The Minns Labor Government has refused to rule out a tax hike on community clubs despite promising not to introduce any new taxes ahead of the 2023 state election.

Shadow Minister for Gaming and Racing Kevin Anderson said it’s yet another broken promise that will have a devastating impact on communities particularly across regional NSW.

“Clubs are the beating heart of rural communities as an important meeting place to socialise and stay connected,” Mr Anderson said.

“They play a crucial role in supporting people through tough times, as we’ve seen in places like Broken Hill and Lismore in recent times in the wake of natural disasters.” 

The Minister for Gaming and Racing refused to rule out a tax hike, even for smaller clubs, when asked about it by Mr Anderson in question time today. 

“It’s disappointing the Minister could not rule out a potential increase especially after Labor campaigned on a platform of ‘no new taxes’”, Mr Anderson said.

“This is yet another broken promise from Chris Minns, and another sign his Government’s broken gaming policy is going absolutely nowhere.”

Six months on from the release of the Independent Panel on Gaming Reform’s ‘Roadmap for Gaming Reform report, the Government is still yet to respond, raising concerns about the future of gaming in NSW.

“It’s clear the Minns Labor Government has no interest and no urgency when it comes to delivering the gaming reform agenda it committed to at the last election,” Mr Anderson said.

“After two years of delays, rhetoric, inaction, and distraction, we’re still no closer to genuine gaming reform, and the community, and the industry have been completely left in the dark.”