A former Sydney secretary of Belmore Bowling and Recreation Club has been banned from holding any governance role in a registered club in NSW for 10 years after being convicted of embezzling funds.
Steven Brissett, who served as club secretary from 2018 to 2023, was convicted in May 2024 of fraud offences after a police investigation found he had embezzled $11,734 from the club, including spending $2,000 on poker machines. He received a two-year community corrections order.
Subsequently, Liquor & Gaming NSW (L&GNSW) lodged a disciplinary complaint with the NSW Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority (ILGA), which declared Brissett ineligible to stand for election, be appointed to, or hold office as a secretary or board member of any registered club in the state for the next decade under the Registered Clubs Act 1976.
“The conduct was not an isolated lapse in judgement but appears to be part of a sustained pattern of dishonesty and misconduct,” ILGA disciplinary matters committee chair Jeff Loy detailed in his disciplinary decision about Brissett.
“The repeated instances demonstrate a consistent disregard for ethical obligations and a willingness to abuse his position of authority for personal gain.
“Mr Brissett’s criminal conviction indicates he lacks the requisite honesty, integrity and ethical standards required to be considered a fit and proper person to hold the role of club secretary. His conviction raises significant concerns about his ability to act in a manner that is consistent with the ethical expectations of the industry, particularly in roles that involve financial management and decision-making.
“In consideration of all the circumstances of this complaint, we are of the view that disciplinary action is warranted.”
L&GNSW acting executive director of regulatory operations Dimitri Argeres said the sanction reinforced the seriousness of the misconduct.
“Club members expect their money to be managed honestly and responsibly, not stolen or gambled away,” he said.
“Club officials who abuse their position will face serious consequences for breaking the law.”
Argeres added the 10-year ban is among the strongest sanctions available.
“L&GNSW will act where misconduct is identified to uphold integrity in the club sector and protect the interests of members and the wider community,” he said.