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Inquiry into the ACT clubs industry

Summary

The Independent inquiry into the future of the ACT clubs industry will examine how clubs can diversify their revenue streams and reduce reliance on gambling revenue. It will be guided by a terms of reference.

The panel that will oversee the inquiry was formed on 22 August, 2025. It is expected the inquiry will deliver their findings and recommendations for the ACT Government’s consideration, by mid-2026.

The Independent Inquiry Panel consists of:

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

The Inquiry Panel will engage extensively with the ACT Clubs sector and other interested stakeholders and key aspects of the inquiry scope include:

  • development of an industry plan to transition away from gambling revenue
  • financial sustainability, business activity, and workforce skill requirements, support and retraining
  • the economic and social contribution of clubs, directly and through support provided to other organisations as part of club community contributions, and how to minimise any negative impact arising from club industry transition
  • opportunities to facilitate beneficial use of club-held land such as by enabling its redevelopment for affordable housing, aged care and supported accommodation.

For general queries about the inquiry process email actclubsinquiry@thinkplace.com.au.

Participate in the inquiry

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.

Facilitated by specialist co-design facilitators with a strong track record of conducting open, authentic, empathetic and respectful processes that bring industry and community voices to the design of policy and programs.

The focus of this co-design process is to:

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

All co-design workshops will respect the privacy of participants. Attendee names and details will not be published, and views and ideas expressed during the workshops or interviews will not be attributed to a person, business or organisation, except if required by law.

There will be 5 roundtables held in this phase including, 3 in December 2025 and 2 in January 2026. Interested participants only need to attend one roundtable in this phase.

You can register to attend on a date that suits you.

3

Validation

February to March 2026

The validation phase will include the final series of roundtables and the opportunity to respond to the second consultation paper. On completion of the engagement phases, the panel will prepare their final report to Government by mid-2026.

You can read media releases about:

Documents