent area or areas that are well spaced for player comfort.

2. Peak occupancy periods are flattening – spacing and gathering limits have been challenging for food outlets in Clubs, while beverage service and consumption has undergone changes that has affected the revenue so far.

With peak post-work periods on Thursday and Friday now curtailed, the expectation is that this will continue while gathering limits are in place.

3. Regional cluster spook – with multiple high-profile outbreaks in NSW that make headlines, the exposure has a negative effect on the region where the cluster occurs.

Surrounding venues demonstrate an almost immediate decline in business.

4. An opportunity to look at AEMP – the pandemic has provided a chance to pause and look at the marketing costs of your business, most notably promotions, rewards programs, and entertainment.

These represent significant shifts in the industry and will shape the offering to your patrons as well as the products we deliver to you. Since Clubs closed nationally on March 23, Aristocrat set to the task of supporting our customers and staff immediately with the creation of our ‘Aristocrat Assist’ initiative that provided tangible support to the market. This was a decision by our Board and Senior Management that would help venues be financially viable on reopening by

> All immediate cessation of monthly Service Fees – this

decision was made within days, and our teams still provided out of contract floor moves and preventative maintenance. When Clubs reopened, Aristocrat replaced parts even effected during the shutdown period so venues could return to 100%.

> One month of no charge on Service upon re-opening > Halting of Systems support fees during the closure

period – while fees were deferred, our Systems business continued to provide support, upgrade systems and assist venues in addressing issues and complaints.

> Access fees deferred – this was immediate across all cabinets and games.

Through all this global unrest, Aristocrat game studios continued to complete game projects so that your investment would be supported across both the Helix suite of cabinets and the recently released MarsX platform. With over 10% of our total revenue spent on D&D (Design and Development), this was a big commitment to ensure we continue to support the industry with product. We pride ourselves on facilitating a culture of innovation that gives our people the opportunity to step up, challenge the status quo and contribute to the design and development of our products. Our latest hardware advancement, MarsX, is a testament to the collective brilliance amongst the immensely talented individuals in our organisation. This highly anticipated hardware release recently launched in ACT with 4 innovative games and more titles expected for the remainder of 2020. We are completely committed in providing the best gaming experience to each player in the ACT market.

reducing Aristocrat costs to zero.

If you have any questions, please contact your BDE or visit our website on www.aristocrat.com/ANZ

ClubsACT CLUBSACTION OCTOBER 2020

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JAMIE’S CHOICES COULD CHANGE HIS FUTURE There’s an old saying about never putting off until tomorrow what you can do today.

And the way you invest in super today will really make a difference to how much super you will have for tomorrow.

At Club Plus Super, we care about the financial wellbeing of our members, so we’re asking them to review three things that could give more confidence with investments, insurance and superannuation.

Here’s how one of our members, Jamie, decided to take up our call to action.

which suits longer term investors who understand they can afford to be invested in higher-risk options that aim to deliver higher long-term returns.

2. Reviewing his insurance cover Jamie is very aware that life, and work, can be unpredictable.

So, he reviewed his existing insurance cover and decided he was happy with the current insurances offered by Club Plus Super.

Club Plus Super member since 2012 Jamie Williamson-Coates

Jamie’s story Jamie is the Catering Supervisor at Blacktown Workers Club.

Like a lot of younger members, he had collected three other super accounts before joining Club Plus Super in 2012, so he had plenty of experience dealing with other super funds.

Jamie decided that what was important to him was getting personal service.

“The biggest difference with Club Plus Super (CPS) for me is the service - the concern for members that CPS representatives have – on the phone and in person.”

And now Jamie is ready to reap the rewards of his three decisive actions:

1. Choosing the right investment option Jamie consolidated his into one super account and considered which investment option was right for him. Knowing that he would be working for another 30+ years, Jamie opted for the Starting Out investor profile – a growth investment strategy

These include cover in the event of death or unforeseen events, such as total and permanent disability (TPD), as well as income protection cover to protect him from illness or injury in the short term.

