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Vol 99, No 222 April 2011 www.cmaa.asn.au Mark ‘The King’ at ACE Awards The Club Entertainment Industry acknowledged the talent, work and contribution of Mark Loyd with the 2010 ACE Lifetime Achievement Award at the Annual Awards Dinner last month. ➣ Special Report: Pages 19-22 Liz Taylor Rhonda Burchmore Tom Burlinson ➣ What’s Happening in the Zones this month: Pages 25-33
1 CLUB MANAGERS’ ASSOCIATION AUSTRALIA Publisher CMAA OFFICE BEARERS Contributors: CMAA FEDERAL EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATION Henri Lach, Katie Cincotta. President Advertising Manager: WILLIAM CLEGG, ACCM Judy Rayner Randwick Labor Club Bill Clegg ACCM Advertising Bookings: Federal President Federal Secretary (02) 9332 2363 & 9360 6177 ALLAN PETER, ACCM Fax (02) 9361 5142 Federal Vice President rayner@bigpond.net.au DAVID O’NEIL, ACCM Printing and Design: Castle Hill RSL Club Daily Press Group Executive Member Phone: (02) 9558 8419 Executive Officer DEBORAH FEENING, ACCM Terry Condon, CCM Correspondence: Executive Member The Editor, c/- MICHAEL O'SULLIVAN, ACCM Club Managers’ Association Australia Milton Ulladulla Bowling Club Level 2, 1 Showground Road Sydney Olympic Park NSW 2127 Locked Bag 4317 FEDERAL COUNCILLORS Allan Peter ACCM Sydney Olympic Park NSW 2127 Federal Secretary Division A – City/Eastern Suburbs Phone (02) 9746 4199 Zone and Manly/Northern Suburbs Fax (02) 9746 5199 Zone Mario Machado, ACCM Please address all business Chief Executive Officer Assistant Executive Officer correspondence to the Hornsby RSL Club Ralph Kober, B.Ed. Federal Secretary Division B - St George/Cronulla Senior Industrial Relations Advocate The Club Managers’ Association Australia is Sutherland Zone and Inner West Peter Cooper registered as an industrial organisation of Zone Training Course Administrators employees in the terms of the Federal Ian Todd, ACCM Brad Jones, CCM Workplace Relations Act, 1996, and The General Manager Estelle McDonald-Birch Club Managers’ Association is a registered Kingsgrove RSL Club Accounts Officer Trade Union in the terms of the New Division C – Nepean Zone Priscilla San Luis South Wales Industrial Relations Act 1996. Michael Wiezel The CMAA is affiliated with the Australian Administration Officer David O’Neil ACCM Secretary Manager Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) and the Evonne Bosnich Federal Vice President St Marys RSL Club CMA is affiliated to the NSW State Branch Receptionist of the ACTU, The Labor Council of NSW. Division D – Hunter Zone, Central Carol Quirke Coast Zone and Great Lakes Zone Administration Assistant Registered Office Stephen Byfield, ACCM Tegan Cain Level 2, 1 Showground Road Chief Executive Officer Diggers @ The Entrance Qld Membership Liaison Officer Sydney Olympic Park NSW 2127 Justin McGurgan Phone (02) 9746 4199 Division E – Far North Coast Zone, Fax (02) 9746 5199 North West State Zone, Mid State Life Members Locked Bag 4317 Zone and Mid North Coast Zone Harry Walker (decd.) Phillip Mallon, ACCM Norm Robinson (decd.) Sydney Olympic Park NSW 2127 General Manager Arthur Justice (decd.) Email - cmaa@cmaa.asn.au Casino RSM Club Len Ewart (decd.) Office Hours Lou O’Neill (decd.) Division F – Illawarra Shoalhaven Peter Cameron (decd.) Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm Zone and Far South Coast Zone Deborah Feening ACCM Bob Harbutt (decd.) Seven-day telephone answering service in David Hiscox Federal Executive Member Keith Nolan (decd.) operation. General Manager Fred Chubb, CCM (decd.) “Club Management in Australia” is published monthly Dapto Leagues Club Alan McDougall, MBE (decd.) by the Club Managers’ Association Australia. All John Milne (decd.) material is copyright and cannot be reproduced Division G – Gold Coast Zone, Brisbane without the explicit permission of the Publisher or Zone, Ipswich Darling Downs Zone, Les Evennett Editor. Editorial contributions relating to the club Sunshine Coast Zone, and the Central George Elliot, CCM industry are welcome. Submitted copy should be typed and Northern Queensland Zone Peter Strachan, ACCM and double spaced. We don’t accept any responsibility Hans Sarlemyn, ACCM for keeping and returning unsolicited material. Steve Condren Photographs submitted must be captioned. Those sent General Manager Jim Henry, OAM, CCM without prior arrangement cannot be returned unless Southport Surf Life Saving Club Terry Condon, CCM accompanied by a stamped, self addressed envelope. Lew Cooper Views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily Division H – Victoria Zone, Riverina Barry Stevenson those of the Club Managers’ Association Australia. Murray Zone and the ACT Zone Although we do exercise the utmost caution, we don’t Greg Pickering, ACCM accept responsibility for claims expressed in Grant Duffy, ACCM John Allan, ACCM advertisements appearing in our issues. Secretary Manager Allan Peter, ACCM Subscription rate is $60 a year. Michael O’Sullivan ACCM Numurkah Golf & Bowls Club Wayne Forrest, ACCM ISSN 0045-7205 Federal Executive Member CMAA MEMBERS CONFIDENTIAL SUPPORT & COUNSELLING - 1300 464 262
4 Industry Update April 2011 Magazine Contents Workcover NSW PAGE ADVERTISER / Editorial Mentor Program C1 Australian Club Entertainment 2010 Awards WorkCover NSW is facilitating a free C2 KONAMI mentoring program where P1 CMAA ADMINISTRATION & IMPRINT participating large club mentors will provide advice and practical P2 CMDA CAREER DEVELOPMENT SPONSORS assistance to participating small P3 CLUB PLUS SUPERANNUATION clubs on how to improve workplace P4 CMA Magazine April Edition Contents safety and comply with occupational health and safety, P5 IGT workers compensation and injury P6 PAYNTER DIXON CONSTRUCTIONS + April Edition Pointers management legislation. P7 INDEPENDENT GAMING Small clubs joining the program will have the opportunity to gain P8 Executive Perspective – David O’Neil valuable insights to assist in P9 ARUZE improving business safety P 10 MERIDIAN CONSTRUCTION + Executive Officer’s Desk performance, gain an understanding of how to comply with legislation, P 11 JAMES CLIFFORD CONSTRUCTION strengthen their knowledge base P 12 Peter Newell @ National Press Club 1 and enhance workplace safety practices. P 13 JBN SOUND SOLUTIONS + Peter Newell @ National Press Club 2 For small clubs wanting to P 14 Peter Newell @ National Press Club 3 participate as a “mentee”, they P 15 CONSULATE FINANCE + Peter Newell @ National Press Club 4 must employ up to 20 employees P 16 Southern Exposure 1 - Victoria’s Gaming Minister and be: ➢ available to attend at least six P 17 THOMSONS LAWYERS - Southern Exposure 2 face-to-face sessions over an P 18 I SECURITY + Industry Issues 3 eight-month program P 19 Australian Club Entertainment 2010 Awards 1 ➢ willing to have the mentor visit