President’s
Perspective
David Hiscox
President
They say ‘never say
never’. Who ‘they’ are I
am not sure of, however
what I do know is that
this saying is becoming
more and more accurate
as my time in the club
industry marches on!
Who would have thought eight
or so years on the club industry
is embracing digital wagering,
the partnering of ClubsNSW with
Crownbet and Tabcorp being moved
to ‘sharpen its pencil’ with regard to
the competition both that Crownbet
and new CMDA Sponsor betting.club
are giving it across the industry.
There’s still a lot to sort out in
this space with co-existence,
commissions and the like as well
as the ACCC’S determination of the
outcome of the proposed merger of
Tabcorp with Tattersalls.
CMAA is taking a keen interest
in how all of these changes will
work out and whether there will
be any impact on the employment
IQ 6
conditions and security of its
managers.
Myself, Federal Secretary Allan
Peter and Executive Officer Ralph
Kober recently met with NSW
Government’s new Minister for
Racing the Hon. Paul Toole to
introduce ourselves to him and the
role the CMAA plays within the
registered club industry. A number
of issues were discussed including
the Three Strikes Scheme where
licensed venues that repeatedly
commit serious offences can lose
their liquor licence. The scheme
uses a system of strikes that target
licensees or managers who wilfully
– and continually – breach liquor
laws. Not all offences will result in a
strike - strikes only apply to serious
breaches.
Whilst CMAA is pleased that the
Government recognises the unique
role registered clubs play in local
communities where clubs that
record 3 strikes don’t lose their
liquor licence, it is concerning that a
club secretary can face permanent
disqualification from the industry if
their club gains three strikes.
Whilst the CMAA acknowledges
flagrant breaches of the law is
unacceptable in this context, the
implications on club managers who
are a club’s nominee can unwittingly
find their employment comprised
through no real fault of their own,
when the club is given three strikes
and their ability to hold a club
secretary or company secretary’s
role elsewhere is diminished.
The Minister was also briefed on
the ramifications that the ILGA
investigation into the Parramatta
Leagues Club matter has highlighted
on all club managers, where the
manager of the club received an
incentive payment, calculated in the
Authority’s view, on the profitability
of the gaming operation and liquor
sales which is contrary to section
10(1)(k) of the Registered Clubs Act
1976.
As gaming and liquor revenue make
up to, in many instances, 85% of
a club’s revenue, it makes it very
difficult for a board to determine
whether their manager(s) are
entitled to any remuneration
payments based on achieving their