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 income streams. The key takeout is a proposed cut of around 74% of all gaming machines by 2045.
So what could change? The timing obviously is the variable that will be under the most pressure, especially when sections of Labor are calling for a national approach to gambling.
What this means is that Boards should be strategizing now for growth in other areas. Again, adherence to strong governance and compliance remain key. It is the response today that will influence the future.
| WHAT THIS ASKS OF YOUR BOARD
An independent panel has told government, in writing, that capability uplift must come before revenue reduction. When transition support is allocated, the clubs best placed to argue for it will be the ones that can evidence what they have already done on governance and leadership capability — not the ones starting the conversation then. |
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