P 20 Australian Club Entertainment 2010 Awards 2 the club at least twice during the program P 21 Australian Club Entertainment 2010 Awards 3 ➢ genuinely interested in improving P 22 Australian Club Entertainment 2010 Awards 4 workplace safety, workers P 23 CMAA 2011 NATIONAL BURSARY SPONSORS + CMDA Update compensation and injury management systems P 24 CMDA - April-May Training Calendar Large clubs acting as mentors will P 25 MITCHELL BRANDTMAN + ITZ - North West State Meeting benefit by promoting networking P 26 CMAA 2011 Diary - Zone Meetings & Industry Events and visibility, developing partnerships, strengthening the P 27 BOTTLECYCLER + ITZ - Far North Coast AGM club’s knowledge base, enhancing P 28 CMDA – CLUB SECRETARY MANAGER PROGRAM leadership skills and influencing the P 29 OTEN TAFE NSW + ITZ - Nepean AGM supply chain to assist the Club Industry improve its occupational P 30 CMDA – SUPERVISOR BOOTCAMP health and safety, workers P 31 HARLEY RUSSELL DAY + ITZ - Riverina Murray AGM compensation and injury P 32 2011 CMA MID YEAR CONFERENCE management practices. P 33 ITZ - St George Cronulla Meeting Mentors will work closely with their allocated mentees to assist them P 34 CMDA – FOOD SAFETY SUPERVISOR PROGRAM with focusing on safety for their P 35 Board of Management Studies + Zone Education Officers business and build systems and process that meet their business P 36 SLATER & GORDON + Industry Update needs. P 37 Northern Exposure 1 - Les Nash at Gatton RSL Club This is achieved by completing a P 38 Market Forces 1 Mentoring Agreement and Action P 39 RAYNER SALES & MARKETING + Market Forces 2 Plan at the start of the program. P 40 CMDA - Wedding & Events Management Summit 1 As places are limited for the next round, contact Ian Girkin at C3 CMDA - Wedding & Events Management Summit 2 WorkCover NSW - 13 10 50 or C4 SHUFFLE MASTER AUSTRALASIA E: mentorprogram@ workcover.nsw.gov.au for more information. INSERT – BARRINGTONS
6 In Your April Edition ➢ Pages 12 -15 ➢ Pages 16 & 17 ➢ Page 37 March 23 was a watershed day for Victoria’s new Gaming, Consumer Gatton RSL Club General Manager the Club Industry when the President Affairs and Energy Minister MICHAEL LES NASH is no stranger to natural of Clubs Australia and Chairman of O’BRIEN has wasted no time in disasters. He’s been in the thick of ClubsNSW, PETER NEWELL OAM, declaring his hand on critical policy many floods and cyclones during 25 addressed the National Press Club in issues affecting the Club Industry. In years with the Australian Army in Canberra. It was Mr Newell’ second his first interview with CMA Magazine northern Australia, including Cyclone Press Club speech and he detailed correspondent KATIE CINCOTTA, Mr Tracy in 1974. “I was with the the threat that the Federal O’Brien candidly states that the emergency teams involved in cleanup Government’s proposed gaming Federal Government’s controversial operations in Darwin,” Les recalls. machines pre-commitment legislation push for compulsory pre-commitment HENRI LACH reports that none of will have on the industry in on gaming machines as a Big Brother that prepared him for the enormity Australia ... nanny state policy ... of the most recent events …
8 Executive Perspective with DAVID O’NEIL, ACCM Club Industry fights through a devastating decade of political betrayal During the past decade the Club some clubs comes from gaming. Industry has moved from one challenge The added irony is that the initiatives shelved by many to another, with only a brief pause clubs were for alternate revenue strategies designed to before being again blindsided by a reduce their reliance on gaming and to build a sustainable State or Federal Government. And this future. continues despite their constant reassurance of the industry’s importance to the social fabric of our I’ve heard it said many times that this proposed legislation communities. is about responsible gambling reform. It is not. It’s about abolishing poker machines and the destruction of an Each time the respective government promises to industry. If this was about gambling reform, there would be communicate and work closely with industry to make a comprehensive review on all forms of gambling - from reforms based on evidence, and each time we become the horse racing to exotic betting or the unregulated online football for political gain or promotion. gambling sites. After a decade of ongoing gaming reform, increased Instead, every time we read a newspaper, watch television, taxation and a smoking ban, we finally believed the listen to radio or attend a sporting event, we are inundated promises of consultation were becoming reality. We even with online sports betting and agencies. BetFair has enjoyed a sigh of relief before the 2010 Federal Election become more Australian than Vegemite. These gambling when the Opposition and Government pledged their support options are being celebrated and promoted, rather than – in writing - for the industry, with no gaming reforms on questioned and investigated for their social consequences. the agenda. Gaming wasn’t even on the agenda for any of the minor parties - so we thought. As a non-gambler, I don’t have a problem with any of this and I believe it’s an individual’s right to make an educated Finally, the industry started to recover. For a moment clubs choice. However, I do have a problem with the hypocrisy of and boards started to regroup and show confidence to social do-gooders in destroying an industry while supporting strategically plan for the future. However, this confidence and promoting another. was shattered by a deal to form government. Prime Minister Julia Gillard broke her first election promise, I also have a problem with the associated artificial “class agreeing to the random conditions of an unknown distinction” involved in this hypocrisy. These are the people Tasmanian independent. This act of betrayal destroyed the who proudly proclaim: “Oh, I’m not a club person”. Yet confidence and recovery of our industry. these same “society champions” hold their charity dinners, political fundraising events and make a point of visiting The introduction of compulsory gaming machine pre- “their” local clubs pre-election to canvass votes. Their commitment and other proposed reforms sent the industry children play sport sponsored by the club, or on grounds back into its shell. This decision - ill-conceived without provided by the club, or read books at school provided by evidence or proof to support its objectives - has driven yet local clubs. another nail into the coffin of many clubs and their communities. Clubs are much more than poker machine “palaces”. They are meeting places and community centres. They are a There has been no social impact assessment, no proven place of social interaction and friendship for many elderly implementation