The ACT Government wants to see the number of poker machines in the Territory cut to 1000 by 2045. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
The potential for clubs to develop their land for housing will form part of the promised inquiry into how the club industry can transition away from poker machine revenue in a financially sustainable way.
Gaming Reform Minister Dr Marisa Paterson has announced the ACT Government will proceed with the promised Independent inquiry into the future of the ACT clubs industry with a tender for its oversight to be released soon.
The government expects a report due back to government in early 2026.
Dr Paterson said the inquiry would explore ways for clubs to diversify their revenue streams and reduce reliance on gambling revenue.
This includes the use of club-owned land to provide community benefits, including affordable housing, aged care and supported accommodation.
The inquiry will also look at possible changes to regulatory or tax settings to allow the establishment of alternative revenue streams for clubs, as well as the skills and training needs for club workers to move into any new enterprise.
Dr Paterson said the inquiry was focused on creating a detailed transition plan to help ACT clubs diversify their revenue and reduce their dependence on gambling revenue.
She said any changes to regulations or tax policies would be part of a broader range of mechanisms that might support diversification.
“The ACT Government will consider any recommendations from the inquiry to deliver the best outcome for the broader community, which includes as a priority, reducing gambling harm,” she said.
Clubs across Canberra are in the process of developing their surplus land to build housing in the form of apartments and retirement villages. This has generated community opposition in some instances.
Yowani Country Club in Lyneham has partnered with TP Dynamics to develop a large section of the course and its current clubhouse site over the next decade for apartments, retirement living and offices.
But Federal Golf Club in Red Hill and the Gold Creek Country Club in Nicholls are struggling to get their proposals through the planning system.
The Burns Club in Kambah failed last year in a bid to relocate its car park to free up land for a potential childcare development.
The Canberra Services Club also wants to develop its still vacant site in Manuka where the former club building burnt to the ground in 2011.
Favourable lease variations and tax relief would make it easier for clubs to use their land.
Dr Paterson said the government was committed to reducing the harm caused by gambling.
“A key part of that work is supporting the club sector to move away from reliance on gambling revenue so the industry can become more sustainable and continue to thrive in ways that benefit the entire community,” Dr Paterson said.
“Clubs play an important role in fostering community connection. We want to work to see a sustainable club sector in the ACT. That means working with them to transition to different, more sustainable business models.”
Dr Paterson said the inquiry was a significant step towards cutting the number of poker machines in the ACT to 1000 by 2045.
“We’re already on track to reduce gaming machine authorisations to 3500 by 1 July 2025, down from 4956 in 2018. This reduction has been supported by targeted assistance to help clubs diversify their operations,” she said.
ClubsACT CEO Craig Shannon said he hoped the inquiry would allow informed and a more bi-partisan approach to developing a long-term and sustainable future for the industry in Canberra over at least the next 20 years.
Mr Shannon said the sector had requested the inquiry which would consider the economic and social contribution the club industry made to the ACT and provide transparency into the important role clubs played in the community.
“The not-for-profit club sector in Canberra is a fundamental foundation stone of the social cohesion of the ACT community with its support for and key role in the sporting, cultural and social fabric of our community,” he said.
“We are confident the inquiry will provide transparency to government of the importance of our clubs and the need to maintain their sustainability into the future.”
Mr Shannon said clubs were facing a significant number of financial challenges in the current environment due to rising costs issues and increased demand for their services and support at the community level.
“Our ClubsACT members have a special bond and commitment to our community and have been a significant contributor to the development of Canberra for over 100 years,” he said.
“We wish to protect, enhance and ensure this role into the long term.”
The inquiry moves follow the introduction of a bill in the Legislative Assembly to pause the clubs’ Diversification and Sustainability Support Fund for two years while the inquiry is held.
