THE election commitments of the new Abbott Government were considered by club representatives from across the region at a summit last week.
Club managers, directors and representatives from clubs across the Mid North Coast district discussed the government’s policies and the impact they would have upon clubs, as well as club members and staff.
Clubs NSW CEO Anthony Ball said it was important for clubs to come together to discuss how the change of government would affect the industry and local club members.
“In regards to gaming issues, the Coalition’s approach so far has been consultative and they seem genuinely committed to helping problem gamblers without hurting clubs and the communities they support,” he said.
“That’s an approach the club industry is very keen to see continue now that they’ve won government.
“Local clubs make a social contribution of more than $35 million every year and provide essential support for the community groups, sporting teams and charities that are essential in every community – so we want to make sure political changes don’t put this contribution at risk.
“Unfortunately, over the last term of government the support community clubs provide faced its biggest threat due to the Gillard-Wilkie deal to introduce a licence to punt.
“While mandatory pre-commitment was not legislated, the Labor government did impose a number of other expensive and restrictive measures on clubs including a new tax which could’ve raised up to $10 million from not-for-profit clubs.
“In opposition, Tony Abbott and his team pledged to remove this new tax on clubs and instead eliminate bureaucratic waste in order to direct additional funding to counselling services to help problem gamblers.
“They’ve also committed to banning lines of credit for gambling, and we believe that is a much needed, sensible reform that should be introduced as soon as possible.”
The club representatives also discussed ways they could work together to address and manage dementia because the region has the second highest rate of dementia sufferers in the state.
The meeting was held at the Laurieton United Services Club.