strategy, no technological assessment and and incapacitated people. In most towns they are the no cost benefit analysis. There has been a lot of posturing, community’s evacuation centre. Clubs are the hub of the politics and betrayal. community, especially in regional centres. Without any legitimate study and/or research there is an Reflecting on the past decade, the major challenges that almost endless list of unanswered questions, scenarios and have damaged our industry have been a consequence of massive challenges before this reform can be implemented. government legislation or political expediency. The added Regardless of this, the damage is done. irony is these decisions have been made by the same Clubs and boards function without certainty and, as a political party that claims to represent the common man. result, have internalised and reviewed or cancelled Can these same “common men and women” be among the strategic decisions that could have promised their recovery. millions of club members around Australia? These are decisions that would have produced employment I only hope the decision-makers stop for a moment of and community infrastructure programs ... generated sanity and comprehend the real financial and social opportunities and services for already struggling implications of their decisions. The NSW-Queensland Club communities. Industry is vastly different from other states. This ill- Instead, these opportunities are now stopped and, in many conceived sweeping reform can only bring disaster. cases, the clubs have regressed to be better prepared for Regardless if it is a club in NSW, Queensland, Victoria or a the possible implementation of this tragically flawed casino Tasmania, there will be drastic consequences from gaming reform. these decisions. This strategy seems pointless as its instigator, Member for These consequences include bankruptcy, the destruction of Denison Andrew Wilkie, himself estimates these restrictions an industry, massive unemployment and a drastic change to could result in a 40% reduction in revenue. I know of no the social fabric and infrastructure of our communities. business that could survive a 40% reduction in revenue - ➢ DAVID O’NEIL, ACCM, is the especially when the major percentage of total revenue in CMAA Federal Vice President
10 The Executive Officer’s Desk with TERRY CONDON, CCM Peter leads Club Industry’s argument in Canberra The Australian Club Industry was out in sense tells you he’s right, because problem gamblers are force at the National Press Club unlikely to set affordable limits and are likely to set high Luncheon and Dinner to hear limits or none at all. And with regard to the absence of ClubsAustralia Chairman Peter Newell, cost-benefit analysis, isn’t this an amazing way to make OAM, debunk the myths and distortions public policy on the run – announce a wide-ranging measure being peddled by Tasmanian MP Andrew impacting on millions of people, and only after that Wilkie and his South Australian cohort, Senator Nick perhaps look to see what it might cost.” Peter’s speech to Xenophon. These men have been sharing the reins on the the National Press Club is published on Pages 12 to 15. anti-pokies bandwagon since Mr Wilkie controversially came to power as the Member for Denison at the August 21 Many thanks to Nepean Zone President and Liverpool Federal Election. Mr Wilkie was able to extract a Catholic Club CEO John Turnbull for organising the Nepean remarkable commitment from the Julia Gillard-led Labor Zone’s “Farewell to TC” in conjunction with the Zone’s Government to deal with vastly exaggerated claims about March AGM at John’s impressive club. John left no stone problem gambling relating to poker machines. I may be unturned in organising the “Roast & Toast” panel of former accused being biased in my opinion, but Peter Newell is one CMAA President and CMAA Life member Jim Henry, OAM, of the finest speakers that I have had the pleasure of former ClubsNSW CEO, David Costello, CMAA Life Member hearing and his skills have only become more impressive and former Federal and State Secretary Hans Sarlemyn, and during his time in the role with ClubsAustralia and as former CMAA State and Federal Vice President and Chairman of ClubsNSW. Peter finds an extra couple of Association Life Member Greg Pickering. If I wasn’t already lengths in his best form when he steps up to the big in enough trouble, our Master of Ceremonies for the roast challenges and the big stage. On March 23, he again was “The Big Marn”, Darryl Brohman. Needless to say many articulated the Club Industry’s position on the logic and “tall yarns from the legendary past” were told, which I legitimacy of the Gillard Government’s threatened hope kept the group of over 200 entertained – and never mandatory pre-commitment technology for all poker leave the spectacular venue. It was great to see Rooty Hill machines in venues around Australia. RSL Club’s former CEO and CMAA Hall of Fame member Phil The address focused on the Club Industry’s opposition to Rudder in the audience and enjoying the company and mandatory pre-commitment, with Peter arguing that Mr delicious luncheon. My special thanks to Nepean Zone Wilkie’s $3 billion poker machine reforms are designed to Secretary Antoinette Sultana for her efforts in making the day so successful. The Nepean Zone AGM report and deter recreational gamblers and would not stop problem pictures are on Page 29. gamblers from betting. Peter accused Mr Wilkie and his followers of ignoring the The CMAA was represented at the 84th World Conference advice of some of Australia’s leading gambling experts and on Club Management at Orlando, Florida by former Division welfare groups who have concluded that mandatory pre- 1 Federal Councillor and Far North Coast Zone Secretary commitment will not help problem gamblers stop betting. Gordon Rhodes. Gordon filled the breach in February when “The Australian Government has seen plenty of evidence the Conference clashed with the CMAA’s AGM, Conference only in the last couple of months that this is a flawed and Hospitality Expo at Darling Harbour on February 28 and proposal as far as helping problem gamblers is concerned,” March 1. Gordon continued the CMAA’s proud record of Peter said. “Australia’s leading academic on problem being represented at this Conference for more that 30 gambling, Professor Alex Blaszczynski, advised a years. Gordon’s Conference report will be published in the Parliamentary Committee chaired by the Member for May edition of CMA Magazine. Denison himself that pre-commitment is unlikely to have a significant impact on the majority of problem gamblers, ➢ TERRY CONDON, CCM, is the CMAA’s Executive Officer, and may even exacerbate problem gambling. Common a CMAA Life Member and former Club Manager
