In one instance, anti-domestic violence advocacy group White Ribbon accepted a $50,000 donation from the Fairfield Hotel, contingent on the pub being allowed to acquire more pokies despite research showing the relationship between gambling and family violence. White Ribbon later backtracked about the donation.
The Community Benefit Payment Scheme is a vast improvement on these underhanded arrangements. It has taken the power away from gaming venues in deciding who benefits by having an independent committee select who receives funding. It has also allowed community groups greater freedom to support or oppose an increase in pokies at local venues without being conflicted by the opportunity to gain funding.
But it has flaws. While the 10 poker machines remain at the Hurlstone Park Hotel indefinitely, under the scheme, funding for CECAL, despite its demand, finishes in 2026.
Wesley Mission warns there’s also no evaluation by the government of how funding from the scheme is spent. So while success stories like CECAL exist, it is impossible to know if that is always the case.
An evaluation might also reveal services worthy of continued funding even after the scheme’s money expires. Highlighting that even if good comes from the scheme, it is difficult to see it as anything more than lip service from the government.
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