Page 2931 - Week 08 - Wednesday, 15 August 2018
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clubs are directed to surrender funds or spend them in particular ways. How will this group survive? What will happen to the members if they lose their regular get-togethers?
Another example is a local music group who, even on conservative estimates, will see a $4,000 increase in costs if they lose the support of community clubs. This group exists to share a love of music with each other and with the community. They regularly perform at nursing homes, retirement villages and a range of Canberra events, even government-run free events. If changes to the community contributions scheme go ahead, it is likely that membership fees will need to be increased and, for many, participation will become unaffordable. Again, let us remember that this music group does not operate to compete or win tournaments. Instead it is a fun outlet for its members who provide the community with free music and entertainment. Why would the government want to jeopardise that?
The local hockey club helping young athletes progress to state and national representative sides, the social dancing group that provides such an important social and physical outlet for older Canberrans, the music group out entertaining our community, these three groups are only a small sample of the stories. I have heard from Probus clubs, special interest associations that run social events, rugby clubs, football clubs, music groups, choirs, tennis clubs, cricket clubs, golf courses, crafters and gamers, and the list goes on.
As the shadow minister for sport and recreation I implore this government to stop and to listen. Stop the attack on community clubs. Let go of what happened in 2016 when some of these clubs dared to speak out against you, and instead listen. Listen to the community consultation. We on this side of the chamber certainly have been. Mr Parton and I have received so many letters and thousands of contacts via social media about this issue. Just today an e-petition on this issue reached 1,000 signatures. The community are united on this issue and they want you to leave this scheme alone.
Sure, tighten up the governance. Make clubs report more directly about where contributions go. But at the end of the day this is club revenue. Clubs pay their taxes and they pay plenty of them. This is club revenue generated from club members. Let them decide how to spend it. Let them determine the local clubs and groups that they want to support.
Stop and listen. If you will not even do that, I think it is only fair that you promise the people of Canberra that you will make up for the shortfall. If you attack this scheme by taking much needed funds from grassroots sport and recreation and instead give it to the Chief Minister’s pet project and charitable fund, be sure to make up the shortfall. Let us refresh ourselves on the maths here. Community clubs provided $11.9 million last year in community contributions. That is 400 per cent more than this government. Community clubs helped more than 1,000 sporting groups, recreation groups and community organisations. That is 1,600 per cent more than this government. I want to hear a commitment that you will make up the difference so that the sport and recreation community does not suffer.
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