12 Industry Issues ClubsAustralia boss takes industry’s fight On Wednesday, March 23, ClubsAustralia President PETER NEWELL, OAM, party’s position leading into the election returned to the National Press Club in Canberra to address the Club and, in good faith, we made this undertaking available to our clubs and Industry’s position on the Gillard Government’s proposed mandatory their members before the election. pre-commitment legislation that means every gaming machine in On the hustings during the election Australia will carry the technology. The legislation is the product of campaign, not one public policy Prime Minister Julia Gillard’s deal with Tasmanian Independent MP announcement was made on this issue Andrew Wilkie and it has massive implications for clubs … by Labor - or the Liberal-National Coalition. Not one single recorded Abraham Lincoln once said: “I am a firm our view, this nanny state proposal doorstop quote to the media that I can believer in the people. If given the should not happen; why, in reality, it find. Not a squeak. You all know the truth, they can be depended upon to can’t happen; and therefore what should election resulted in a hung Parliament, meet any national crisis. The great happen. with the Greens and four independents point is to bring them the real facts.” First, a little background. Australia’s deciding who would hold power. So With that very quote in mind, I am 4,000 clubs cover a wide range of things changed. pleased to have the opportunity to sporting, social, political and cultural On September 2, without consultation return to the National Press Club to pursuits embracing bodies such as RSL with the industry – or, I suspect, the vast speak on an issue of critical importance and Services clubs, football, bowling, majority of her own colleagues - the to Australia’s 4,000 clubs and all they golf, workers, Labor and Catholic clubs. Prime Minister announced she had made represent. Their 10.5 million Many have poker machines, with half of a deal with the newly elected memberships, their 90,000 direct them in NSW where they have been independent Member for Denison in employees and the untold thousands legal since 1956. Tasmania in return for his support in employed downstream in associated On 23 June last year, the Australian helping her form a minority government. industries, their 100,000 volunteers, and Government released a Productivity That deal provided for a full mandatory the hundreds of communities who rely Commission report said to be into pre-commitment scheme for poker on them. And let’s not forget the five gambling in Australia, but which, in machines that is uniform across all million people who play poker machines reality, concentrated largely on poker states and territories and machines, each year. In doing so, despite having machines. The report recommended that starting in 2012 and fully rolled out by been accused by prohibitionists in recent each state and territory should 2014. It also provided for a $250 daily times of spreading lies and deception, implement a jurisdictionally based full withdrawal limit for ATMs in venues with I’m here to tell you the truth. pre-commitment system for gaming poker machines - excluding casinos. machines by 2016, subject to initial If Australia’s state and territory This issue centres on a deal to keep the development, trialling and compatible current Government in power made by governments did not co-operate with the monitoring systems. It said the introduction of this system, the Prime the Prime Minister with a newly elected Australian Government should enter into Tasmanian independent who received Minister agreed with the Member for negotiations with a state or territory Denison that she would seek to use 21.26% of the vote in his electorate last government to sponsor a full-scale August. That deal makes it compulsory Commonwealth powers to override regional trial or trials of a full pre- them, and has been advised by the for the five million Australians who wish commitment regime, with trialling to to exercise their legal right to play a Solicitor General that she does possess commence by 2013. Importantly, it said those powers. If this was to happen, poker machine each year, to possess such a trial should substantiate that full what we describe as “a licence to there is every likelihood that the pre-commitment has sufficient gamble” - a card containing their Commonwealth would have to use advantages over partial pre-commitment personal details which would be linked taxpayer dollars to compensate the to justify proceeding with its to a national grid covering every single states and territories. implementation in all jurisdictions. poker machine in every single venue So we come to the present day and the That same day, Federal Ministers across Australia. This would allow every ClubsAustralia assertion why this should Macklin, Sherry and Conroy issued a bet placed by a poker machine player to not happen. There are three overriding joint media release responding to the be tracked by the Federal Government. Productivity Commission report. They reasons why this should not happen: “Big Brother” in the extreme, you might said it was necessary for the costs and ➢ We, and many others, say it will do think. benefits of any measures to be little, if anything, to assist problem With this intrusive device in place, determined and that they would talk to gamblers. players would be able to set binding the industry before anything happened. ➢ Its implementation cost will drive limits on their expenditure, and if that The Government rejected a ridiculous clubs to the wall, resulting in their limit were to be reached, they would be Productivity Commission closure and the loss of thousands of compulsorily prevented from playing a recommendation that online gambling jobs. poker machine probably for 24 hours at should be liberalised. ➢ Longer term, the loss of revenue as any one of 5,700 clubs and pubs across Also that same day, ClubsAustralia issued recreational gamblers walk away from the country, as well as casinos. The deal a statement to our member clubs and our clubs in the face of this “licence also provides for club and pub patrons to the media supporting the Government to gamble” scenario will be equally be prevented from withdrawing more response and saying it was a victory for devastating. than $250 a day of their own money common sense, recognising that there is The Australian Government has seen from an Automatic Teller Machine. no silver bullet to problem gambling. plenty of evidence, only in the last Inexplicably, this does not apply to On August 5, the Labor Party national couple of months, that this is a flawed casinos. campaign headquarters gave a written proposal as far as helping problem Today, I want to explain to you why, in undertaking to ClubsAustralia on the gamblers is concerned.
