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Inquiry into the ACT clubs industry

Summary

The Independent inquiry into the future of the ACT clubs industry has concluded its work. The Inquiry Panel has presented its final report to the ACT Government.

You can read the final report.

The Independent Inquiry ran from 22 August 2025 to 22 May 2026. It was established to examine how clubs can diversify their revenue streams and reduce reliance on gambling revenue.

The Inquiry was guided by a terms of reference. You can read the terms of reference.

The Independent Inquiry was led by a Panel of experts consisting of:

  • Chair: Annette Kimmitt AM
  • Member: John Body, Partner, ThinkPlaceX
  • Member: Bobbi Campbell, Partner, Synergy Group

The Inquiry Panel engaged extensively with the ACT Clubs sector, gambling harm reduction advocates and other interested stakeholders.

For general queries about the inquiry process email LRGPolicy@act.gov.au.

Inquiry stages

1

Discovery

September to November 2025

The discovery phase focused on:

  • understanding the benefits clubs provide to the community
  • considering the challenges and opportunities for clubs in transitioning away from reliance on gambling revenue.

During the discovery phase, the panel received feedback through:

  • in-person and online roundtables with stakeholders
  • responses to a consultation paper and survey, which were open for eight weeks.
2

Co-design

December 2025 to January 2026

Co-design is a way to tackle complex challenges by involving a wide range of people in creating solutions – especially those most affected by the outcome. The process brings together people with personal experience of (or connection to) the issue, along with others who can contribute valuable insights.

By seeking this diversity of stories, views, ideas and advice, the end-result is more strongly connected to the real needs and priorities of businesses, communities and people.

The focus of the co-design process was to:

  • play back what has been heard in the Discovery phase to hear different perspectives on this including opportunities, risks and gaps
  • consider ideas to inform the development of an industry transition plan.

There were 5 roundtables held in this phase including, 3 in December 2025 and 2 in January 2026.

3

Validation

March to April 2026

The validation phase included the opportunity to respond to a discussion paper.

This discussion paper was an interim report which summarised what had been heard and proposed recommendations to support the future of ACT clubs.

Stakeholders and the community had the opportunity to:

  • review the Inquiry's findings and proposals
  • provide a submission and feedback to the Inquiry Panel.

The Inquiry Panel also engaged individually with key stakeholders during this phase.

Documents