3. Boosting his savings Jamie looked at the various ways to top up his super which include before-tax and after-tax contributions. Jamie opted to save more for his future through salary sacrifice which allows him to have some of his pre-tax pay invested into his super so he’ll pay less tax on his income and benefit from compound interest.

“I’m only 28, so I put in as much as I can – every little bit helps.”

Want to know more?

If you’d like to find out how you can do three things today that could change your tomorrow, speak with one of our member services managers, contact us through our website or call our Contact Centre on 1800 680 627.

Disclaimer: Any general information in the article does not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation or needs. Issued by Club Plus Superannuation Pty Limited - ABN 26 003 217 990, RSE License Number: L0000529, AFSL Number: 245362, the trustee of the Club Plus Superannuation Scheme ABN 95 275 115 088.

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GAMBLING HARM AWARENESS WEEK 19 – 25 OCTOBER 2020 Gambling harm is about more than just losing money. It is any negative consequence, caused by gambling or made worse by gambling.

These negative effects could damage the health or wellbeing of an individual, their family or their community.

We encourage you to look at the Venue Support Kit on the Gambling and Racing website. It has lots of information to help venues and staff promote gambling harm prevention.

The key message for this year is – ‘Know the signs of gambling harm’ The Venue Support Kit can be found here: www. gamblingandracing.act.gov.au/dontplayitdown/venuesupport-kit

The Venue Support Kit consists of:

> A guide for venue management > A3 Posters > A4 Posters > Digital images for in venue screens

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ClubsACT CLUBSACTION OCTOBER 2020

CLUBS, KEY ISSUES AND THE ACT ELECTION The Territory election will be held on 17 October 2020, with voting available from 28 September 2020.

With this in mind, over the past few weeks we were

Shadow Gaming Minister is Mark Parton.

fortunate that more than 1300 Canberrans engaged with us so we could better understand what the key concerns

What the Canberra Liberals said:

for club members are and what issues were most important to Canberrans.

The Canberra Liberals have long supported our club sector and we will continue to do so. We recognise that

With this information, ClubsACT wrote to the major

our clubs provide Canberra with a vital social medium

parties to ask them how they will be addressing these

thanks to the enormous range of support given to

key issues. Our priorities have been developed from an

sporting bodies and community groups. Clubs epitomise

understanding of the issues in the survey findings and

the social fabric of our city.

they are as follows: The Canberra Liberals firmly believe in a fair go for our That there is clearer communication on the ACT

clubs. As we struggle to navigate our way through these

economic recovery from COVID-19;

Covid times, it’s more important than ever to have a range of policy measures in place to ensure the survival

That we understand what support is available for your

and the ongoing viability of clubs.

club so it can continue to support community and sporting groups; and that cost of living pressure is addressed as your main election issue.

The club policy platforms of various political parties have been provided below:

Canberra Liberals The Canberra Liberals currently have 11 members. The leader of the Canberra Liberals is Alistair Coe and the

What the Canberra Liberals have announced:

> They will freeze commercial rates for two years under a plan to ease financial pressure on business.

> In the gaming space we want to provide certainty after years of erratic regulatory change. We promise no further EGM reduction and we won’t be considering mandatory precommitment or maximum dollar bet limits.

> We will review the Clubs NSW self-exclusion program with a view of implementing that program in the ACT.

ClubsACT CLUBSACTION OCTOBER 2020

> For those clubs wishing to diversify their business base to

provide more community offerings, the Canberra Liberals will provide them with relief on Lease Variation Charges.

> Labor’s attitude to taxation of clubs has become increasingly distorted. The Canberra Liberals will have a close look at aligning the gaming revenue tax system more closely with that of NSW for a fairer competitive position for our clubs including increasing the tax-free threshold on Gross Gaming Machine Revenue.

> We recognise that clubs maintain a large suite of community sports infrastructure for the use of the broader community, including many local sporting clubs. In order to support our clubs in what they do best, the Canberra Liberals will allow community sporting infrastructure to be claimed as a community contribution.