Industry Issues Do you want to back to National Press Club create a friendly and harmonious Australia’s leading academic on problem admits that his “restrictions” – his word gambling, Professor Alex Blaszczynski, – are a good step along the way to this atmosphere at advised a Parliamentary Committee chaired by the Member for Denison that ultimate extremist and prohibitionist goal. your club? pre-commitment is unlikely to have a Even if you do remove all the machines, significant impact on the majority of the message from Norway is quite clear – Music too loud? problem gamblers, and may even prohibition doesn’t work. exacerbate problem gambling. And Forcing……… As the President of ClubsAustralia I common sense tells you he’s right, travel around the country and I talk to a • Customers to leave because: lot of people far and wide, including gaming machines ➢ Problem gamblers are unlikely to set those I know well in my own home city affordable limits and are likely to set and state. And while I’m the first to • Bar staff to high limits or none at all. admit this is not a “scientific” approach, misunderstand orders ➢ Problem gamblers are likely to take the response I get when I talk to people • Patrons feel uncomfortable part in other forms of gambling that about a compulsory pre-commitment don’t have pre-commitment limits, system where they will need a card in restaurant & lounge areas such as the TAB or online. containing their personal details, linked • Neighbours to complain ➢ There would be development of a to some national system connected to black market for pre-commitment every other machine and venue in the • License restrictions country - it is anathema to them. cards. These recreational gamblers won’t touch • TAB broadcast too loud ➢ Proper research needs to be done before spending vast amounts of it with a barge pole. They will walk money on an unproven technology. away, which of course is just what the Well now you can!!!! prohibitionists want. When they walk, ➢ Overall, there has been no cost club revenues will crash, and clubs Join the list of venues benefit analysis of mandatory pre- themselves will inevitably follow. The who have converted to commitment. proponent of this deal has said himself And with regard to the absence of cost- the Jbn Sound Ceiling the revenue impact would be up to 40%. benefit analysis, isn’t this an amazing He’s right. There has been research in Fairfield RSL way to make public policy on the run – Nova Scotia and South Australia that Mountie’s announce a wide-ranging measure supports this. And we also know our impacting on millions of people, and punters. Campbelltown RSL only after that perhaps look to see what But let’s just suppose the downturn is Burswood Casino it might cost. 30%; that’s bad enough. A KPMG study Lasseter’s Casino Reinforcing the ClubsAustralia stance, shows that in NSW alone a 30% revenue there is only one jurisdiction in the world downturn for clubs would result in the Moorebank Sports that has mandatory pre-commitment and loss of more than 11,500 jobs, a loss of Chinchilla RSL Club’s that’s Norway, until recently often $820 million from the NSW economy, and Boracay Regency quoted by the anti-gambling lobby as force the closure of clubs. Extrapolated evidence supporting mandatory pre- nationally, with pubs and casinos Sky City Casino commitment. There are more poker included, the damaging impact would The Pastoral Hotel machines in Crown Casino than currently reverberate across the whole economy. Brothers Leagues Club in Norway and the Norwegian This out-of-left-field deal which Government owns them all. In 2007 it blindsided the industry has left Chalk Hotel decided to withdraw every poker thousands of club and pub employees Gilligan’s – Outdoor machine for a year, with the aim of anxious and concerned for their future. Kirra Sports Club returning machines with quite modest Economic purists may pontificate from Stamford Grand Hotel compulsory daily, and monthly pre- on-high that lost jobs will be picked up commitment limits set by the and replicated elsewhere in the Northies Government, not by the individual economy. Try telling that to a young Joondalup Resort player. Guess what happened in that year mother pulling a beer in Gilgandra, a Yaralla Sports Club when there was not a poker machine in university student clearing tables in sight? Problem gambling in Norway did Ballarat, a man on the door in Ipswich. A not decrease one iota as players simply young bloke who works at my club in migrated to other forms of gambling, Wollongong asked me the other night particularly the internet. So, if you take where this was all heading as he has a anything out of Norway, take that. small child, his wife is expecting another, At a round-table discussion in Canberra and he fears for his job. I told him that if before the final Productivity Commission necessary we were committed to going report was released, a Commissioner all the way in one hell of a fight, but I made it clear in response to a question could give him no guarantees. He said to that they set out to “inconvenience” me: “Mate, if this happens I’ll never those who play poker machines. vote for those people again.” The Member for Denison is on the record Added to all of this, and notwithstanding as saying he’d like to see poker machines disappear altogether. But he Continued page 14
14 Industry Issues From p13 capacity to accommodate a universal tightening regulation of the internet and Australia-wide mandatory pre- a ban on betting on credit. the Prime Minister’s legal advice, commitment regime, a quarter of them On that occasion the anti-gambling lobby Australia’s states and territories have may be able to have a suitable software could hardly wait for me to conclude enormous concerns about mandatory update. One quarter would need a speaking before running to the media pre-commitment and ATM limits on what hardware and a software upgrade, and and describing what I had put forward as people can withdraw of their own half the total number of machines - a “joke”. But that’s what we expect money. The current NSW Labor about 99,000, would need to be from prohibitionists. We have not been Government believes it is absurd to try replaced at a total cost of around $3 discouraged by that and continue on. We and introduce this without a cost-benefit billion. There would need to be a are driving trials of voluntary pre- analysis or any sort of trial. The NSW national network linking all states and commitment, and investing heavily in a Liberal-National Coalition will not territories and a database capable of multi-venue self-exclusion scheme. The support mandatory pre-commitment if it tracking every player’s activity. unfortunate consequences of this comes to power, but says it will favour a Some in the anti-gambling lobby propose obsession with mandatory pre- system that is voluntary for the player, the database be managed by the commitment is that such other measures venue-based and affordable. Australian Taxation Office or Centrelink. that would further assist problem The Victorian Government says it will The technical experts say no solution gamblers are not receiving the attention refuse to have its state’s intended harm would be cheap, easy nor quick due to and support they deserve. minimisation measures overridden by the the enormous complexity involved. Let me make it clear with regard to this Commonwealth. And that means As the biggest gaming machine specific matter I am addressing today, voluntary pre-commitment, not manufacturer in the world has noted: ClubsAustralia is not against pre- mandatory. South Australia is on the “The complexity and the permutations commitment as such. We would support record against mandatory pre- of this development work and its a system that is voluntary for the player commitment. So the Commonwealth has deployment is extraordinary and would to use, is venue-based and is affordable. a fight not only with industry, but with take an extended period to complete, We have offered to proceed down this states and territories as well. And all of recognising that the market itself has path with government. Indeed, some