Every item in this issue points the same way. NSW gives clubs two years to stand up a workforce that can operate under facial recognition and account-based play. Queensland’s consolidation settings reward the groups with enough management depth to absorb a second or third venue. And the ACT panel has told government outright that governance...
AML/CTF is now a standing obligation, not a project The reformed AML/CTF framework commenced for existing reporting entities on 31 March 2026, with a range of transitional provisions applying to certain obligations. Five changes matter most on a club floor: Identification moves from photocopying to sight-and-record – sight the original, record the prescribed details, return...
ACT clubs are heading the same direction as NSW, albeit on first review, a lot slower. An independent group chaired by Annette Kimmitt AM delivered a report in May 2026 with a strategy for a 20-year roadmap to help local clubs transition away from their reliance on poker machine gambling revenue and diversify into alternative...
Queensland does not have the same level of harm-minimisation imposts as NSW. However, all directors in Queensland should consider that in July 2026 at the Labor national conference, Labor members revived the push for a national gambling regulator. If a national regulator ultimately emerges, aspects of the NSW model may influence future national requirements. What...
Directors have two compliant training pathways, not one. There is a sensible industry specific program. Directors must be fully trained within twelve months of joining the board; small clubs must have at least two fully trained members on the governing body. Under the Registered Clubs Regulation 2025, in force since 1 September 2025, club directors...
A motion passed unanimously at the NSW Labor state conference in July commits, amongst a host of other recommendations, some adopted some not, to a super-profits tax on venues with more than $20 million in gaming machine profits. It is not government policy and carries no timelines, but it is the clearest available read on...
Facial Recognition Technology (FRT) will become mandatory in NSW in 2028, alongside the introduction of the NSW State Exclusion Register. The changes will require venues to use FRT to help identify people who have self-excluded and ensure those exclusions are effectively enforced. Whilst 2028 may seem some way off, venues using or considering FRT now...
Barringtons is proud to announce the expansion of our partnership with Leagues Club Australia, strengthening our shared commitment to supporting Australia’s registered clubs. This next chapter builds on our longstanding relationship with Leagues Clubs Australia, combining our expertise to further support clubs through practical industry solutions, including Barringtons’ compliance, governance, and risk management services, alongside new industry-relevant,...
Building Stronger Clubs Through Training & Development! The club industry is changing faster than ever before. From navigating new workplace legislation to leveraging emerging technology, today’s club professionals are expected to take on a wide range of responsibilities, all while creating safe, welcoming spaces for their teams and members. At Be Trained, we believe the...
Across Australia, clubs are rethinking how they approach staff training and for good reason. Rising levels of burnout and ongoing retention challenges are prompting venues to shift away from traditional, time heavy qualifications towards smarter, more adaptable learning models. The result? A stronger, more capable workforce and workplaces where people want to stay. Gone are...
