Released 22/08/2018
ACT clubs will continue to have the capacity to support local sporting groups and community organisations, as the Government announced that the existing community contribution funding will not be reallocated.
“Following a review of the current community contributions scheme, as recommended by the Auditor-General earlier this year, the Government has acknowledged the role that local clubs play in supporting their communities and we will preserve clubs’ right to allocate the existing 8 per cent scheme,” Minister Ramsay said.
“Despite the scaremongering, the Government undertook an engagement process with clubs on the scheme with a view to ensuring that contributions were transparent and directed at those that need it most.
“What was clear is that the community needs more, rather than less, out of the community contributions scheme. We will be looking to increase the required amount of contribution, and a portion of that additional amount will go to the Chief Minister’s Charitable Fund to ensure funding is available to even more community groups.
“Over coming months, I will announce the Government’s full suite of changes to make the scheme work better for the people of the ACT, maximising the benefits to the community.
Rules will be tightened around what can be claimed as a community contribution under this scheme to make sure that claims are in line with community expectations.
These changes will be informed by careful consideration of what the objectives of the scheme are, and who it should benefit. We must seriously consider whether sports clubs paying for their own operating costs would be better funded by revenue from outside the amount dedicated to supporting the community.
“The Government will also be considering changes to improve the transparency of payments made under the scheme, and particularly to make it easier for the public to see who has received community contribution funds.
“These reforms will put Canberrans at the front and centre of the community contributions scheme, and the Government is committed to making this happen before the end of the calendar year,” Minister Ramsay said.
- Statement ends -
Gordon Ramsay, MLA | Media Releases