this is happening at a time when states evolved to its present state of clubs already are offering their members and territories across the country have complexity over an extended period.” the choice of setting a limit voluntarily been reporting year-on-year a marked In the case of NSW, of course, this if they feel it will help them. decline in the prevalence of problem period extends back more than half a gambling. We will not agree to a compulsory century. system that is personally intrusive, The anti-gambling lobby claims the To give you an example of the states and territories and the industry deliberately designed to comparative complexity, this “licence to “inconvenience” players, and which will give only token attention to the issue of gamble” system would be twice as big as problem gambling. This is not true. In be a turn-off to most ordinary, everyday Telstra’s broadband system. So we’re Australians who wish to spend some of NSW, which hosts half the poker talking about a big, complex animal here machines in the country, problem their recreational and entertainment that I am sure those who made this time playing poker machines. gambling rates halved from 0.8% of the political deal do not understand. Indeed, adult population in 2006 to 0.4% in 2008. even the Member for Denison remarked And in taking this stance, we also ask: Calls to G-Line, the Government’s well- during one of his committee hearings What further intrusions can Australians promoted telephone help line for that there’s a vast difference between expect? What’s next? gamblers, have halved in the past political deals and technical reality. The Australian Government should deal decade. The Queensland Government Technical challenges aside, we’re also meaningfully with industry and not has conducted four surveys, each of talking about a cost to clubs and the simply shove a politically expedient some 30,000 respondents over seven industry of billions of dollars - all done deal in our faces. In other words, it years from 2001, and found a consistent supposed to be expended in a should stick to its pre-election promise. decline from 0.83% to 0.37%. compressed timeframe expiring in 2014. The Prime Minister has until around May So that’s why it shouldn’t happen. That is simply not possible - a 2014 next year to introduce legislation into Why can’t it happen? deadline beginning next year is not Parliament on this issue. Should she I am sure that when they reached this technically or financially possible. Clubs elect to do so, the 148 MPs sitting in the agreement, neither the Prime Minister and pubs would go bust in the process. House of Representatives will have a nor the Member for Denison had the first And all just to keep one MP onside - an clear choice. They will need to decide idea of what was involved, of the size MP who received fewer votes than many whether to vote for, or against, a and complexity of the animal they had clubs have members. compulsory system that is disastrously grabbed by the tail. So, what should happen? expensive, personally intrusive, Let me give you a few basic statistics. ClubsAustralia has always been in favour deliberately designed to There are around 198,000 poker of targeted, sensible, effective and “inconvenience” players, and which will machines in 5,700 venues spread across affordable measures to further reduce be a turn-off to most ordinary, everyday Australia. There are a dozen different problem gambling. On October 22, 2008, Australians who wish to spend some of manufacturers and these machines I stood on this same podium and on their recreational and entertainment operate on eight different state or behalf of ClubsAustralia presented a six- time playing poker machines, while territory-approved systems which do not point plan to further help reduce the doing nothing to assist problem “talk” to each other. The best estimates incidence of problem gambling. It gamblers. Millions will have an interest of the time it would take to develop and included suggestions covering family in the public position of these MPs. integrate the technology and roll it out interventions, education, greater And, while contemplating their vote, across Australia is 14 years. The empowerment of counsellors and they should acknowledge the real Australian Government has received improved counselling services, proper “elephant in the room”. That woolly expert advice that to equip all the research and ensuring that measures are mammoth of course is the internet and machines with the technological not experimental, venue staff training, its lure to vulnerable people who sit at
15 home, often alone with no social Government and the Member for Denison Australians will feel the same way, let inclusion, and have the choice of 2,000 want to demonise clubs and pubs who do alone the prospect of having government sites on which they can gamble on not offer gambling on credit… whose breathing more heavily down our necks. credit, many with money they do not venue ATMs cannot dispense cash on Perhaps those who would sit in have. credit … who cannot offer such judgement of us at a Federal level According to Merrill Lynch, Australians inducements … and who subscribe to would do well to heed the words of spent $840 million on online casinos and world’s best-practice harm-minimisation Queensland Premier Anna Bligh after her poker in 2008, with the bulk of this measures. state’s horrific floods this year. Referring spent on online slots and table games. So, for the various reasons I have to the devastated Goodna Leagues Club, This burgeoning industry is powering on - outlined – why this deal should not be between Ipswich and Brisbane, and with no taxes being returned to enforced, why it cannot be enforced, saying it should be the first place in the Government, very few jobs, and no and what should occur, I can confirm state to be rebuilt under the Sunrise regulation. that ClubsAustralia and the Australian program’s Operation Bounceback, she If you’d like some examples, I invite you Hotels Association, representing clubs said: “This club is the absolute heart of to Google “online gambling”. You’ll and pubs across the nation, will the community. It is the one place they discover sites such as “online undertake a public campaign to raise have where their children and their pokies.com.au” and awareness of this issue and all that it community members play football. It is “allslotscasino.com.au”. You’ll be able represents. Our campaign will inform our the only place they can go and have to read that there are “proven millions of members and patrons, our community meetings, where they have strategies” that ensure you’ll win 99% of hundreds of thousands of employees, the community events, 21st birthdays, those the time you play the cyber pokies … five million people who play the pokies sorts of things. It really is the advising that the best way to win on the each year, our 100,000 volunteers, the community centre of this suburb.” pokies is to gamble online … many sports and charities we support So the Queensland floods may have done inducements involving “free dollars” and every day of the week, and the people their worst, but they will not destroy 300% deposit bonuses, and the like … of Australia generally. Goodna Leagues Club. Only the Member claims that site providers have “inside We will also continue impressing upon for Denison at the other end of the information” on how poker machines legislators just what this ill-conceived, country, with a gun to the head of the work. You will also discover an online untested, uncosted, un-Australian deal Australian Government, can do that. chat window with a live operator on the means. I, for one, am not prepared to Today, I am declaring that for the other end offering bonuses and assuring see our magnificent Club Industry reasons outlined, clubs and pubs oppose you that playing online slots will “boost destroyed on an altar of political mandatory pre-commitment, as well as your bankroll”. expediency - and I have no doubt an government-imposed restrictions on how And this all going on while the enormous number of my fellow Australians can access their own money.
