ClubsACT has welcomed the Independent Inquiry into the ACT Club Industry, saying the report provides a credible pathway for reform while reinforcing the need for a staged transition away from reliance on gaming machine revenue.

The peak body for Canberra’s clubs says the inquiry creates an opportunity to move beyond debates over gaming machine numbers and instead focus on the long-term sustainability of community clubs, gambling harm minimisation and the broader role clubs play in the ACT.

Chief executive Craig Shannon said the report offered an evidence-based foundation for reform.

“This report offers a credible foundation for reform, moving the conversation beyond gaming machine numbers to highlight the essential roles clubs play as employers, social hubs and community infrastructure providers,” Mr Shannon said.

“The report provides the ACT Government and Legislative Assembly with a credible, evidence-based platform for reform.”

ClubsACT said one of the inquiry’s most important conclusions was that reform must be staged, practical and sustainable, with clubs given the opportunity to diversify before being expected to absorb further reductions in gaming revenue.

The organisation has made “transition before reduction” its central message, arguing clubs need diversification opportunities, planning reform, investment certainty and practical support before new revenue impacts are imposed.

“The report rightly recognises that clubs need a real transition pathway before any further revenue impacts are imposed,” Mr Shannon said.

“You cannot ask clubs to diversify after stripping away the revenue they need to invest, employ people and support the community. The bridge has to be built before clubs are forced to cross it.”

Another key recommendation backed by ClubsACT is greater harmonisation of gambling regulations between the ACT and NSW.

The organisation said Canberra’s clubs operate within a cross-border market and warned poorly designed reforms could simply shift gambling activity, jobs and investment across the border or online.

“Canberra does not operate in isolation,” Mr Shannon said.

“Without alignment with NSW, poorly sequenced reform risks pushing activity, jobs and investment across the border or online. That undermines harm minimisation and weakens the very clubs that support local communities.

“Harmonisation is not a technical detail. It is fundamental to making reform workable, effective and fair.”

Bipartisan support for any reform package

ClubsACT is also calling for bipartisan support for any reform package, arguing club policy needs long-term certainty rather than becoming a political battleground at successive elections.

The inquiry highlighted the need for clubs to diversify their revenue streams, but ClubsACT said that would require government action to address barriers including planning restrictions, land-use settings, lease variation charges, financing risks, regulatory duplication and lengthy approval processes.

The organisation said community benefit must remain at the centre of any reform agenda, noting clubs provide support to local sporting organisations, charities, veterans, multicultural communities and live entertainment, while also serving as employers and community gathering places.

While supporting gambling harm minimisation measures, ClubsACT said reforms must be evidence-based, properly modelled and implemented with realistic timeframes that reflect the ACT’s cross-border circumstances.

The group is now calling on the ACT Government to develop a co-ordinated implementation plan covering gaming regulation, planning, taxation, economic development and community benefit policy.

“ClubsACT and its members are ready to work constructively with the ACT Government, the Opposition, the Greens and all Members of the Legislative Assembly,” Mr Shannon said.

“This is a chance to get the settings right – to reduce harm, protect jobs, support local sport and community groups, and secure a sustainable future for the ACT club industry.”