The recently elected NSW state government has introduced a bill to parliament seeking to ban political donations from clubs that house poker machines or offer any other forms of gambling.
Introduction of the bill follows concerns raised during the lead-up to the March election over potential conflicts of interest, with gambling reform – including the implementation of mandatory cashless gaming in NSW pubs and clubs – among the key election issues at the time.
In a Thursday announcement, the government said the proposed amendment to the Electoral Funding Act would extend the prohibited donors definition to include registered clubs if the business undertaken by the club includes wagering, betting or other gambling, regardless of their profit-making status.
Currently prohibited donors include property developers, tobacco industry business entities and liquor or gambling industry business entities.
The definition of “liquor or gambling industry business entity” in the Act applies to corporations engaged in business undertakings mainly concerned with the manufacture or sale of liquor products, or wagering, betting or other gambling, but only if it is for the ultimate purpose of making a profit.
Registered clubs who hold club licences are not currently included in this definition if they do not have the ultimate purpose of making a profit, such as those whose mandate is to use all proceeds to support the community.
“Our bill closes a political loophole,” said NSW Premier Chris Minns. “It is common-sense that, if other gambling entities are banned from making political donations, it should apply to all clubs.
“I hope we can attract support from across the parliament for this overdue reform. This bill is an important integrity measure to strengthening the political donation system in our state.”
NSW Special Minister of State John Graham, added, “This bill will ban political parties from accepting financial donations from clubs with gaming machines – it is another election commitment we are seeing through.
“From January 16 this year, NSW Labor took action to not accept donations from clubs with gaming machines. This bill will extend that ban to every state political party.”
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