16 Southern Exposure Victoria’s new Gaming Minister draws state Victoria’s new Gaming, Consumer Affairs and Energy Minister customers should have the right to MICHAEL O’BRIEN has wasted no time in declaring his hand on choose whether or not to use the pre- commitment technology. critical policy issues affecting the Club Industry and in his first interview with CMA Magazine correspondent KATIE CINCOTTA, Mr “Our aim is to offer support to people who seek assistance to control their O’Brien candidly states that the Federal Government’s controversial gambling, without unduly interfering push for compulsory pre-commitment on gaming machines as a Big with the rights of individuals who may Brother nanny state policy. While he supports pre-commitment as a not wish to provide personal problem gambling strategy, Mr O’Brien insists the spending limits information in order to play a gaming should be optional ... machine,” he told CMA Magazine. In November 2010, Victoria elected its appointed the new Minister for With the Federal Government making first Liberal Government in 11 years, Gaming, Consumer Affairs and Energy, a legal push for mandatory pre- declaring former after serving as the Shadow Minister commitment, threatening to use its architect and for Gaming since 2006. constitutional powers to legislate on daily electronic gaming machines across the As an experienced advocate, the nation, the once self-employed swimmer Ted young Minister from blue-ribbon Baillieu the barrister in trade practices and Malvern has wasted no time in commercial law is using his legal new Premier. declaring his hand on critical policy mettle to push back. Michael issues affecting the Club Industry, O’Brien, a including the controversial push for “The regulation of gambling always has former compulsory pre-commitment. been – and should remain – a matter barrister with for the states,” Mr O’Brien said. Mr O’Brien has described mandatory two young pre-commitment on pokies as a “Big “It would be inappropriate for the children, Brother nanny state policy”. Federal Government to seek to was While he supports pre-commitment as prevent the Victorian Government a measure to address problem from delivering our election gambling, Mr O’Brien insists the commitments on pre-commitment. spending limits should be optional. “We will seek advice on any attempt “The Victorian Government’s by the Federal Government to do so.” position – clearly set out in our The Minister told ABC News that the election policy – is that individual Gillard Government was making Old guard playing ‘hard ball’ with clubs As Victoria’s gaming duopoly forward,” Mr O’Brien says. ready themselves to step aside, “We are focused on the impact on how will the Government help the industry as it gets ready for manage the transition and 2012.” protect clubs from bullying by Tattersalls and Tabcorp? In the meantime, club managers such as Rick Scott, who heads up City TGS (Tabcorp Gaming Solutions) Memorial Bowls Club in Warrnambool, has twice been investigated by are charging ahead with their the consumer watchdog for strategy for owner-operated poker threatening to take away machines. machines if clubs didn't sign up to six-year deals. “We have gone with SGS [Specialised Gaming Services] headed by Scott Club managers under Tatts say the Meyers who set up Tatts Pokies years company is also playing “hard ball” ago in Victoria and South Africa, plus and threatening to withdraw high- business development and corporate performing machines as per its strategy with numerous companies,” contract. Mr Scott said. Victoria’s Gaming, Consumer Affairs “We’ve also engaged Glen Crawford and Energy Minister Michael O’Brien who has had senior product roles says the Government's policy is to both as a gaming and venue operator work with industry to facilitate a with Tatts and nationally with ALH. smooth transition. “We are basically doing it ourselves “The Government is engaging with with expert support and advice. stakeholders – the incumbent licensees and many venues - to “This will give us control of our own provide greater certainty going destiny.”
Southern Exposure 17 battlelines on pre-commitment “The previous Labor Government increased liquor licence fees across the board, hurting many community threats with “a dog’s breakfast of withdraw cash, especially in an and sporting clubs,” Mr O’Brien said. constitutional provisions” to honour environment regarded as safer than a “The Baillieu Government’s changes the deal with Tasmanian Independent public ATM. recognise the important place of clubs MP Andrew Wilkie, which reeks of “The Victorian Government is aware in our community, and the lower risk political power play rather than best of the concerns of clubs about the they pose compared to some other policy outcomes. impact on their patrons, and will types of licensed venues.” “State governments understand the monitor and evaluate the impact of With clubs now making serious plans industry and the delivery of services the ban on ATMs,” he said. for the transition to owner-operated to treat problem gambling,” Mr Where the incoming Liberal gaming in 2012, the Monitoring O’Brien said. Government did make swift change Licence still hangs in the balance. “The Federal Government has was in reducing liquor licensing fees to In October 2010, four registrants were demonstrated through programs such help ease the burden on businesses invited to apply for the 15-year, single as the home insulation scheme that it and community groups that pose a independent monitoring licence - is not the best level of government to lower risk in relation to alcohol- Intralot, Tabcorp Monitoring, deliver ‘on-the-ground’ services.” related violence. Maxgaming Vic and Monverco. As the Club Industry moves closer to “For more than 10,000 small The Minister says the Gambling the ban on ATMs in gaming venues, the businesses and community clubs right Licences Review within the Minister declares the scheme fixed across Victoria it means liquor Department of Justice is currently and non-negotiable. licensing fees will be more than assessing those applications and the “The Victorian Government will halved,” the Minister added. VCGR is undertaking probity checks of continue to implement the legislative the four contenders. The base renewal fee has been ban on ATMs in gaming venues, which reduced for the following categories: “As the project is still in what is takes effect on July 1, 2012,” he called a ‘competitive bidding’ phase, added. “This policy is aimed at ➢ full club (without gaming machines) it is not appropriate to make any reducing gambling-related harm.” ➢ restricted club further comment,” he says. Mr O’Brien acknowledges club ➢ vignerons ➢ web links: concerns that venues could lose ➢ restaurant and cafe www.michaelobrien.com.au patrons because of the inability to ➢ renewable limited and BYO permits. http://twitter.com/michaelobrienmp
