Review of the Registered Clubs Industry in NSW - Clubs NSW

3 Understanding the social contributions of the registered
clubs industry
3 Understanding the social contributions of the
registered clubs industry
In line with its terms of reference, IPART examined the contributions the registered
clubs industry makes to social infrastructure and services, and to employment and
economic opportunities in NSW. However, in recognition of the fact that other
industries provide similar services and generate similar economic opportunities to
the clubs industry, and the fact that registered clubs impose some costs on the
community, IPART also considered the broader question of whether the clubs
industry makes a net positive social contribution that justifies it receiving
government support.
To answer this question, IPART compared the provision of sporting facilities and
other community services in NSW with that in other states where clubs have
historically been much less significant. Its findings suggest that NSW clubs have a
small positive impact on participation rates in sports, make larger contributions to
charity, and are used by many more social members than clubs in other states. NSW
clubs also provide considerable intangible social benefits that are difficult to quantify
in a consistent and reliable way but should not be ignored.
IPART also examined the available evidence on the social costs that the clubs
industry imposes on the community. It found that the rates of problem gambling
and per capita expenditure on gambling in NSW are slightly higher but still
comparable with the rates in other states where clubs operate significantly fewer
gaming machines. It also found that clubs do not affect the total amount of gambling
in NSW, but may influence the form of gambling and where it occurs.
On balance, IPART concluded that the registered clubs industry’s net social
contribution is positive. On this basis, IPART considers it appropriate for the NSW
Government to provide support to the industry, to help ensure the industry’s
financially viability so that clubs can continue to contribute to positive social
outcomes in the state.
The sections below discuss IPART’s:
analysis and findings on the nature of clubs’ social and economic contributions
analysis and findings on the social benefits and costs associated with the
registered clubs industry in NSW
recommendations for enhancing clubs’ social and economic contributions.
Review of the Registered Clubs Industry in NSW IPART 41