27 June 2007

NATS WELCOME POKIE CHANGES DELAY

Lobbying by The Nationals to postpone changes to community clubs has proved successful, with theState Government announcing it will postpone sweeping tax changes to community-based pokies venues.

Eastern Region MP Peter Hall said the Government had proposed to introduce the changes from next week, but the lobbying had forced the Government to put a 12 month moratorium in place to allow time for consultation with stakeholders.

“All we wanted was for the Government to undertake proper consultation with local community clubs in regions like Gippsland,” Mr Hall said. “The first step towards that has been achieved, with the 12 month moratorium announced this week. Now we need to remain vigilant to ensure that the consultation process actually takes place.”

Mr Hall said many clubs were fearful about the changes, which could threaten their financial viability and potentially impact on small communities in country Victoria.

The Nationals and many clubs believe the proposed changes would have impacted on what community clubs with pokies, such as sporting clubs and RSLs, were able to claim as deductions in running their clubs for community benefit and would have resulted in increased payments to the Community Support Fund. Many community clubs operate under tight budgets and, according to Mr Hall, any changes to regulations must be managed carefully to ensure their future viability.

“Now at least the clubs have a chance to be involved in the planning process and to make their point to the Government.

“Clearly the Government got it wrong and has now acknowledged that by announcing the postponement of its plans,” Mr Hall added.

He said he was pleased to have some good news for the many local clubs that had contacted his office.

“We have had letters of complaint about the changes from many clubs right across the region, including from Orbost, Sale and Warragul, who want more consultation. Now we need to make sure real consultation takes place and that country towns are not disadvantaged.”

Under the new proposal a new order will be made by 31 August 2007, and will come into effect on 1 July 2008.

“There is a lot of work to be done in the next few months,” Mr Hall said.

Media contact:                  Peter Hall      (03) 5174 7066   or 0427 747 066