ACT Greens push $155M fund to cut sports reliance on pokies revenue
The ACT Greens propose a $155 million fund to replace sports grants that come from poker machine revenue.
The ACT Greens want an independent body to manage money from clubs' poker machines to break sports clubs' dependence on gambling-linked funding. A $155 million fund could generate returns for community sport, says Rebecca Vassarotti, the party's gambling spokesperson.
Annual top-ups over four years would support it. Currently, big clubs decide where money goes with no oversight.
Vassarotti says the cash gets scattered in tiny amounts, weakening its impact. She also wants clubs to pay their full 8 per cent contribution in cash, not goods or services.
Gaming Reform Minister Marisa Paterson will announce a major gambling reform package this week. The Greens will bring their proposal to parliament in October.
- $155 million
- Fund size
- 8 per cent in cash
- Contribution requirement
- Rebecca Vassarotti
- Spokesperson
- October parliament debate
- Policy timeline
Why it mattersIf sports funding is not tied to gambling, clubs can survive without relying on gambling profits.
AustraliaACT sports clubs would gain stable, independent funding streams and reduce their financial ties to poker machine revenue.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 11 d ago