18 Industry Update RSL Club entry laws change proposed The NSW Liberal and Nationals parties Returned and Services League would Government would amend the Coalition are proposing changes to not need to sign in when visiting one Registered Clubs Act to allow ex- the Registered Clubs Act to allow ex- of the state’s 270 RSL clubs. RSL servicemen and women who are RSL servicemen and women automatic members will be allowed access to a members entry to RSL and kindred entry to RSL clubs throughout NSW. club after producing a valid financial clubs on producing a valid financial This policy is similar to initiatives in RSL membership card. Full service membership card of the RSL. other states that allow Returned and members would still be required to NSW RSL State President Don Rowe Services League members to access be a member of at least one licensed and RSL and Services Clubs RSL clubs with greater ease. RSL club, most likely a club close to Association Chairman Bryn Miller In Victoria, members of RSL clubs their home which they visit regularly, welcomed the announcement which when visiting other RSL clubs, receive to ensure the concept of club has been an Association long-term reciprocal member benefits without membership is retained. goal. "This is good news for our needing to sign in. NSW RSL members Then-NSW Opposition Leader Barry members who will be able to more also are granted access to licensed O’Farrell and Shadow Minister for easily access RSL and Services Clubs RSL sub-branch clubs in Victoria. All Hospitality, Tourism and Major Events across NSW," Mr Rowe said. "I’m 55,000 RSL members in NSW must George Souris announced the proposal happy the NSW Liberals & Nationals sign in at each RSL club they visit. in the lead-up to the NSW Election on took the time to listen to our Under the proposed changes, full March 26. concerns and act positively to help service members of the NSW Mr Souris said a NSW Liberal-Nationals our members and their clubs.” GTA welcomes new Chairman, members The Gaming Technologies Association stronger analysis and discipline to our Aristocrat Technologies, Aruze Gaming has announced important governance governance processes,” Mr Gladstone Australia, Bally Technologies, IGT and membership changes in the lead- said. Australia, Konami Gaming Australia, up to the 2011 Australasian Gaming One of Mr Gladstone’s first duties was Shuffle Master Australasia and WMS Expo – G2E. to welcome two new members to the Gaming Australia. The first involves the rotation of the GTA - Bally Technologies and WMS Independent Gaming is a GTA GTA’s independent Chairman Jamie Gaming. “Both Bally and WMS are Associate Member. Odell, the CEO and Managing Director world leaders in the supply of games Apart from WMS Gaming Australia, all of Aristocrat Leisure Limited. Mr and gaming equipment for the of the GTA’s full members and Odell oversaw significant change in Hospitality Industry,” Mr Gladstone Independent Gaming are CMDA Career the GTA, including a major strategic added. “I’m sure their knowledge and Development sponsors. and environmental review that experience will sit comfortably with Among its other activities, the GTA resulted in several important changes. current Board members and add to operates the Australasian Gaming Incoming Chairman Danny Gladstone, the depth of our deliberations and Expo, held in August each year at the the CEO of Ainsworth Game outcomes.” Sydney Convention and Exhibition Technology thanked Mr Odell for his GTA CEO Ross Ferrar said the Centre. The 2011 Expo – G2E – will be contribution to the GTA and the Association’s full members now presented on August 21 to 23 at gaming industry. “Jamie brought include Ainsworth Game Technology, Darling Harbour.
2010 ACE Awards 19 Lucky 13 smiles on ACE Awards It was “lucky 13” for the Australian Club Entertainment (ACE) Awards, presented at the Canterbury Hurlstone Park RSL Club last month. Almost 400 guests packed the club’s spectacularly presented auditorium for the event that acknowledges the talent and work of professionals who entertainer in clubs across Australia. The ACE Awards also was enjoying a new place on the calendar with the event moved from its traditional November date to March and better reflect the full year of performances. The Club Managers’ Association Australia (CMAA) also has joined in Australia. Twin Towns, host Industry and the entertainers who the running of the ACE Awards, with Canterbury Hurlstone Park RSL Club, make “clubland” such a special CMAA Federal President Bill Clegg, Petersham RSL Club, Panthers family. ACCM, taking on the role of Chairman Penrith, Blacktown Workers Club, With the sponsors returned to their of the Event Management Team. Bankstown Sports Club and St Marys tables, Rhonda Burchmore and the CMAA Executive Officer Terry Condon Rugby League Club also feature Fiona Gage Dancers lit up the stage CCM, and major sponsor executive, among the sponsors.MDA Career with a memorable version of “Sweet Doug May from Lion Nathan (Tooheys) Development sponsor companies Lion Georgia Brown” before Monica also joined the Awards management Nathan, Coca-Cola Amatil and Trapaga moved on with the awards. group. InfoGenesis supported awards Paul Martell, who later collected the Twenty-three companies sponsored categories along with The Robin Hunt “Best Comedy Act” award, then had the awards categories with the CMAA Organisation, Boden and Creative the honour of announcing the and Lion Nathan combining to sponsor Gifts. “Lifetime Achievement Award” to his the main award – “Outstanding Club CMDA Career Development sponsor life-long friend, Mark Loyd. Award Performer of the Year”. Full list of companies Lion Nathan, Coca-Cola sponsor ClubsNSW Chairman, Peter awards - Page 22. Amatil and InfoGenesis supported Newell, OAM, then congratulated With the awards focusing on live awards categories. Mark on a lifetime of excellence on entertainment in clubs, the Appropriately, the theme of the 13th stage as a rock and show star and impressive list of sponsors includes awards gala was, “RISE ... A New behind the scenes as a world- ClubsNSW, the RSL & Service Clubs Beginning” with the opening act, acclaimed producer and director. Full Association and Leagues Clubs “Brand New Day” presented by report - Page 21. Ashleigh Toole, Hannah-May Buckley, One of Australia’s most acclaimed The Enigma String Quartet, Jonas performers on stage, screen and film, Jost, Chris Connolly, Darryl Talbot and the Fiona Gage Dancers. Continued page 20 Host Liz Taylor welcomed sponsors, guests and entertainers before guest presenter Susie Smither started announcing the awards, while Lesley Hancock, Greg Hayes and Peter Kaye put together an impressive political comedy piece. In his speech, ACE Awards Chairman Bill Clegg said the CMAA happily embraced the opportunity to support and help to grow the annual ACE Awards to show that club managers are with entertainers in what has been challenging recent times. Bill then called to the stage representatives of the 23 organisations who sponsored the 2010 ACE Awards, acknowledging their long and generous support for the Club
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