> Also, in relation to sporting infrastructure, we will go further

for clubs. Many clubs have sporting infrastructure dependent on a regular water supply. The Canberra Liberals will:

•

abolish the Water Abstraction Charge (WAC) including charges for drawing water from their own dams for community clubs.

•

will waive non-potable water charges for community clubs for a period of 12 months as an economic stimulus measure.

•

will undertake a review of water prices for highintensity users like sports clubs to ensure that prices are sustainable for their long-term viability.

> The Canberra Liberals will ensure that community clubs

are represented on the “Chief Minister’s Charitable Fund” to better reflect the origins of its contributions and grants made across the city. This will make the value of and the contribution of clubs clearer to the community.

> Clubs employ over 1,700 staff and provide an incredibly

valuable environment for nurturing skills and work experience applicable to a wide range of business sectors in Canberra. The Canberra Liberals recognise this and will increase opportunities in clubs for apprenticeships and traineeships through CIT including for people with disabilities and for the indigenous community.

How will the Canberra Liberals address cost of living pressure as a main election issue noted by our survey respondents?

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The Canberra Liberals are committed to making Canberra the best place to live, work and raise a family.

The Canberra Liberals understand that many Canberrans are facing significant cost of living pressures. That’s why we see this election as a referendum on cost of living.

Only the Canberra Liberals will save households $1,000 per year through our 4-year rates freeze, reducing car rego costs by $100 per year, per car, delivering more gap-free GPs in town centres and providing $200 Active and Creative Kids Vouchers. We will deliver all of this while fixing our health, transport and education systems.

The only way to secure these savings is to vote 1 to 5 Liberal.

For more information, please visit voteliberal.org.au/ ourplan How do we judge the policy:

A This policy represents the most comprehensive assistance package for clubs, particularly in the context of an uncertain COVID future and the subsequent impact on jobs in the sector. The Canberra Liberals have listened to clubs sector on issues of cross border competition and the need for alignment with regulations and policies applying to Queanbeyan Clubs.

The Canberra Liberals broadly engaged with the club sector, including meeting with individual club boards in developing their policy framework.

ACT Labor The ACT Labor Party currently have 12 members and has been in Government since 2001. The Chief Minster is Andrew Barr.

What ACT Labor said: ACT Labor recognises clubs play an important role in the social life of many Canberrans as meeting places,

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employers of more than 1,700 people, and supporters

How will ACT Labor address cost of living pressure

of essential community groups, sporting codes and our

as a main election issue noted by our survey

rich multicultural community.

respondents?

We also understand that the Government needs to

No response to date has been provided.

protect club patrons experiencing gambling harm, ensure there are rigorous and well-enforced safeguards

How do we judge the policy:

in place, and continue to help clubs move away from over-reliance on gaming revenue.

C

What ACT Labor have announced:

It is difficult to assess the policy because we do not

> Work with the industry and the planning authorities to

find ways of expediting consideration of land development proposals from clubs which are vital to their diversification and long-term sustainability strategies.

> Continuing the small and medium clubs tax rebate. > Matching, dollar for dollar, money allocated to the

Diversification Fund to allow clubs to undertake other revenue-generating projects.

>

Contributing the government share of the Diversification Fund throughout the COVID-19 gaming room lockdown, to match the funding that was anticipated but not able to be paid by clubs.

> Conducting a review into water costs for high-intensity

have the complete detail and it was developed in absence of consultation with ClubsACT or its member clubs of which there are 35 clubs. It is further difficult to assess because in an elected ACT Greens and Labor minority Government, the ACT Greens will influence a negative policy setting for clubs.

The 12-month extension of water abstraction charge discount is welcomed but certainty will need to be secured over the longer term.

The policy however also removes addressing the review of the club liquor licence fee structure promised in 2016. It also revisits a review of water rates which was promised in 2016 and never undertaken.

users of non-potable water, notably golf clubs.

> Continue the 50 per cent discount for the Water Abstraction Charge (WAC), by extending the offset for investments against the charge for a further 12 months and allowing the offset to be claimed against more recent investments to help clubs continue to adapt as we undertake the nonpotable water review.

> Work with clubs to find ways to increase the supply of locally supplied water.

