The ACT government has appointed former CEO of Victoria’s Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC), Annette Kimmitt, to chair the independent inquiry into future of the ACT clubs industry.
Kimmitt brings extensive experience in gambling regulation and reform, having led strategic and operational transformation at the Gambling and Casino Control Commission to improve Victoria’s gambling industry.
Joining Kimmitt on the panel will be John Body from consultancy firm, ThinkPlaceX, and Bobbi Campbell from Synergy Group, which secured the contract to form the inquiry panel following a competitive open tender process.
“I am enthusiastic about leading this inquiry and recognise the important role clubs play in the social fabric of Canberra, supporting local jobs and grassroots sport,” Kimmitt said.
“Reducing gambling harm at ACT clubs will have a positive impact on the entire community. I look forward to meeting with representatives from the clubs industry and other stakeholders over coming months as we develop a plan for clubs to transition away from reliance on gaming revenue.”
The independent inquiry will explore practical strategies to help clubs transition to a sustainable future without relying on poker machine revenue. This will include working with clubs to develop an industry transition plan, outlining alternative income streams and workforce transition strategies. The inquiry will be guided by the terms of reference, which were released in April 2025. Talks with the clubs sector and other stakeholders are slated to begin shortly.
Minister for Gaming Reform Marisa Paterson restated the inquiry is about “supporting clubs to remain places of connection and belonging”, while also reducing the harm of poker machines. The ACT government has committed to reducing gaming machines to 1,000 by 2045.
“While the ACT government will pursue a sustained reduction in access to machines over the next 20 years, it is imperative that harm-reduction measures are implemented in venues in the short term,” she said.
“The ACT government is progressing exciting work that will see the introduction of account-based gaming in venues to reduce the harm that is caused through a range of measures.”
ClubsACT CEO Craig Shannon has welcomed the delayed announcement on the successful tenderers to conduct the clubs inquiry.
“Given the timeline for the conduct of the inquiry is already now two months behind the original proposal, we will be seeking an extension of the timeframe to allow it to be an effective, robust, and detailed Inquiry allowing contributions from clubs and other stakeholder groups,” he said.
“It was the club’s industry that originally proposed this Inquiry to all Assembly parties in the lead up to the last election, so we are thrilled its finally getting off the ground. The outcomes of this process should allow an more evidence-based policy process by government going forward.”
Shannon stressed that the inquiry must focus on the broader social and economic role of clubs, not just gaming revenue.
“If the community wants clubs to continue to fund community sports, community organisations and provide facilities for community use, this inquiry needs to map a way for that to happen,” he said.
“Otherwise, government will be required to fill the breach and will be required to fund these things directly in the absence of our industry that will very likely not exist as it currently does.”
He also warned against unrealistic expectations on the sector’s finances.
“Government cannot expect to decimate Clubs revenue streams and still empty the pockets of Clubs for Tax revenue while they are suffering diminishing returns of income. Many clubs are already budgeting deficits in the ACT as the cost of doing business and the cost of living continues to bite hard. Machine gaming revenue cross subsidises many clubs and sustains them,” he said.
“If the government wants to directly intervene to remove club sustainability there will be a price to paid in terms of the ACT budget. As we go forward, we will expect that tax changes will be required to allow clubs the capacity to keep going as revenue decreases due to government decision making.”
The panel expected to deliver its final report to the government by mid-2026.