NCOSS Welcomes Independent Gaming Panel and ClubGRANTS Review

NCOSS WELCOMES INDEPENDENT GAMING PANEL AND CLUBGRANTS REVIEW

Peak social services body NCOSS has welcomed the NSW Government’s announcements of the Independent Gaming Panel, and that it will review the ClubGRANTS Scheme in its entirety.

NCOSS CEO Joanna Quilty said she was pleased to be invited to sit on the Independent Panel for Cashless Gaming Trial.

“NCOSS’ role on this Independent Panel will ensure that the needs and interests of our most disadvantaged communities are front and centre,” Ms Quilty said.

“We know that pokies do their most harm within our disadvantaged communities – and it’s incumbent upon us all to address this issue.

“Cashless gaming can enable and support proven harm reduction measures that give people more control over their behaviour, and prevent the devastation that gambling wreaks on individuals, families and communities.

“NCOSS looks forward to playing a constructive role on the Panel, contributing to and oversighting the Cashless Gaming Trial.”

Ms Quilty also welcomed the review of the ClubGRANTS Scheme after years of advocating for an overhaul.

“The ClubGRANTS Scheme lacks strong governance and oversight, it doesn’t adequately manage conflicts of interest, and it doesn’t meet community expectations for a taxpayer-funded grants program,” Ms Quilty said.

“It is pleasing to see this progress.

“We’ll keep a close eye on the review which needs to be fair, open and transparent to address long-standing community concerns about the disproportionate influence of Clubs on the distribution of taxpayer funds intended to help the most vulnerable.”

Media contact: Billy Briggs | 0474 697 235

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