> Offering future optional poker machine licence buyback rounds, in consultation with clubs.

> Developing, in close consultation with clubs, a better

coordinated and enforceable self-exclusion scheme for patrons who experience problem gambling.

> Beginning work on a collaborative plan between the

government, industry and relevant unions to help build a long-term, sustainable Club sector in the ACT.

A number of clubs are seeking clarification from ACT Labor on their policy setting and we will keep this page updated as any responses come to hand.

ACT Greens The ACT Greens have been the coalition partner of the ACT Labor party for nearly 12 years. Assisting Labor to form a minority Government. The current make-up of the Assembly includes two Greens members which includes the leader, Shane Rattenbury.

What the ACT Greens said: Too many community clubs are highly dependent on pokies revenue, an activity we know causes harm to people, their families and communities.

Switching off poker machines during the COVID-19

COVID-19 business support can be viewed via covid19.

lockdown provided welcome relief for many people

act.gov.au/business-and-work

experiencing gambling harm.

ClubsACT CLUBSACTION OCTOBER 2020

It also caused financial hardship to many clubs,

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No response to date has been provided.

highlighting the need for a different financial model for our clubs; one that does not rely on people experiencing

On a question of why they had changed their poker

gambling harm in order for clubs to survive.

machine cap target, announced before the 2016 election by a further 500 machines:

What the ACT Greens have announced:

> Create a network of pokie-free community clubs across

Canberra by offering financial support and incentives for pokie-free venues, to enable diversification of revenue streams.

> Implement stronger harm minimisation measures of $5 bet limits and $100 load up limits by the end of 2022 at the latest.

> Establish a Community Clubs Ministerial Advisory Council with key stakeholders to ensure frequent dialogue and collaboration on the future of the clubs industry.

> Support clubs to become Heat and Smoke Refuges, so that Canberrans have somewhere to go during extreme climate events.

>

Establish a $5 million Community Facilities and Clubs Environmental Upgrade Fund.

No response to date has been provided.

How do we judge their club policy:

D This is not good for clubs, particularly in the context of an uncertain COVID future and the ongoing impact on jobs in the sector. It ignores the significant distress the industry is under and the closure of 5 clubs in last 4 years. It ignores the opportunity to harmonise policy (even that not related to gambling) with NSW. eg water, liquor licence fees et al.

The score reflection also represents that the ACT Greens did not engage with the club sector broadly in developing their policy framework.

The policy also rebadges previous 2016 promises that

Details of the package can be found at https://greens.

were not delivered over the last four years.

org.au/act/clubs-for-the-community.

Belco Party

How will the ACT Greens address cost of living pressure

The Belco Party is a new political party who are focused

as the main elections issue noted by our survey respondents: The ACT Greens provided the following links: https://greens.org.au/act/news/greens-launch-majorplan-tackle-canberras-growing-inequality-crisis https://greens.org.au/act/a-home-for-all https://greens.org.au/act/news/greens-plan-put-peopleproperty-developers-deliver-world-class-climate-ready-

on and are intent on representing the people of the electorate of Ginninderra. Bill Stefaniak is the Leader of the Belco Party. belcoparty.com.au What Belco Party said: ACT Licenced clubs are a bedrock in the social fabric of the ACT. They provide entertainment at affordable prices for over 200,000 Canberrans not to mention employing thousands of people, especially young people starting

canberra

out in the workplace. The ACT would be a far poorer

On a question of why they had not delivered on all policy

their fundamental character was significantly changed.

commitments/promises related to clubs at the 2016 election – namely water and liquor licence fee relief:

place in all respects if we did not have our clubs or if

Their leader Bill Stefaniak was a Director of several clubs in the past including Royals (1985-88), The ACT Rugby

22

ClubsACT CLUBSACTION OCTOBER 2020

Union Club (1986-87) and the Polish White Eagle Club (2002-04).

The Belco Party supports a view that if a club is set up to support Rugby League or Aussie Rules it is ridiculous to force it to contribute more toward a knitting group than its affiliated sporting groups that it has been set up to support.

