Diversification Fund Paused for Club Sector Inquiry
In a continued commitment to gambling harm minimisation, the ACT Government has announced the temporary pause of the Diversification and Sustainability Support Fund. This pause will remain in effect while an independent inquiry is conducted into the future of ACT’s club sector.
The Diversification and Sustainability Support Fund, which was established in 2019, was designed to help clubs reduce their reliance on gaming revenue by supporting the development of non-gaming revenue streams and enhancing administrative efficiency. Under new legislation introduced in the ACT Legislative Assembly today, the Fund will be suspended for two years to allow the ACT Government’s approach to diversification support to be better informed by the findings of the Inquiry into the Future of the Club Sector.
“By suspending this fund, we are taking a proactive step towards considering different approaches to supporting diversification of the clubs sector.” said Dr Marisa Paterson, Minister for Gaming Reform. “As we progress major reform to address gambling harm this term, the government is committed to supporting clubs to diversify, as we recognise the vital role they play in the social life of many Canberrans.”
The Inquiry into the Future of the Club Sector will advise the government on the development and implementation of a comprehensive club sector transition plan, including recommendations on how best to support revenue transition of ACT clubs.
In the most recent round of the funding, $450,000 was awarded to two clubs. The Belconnen Soccer Club will receive $250,000 for renovations to an outdoor functions area, while the Canberra Tradesman’s Union Club will receive $200,000 to support the development of an environmental, social, and governance strategy for a development project.
“This grant will not only improve our facilities but also enable us to host more events and strengthen our role as a meeting place for people of all ages,” said Suzy Berry, CEO of Belconnen Soccer Club. “We are grateful for the ongoing support of the ACT Government, which is helping us build a sustainable future for the club and our members.”
The Gaming Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 will suspend both incoming and outgoing payments to the Fund during the inquiry period.
The Bill also introduces amendments to the Gambling and Racing Control Act 1999 to expand information-sharing provisions in relation to investigations conducted by the Gambling and Racing Commission. These amendments will speak directly to the concerns raised by complainants and ensure going forward that they can be informed about the status of the progress of their complaints.
https://www.cmtedd.act.gov.au/open_government/inform/act_government_media_releases/marisa-paterson-mla-media-releases/2025/diversification-and-sustainability-support-fund-to-be-paused-for-inquiry-into-club-sector