What Belco Party have announced:

> Broadly support the Canberra Liberals policy. > Acknowledge that clubs just want to be left alone for 4 years

and believe there is merit in allowing the pokies cap of 4,000 to rise in accordance with the rise in population in the ACT on a per capita basis.

>

We support good programs to help reduce problem gambling but acknowledge that if the ACT clubs ceased to operate, the problem gamblers would all go across the border and at any rate there is always online gambling and other forms of gambling to tempt them. There are other measures that are far more effective in addressing problem gambling than emasculating clubs in the process.

> We would ensure water charges are in line with NSW. This would probably go a long way to ensuring the viability of some of our golf clubs.

> We reject the constant attempts by the current government

and the Greens especially to change the rules and try to destroy clubs. Elitists like the Greens have no concept of what clubs do for our community and we doubt if any of them go to clubs – certainly not on a regular basis.

> As we believe there needs to be a change of government, we

would support the Liberals into Government providing they undertook to abide by certain conditions, one of which would be to not renege on their policy towards clubs and also to go further and adopt some of our additional policies to help clubs.

How will Belco Party address cost of living pressure as a main election issue noted by our survey respondents?

> Support the liberals in at least freezing residential rates as a

minimum for the 4-year term of the next assembly and in the case of commercial rates which are sending businesses across the border, reducing them to make the ACT competitive.

> Reduce the special fees paid by unit holders. > Reduce all car, trailer, caravan, tradies vehicle rego and boat rego fees to the lowest in Australia.

> Put stage 2 of the tram on hold. This $3 billion project has

already $1.9 billion budgeted for it in the forward estimates.

The $1.9 billion saved can go towards rate relief, and to pay for our other policies which are designed to save people money -and there would still be savings leftover to pay down some of the huge debt Messrs Barr and Rattenbury have racked up if need be.

> We will provide free buses (at present ACTION only brings

in about $20 million a year in fees). There would also be no parking fees on weekends and after 5.30pm weekdays and we would provide as is the case in NSW $200 per year for the parents of every child in year 7 to 10 who enrols in a sporting team.

> Belco Party are poised to announce an exciting energy policy

to save households approximately $2,000 per year on energy costs.

> Will provide government services more efficiently. Bill’s

credentials as a former government minister from 1995 to 2001 where none of his departments went over budget.

How do we judge the policy:

A This policy supports that provided by the Canberra Liberals which is positive for clubs. We congratulate them on their engagement with the club sector, given their limited resources.

ClubsACT CLUBSACTION OCTOBER 2020

23

REBOOT KENO WITH A PROMO AND A SECOND CHANCE TO WIN Keno is helping clubs reboot Keno with new promo prizes and the relaunch of its popular Second Chance Draw.

A major challenge for clubs in rebuilding following

“Running

forced closures and ongoing trading restrictions is

a Keno

how to re-energise customer engagement with their

promotion will

products.

give your club an opportunity

To help clubs reboot Keno, Keno’s marketing team is

to reconnect

rolling out two easy ways for clubs to increase the fun of

with your

playing the game and give customers more reasons to

customers and

play.

reward them for coming

The first way is to run one of Keno’s customisable venue

back to their

promotions, which can boost player interest thanks to

favourite

the launch of some exciting new prizes from 10 August.

game after

The other way clubs can add value to the Keno playing experience and reward their loyal and frequent players is

the recent COVID-19 closure period.

Second Chance Draw, which was originally launched in

“Our online marketing product is really simple to use

August 2019 and will be available in venues again from

and allows clubs to design their own promotions and

1 September. This ongoing promotion offers players the

schedule them when it suits. Importantly, it gives you

chance to win a share of $5,000 every month, no matter

the ability to plan ahead and slot in Keno promotions to

how much they spend on their Keno ticket.

fill promo calendar gaps. This has the flip-side benefit of

“Both Second Chance and local area marketing are

creating less conflict with other supplier promos.”

available to venues at any time of the year to help them

Second Chance Draw is as simple as it sounds. Any

further value-add to the product for their customers,

customer who purchases a Keno ticket can head to win.

and be alternated with other promos to keep customers

secondchance.keno.com.au and scan their ticket to enter

switched on to Keno,” according to Keno’s Head of Trade

the draw. At the end of every month, Keno randomly

Engagement and Operations, Ralf Bzdega.

draws five players to win $1,000 in cash each.

Keno’s local area marketing solution prize options

“Second Chance Draw is all about showing our

now include an Apple iPad Air 10.5’ 64GB, Phillips XXL

customers how much we value and appreciate them,

Airfryer, Samsung Jetlite stick vac with turbo, and a

and that everyone deserves another chance to be a

Relaxation Pack comprising Apple AirPods, Homedics

Keno winner,” says Scott Colvin, Keno’s Head of Brand

foot spa, Sheridan luxury robe, Lanham silk pillowcase

Marketing.

and eye mask, plus a reed diffuser.

“Every ticket they buy is another chance to enter and Local area marketing allows venues to build their

win a share of the $5,000, so the more frequently they

own promotion, including selecting the prize, entry

play, the more times they can enter.”

mechanic, promo dates, and point of sale items and print quantities, which it can even co-brand with its own logo.

Book your club’s promo or download your Second Chance Draw assets now by visiting www.kenoconnect.

“There’s never been a better time to take advantage of Keno’s in-venue marketing solution,” says Bzdega.

com.au or click here.

24

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ClubsACT CLUBSACTION OCTOBER 2020

UTOPIA GAMING SYSTEMS WELCOMES SCOTT DAWSON AS HEAD OF SALES UTOPIA Gaming Systems is pleased to announce the appointment of Scott Dawson as Head of Sales.

An exciting addition to the UTOPIA Gaming team,

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expertise, says Scott, as we build new systems and functionality for the future.”

“I was keen to join UTOPIA because they are continuing to invest in people and systems

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25

26

ClubsACT CLUBSACTION OCTOBER 2020

ClubsACT online poll tracks voting intentions and key issues for Clubs and the Community.

THE Canberra Liberals remain ahead of ACT Labor as the major parties enter the crucial closing weeks of the campaign, the ClubsACT survey reveals.

It also tracks the faltering popularity of the Labor leader across all five ACT electorates.

According to the survey, the Liberals are ahead at 38.6 per cent and on track for a higher primary vote than Labor across every electorate.

The Labor vote is weakening sitting at 36.1 per cent, down from 38.4 per cent at the 2016 election, with the party’s only gain in the electorate of Murrumbidgee. The Greens’ vote dropped slightly at 9.6 per cent, falling from 10.3 per cent at the last election.

Further survey findings on key issues for Clubs and the local community are as follows: Qn: By coming out of lockdown restrictions slower than most other states and territories, the ACT Government are unnecessarily penalising local businesses in the area On the issue of restrictions a majority of respondents had a view on this issue with only 16% opting to neither agree or disagree. Among those that had indicated a preference, their views were statistically tied, meaning clubs members were divided on borders and business restrictions. We take this to

mean that the economic recovery communication needs to be clearer.

Lockdown Restrictions Qn: I am concerned that if current lockdown measures remain in the ACT, local clubs may be unable to provide community contributions The overwhelming majority of respondents (62%) were concerned about the capacity for their club to continue to support the community.

Given these results it is important the parties tell us their club policies, in order to get clubs fully functional and enable them to contribute to their community again.

ClubsACT CLUBSACTION OCTOBER 2020

Most Important Election Issue

Lockdown impact on Clubs Qn: What single issue will have the biggest influence over how you will vote at the upcoming ACT election?

This open question provided valuable insight and shows that the issue agenda is dominated by concerns around the cost of living. rates and the economy. Respondents were also concerned about health issues and the response to COVID.

Survey Competition Winner Lynn from Bonner, ACT.

All the issues raised, were remarkably consistent across each electorate and we read this to mean that

Most important issue: Cost of Living

we should ask how the parties will reduce the cost of living for our members if elected.

Single issue that will influence how they will vote: Rates

27

ClubsACT CLUBSACTION OCTOBER 2020

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