Advocacy & policy

Key policy positions

ClubsACT advocates for a strong, sustainable and progressive club industry that can continue to deliver meaningful economic, social and community benefits across the ACT. Our advocacy is focused on four key areas:

1. A Sustainable and Viable Club Industry

ClubsACT supports a regulatory and operating environment that enables clubs to remain financially sustainable, competitive and responsive to changing community expectations.

We advocate for balanced, evidence-based regulation that recognises the unique not-for-profit model of Canberra’s clubs and allows them to continue investing in their people, facilities, members and communities.

2. Diversification, Development and Economic Growth

A sustainable future for clubs requires the ability to evolve.

ClubsACT advocates for planning, development and investment settings that enable clubs to diversify their operations, unlock the potential of their land and assets, and explore new opportunities including hospitality, accommodation, housing, aged care, recreation and community infrastructure.

Supporting responsible diversification strengthens individual clubs while contributing to jobs, investment and economic activity across the Canberra region.

3. Community, Sport and Social Impact

Canberra’s clubs provide much more than hospitality and entertainment. They are community hubs, sporting facilities, meeting places, employers and significant supporters of local organisations and initiatives.

ClubsACT advocates for greater recognition of the social and economic value generated by the club industry, including its contribution to grassroots sport, community organisations, charitable initiatives, social connection and accessible community facilities.

Policy decisions affecting clubs should recognise and protect this broader community contribution.

4. Responsible Gaming and Evidence-Based Reform

ClubsACT supports effective harm-minimisation measures and a responsible, sustainable approach to gaming regulation.

We advocate for reforms that are evidence-based, practical and developed in genuine consultation with industry, community and government.

ClubsACT supports initiatives that strengthen player protection and responsible gambling while recognising the importance of ensuring regulatory change is proportionate, achievable and does not create unintended consequences for clubs, their employees or the communities they support.

Submissions archive

ClubsACT actively represents the interests of our members and the broader club industry through thoughtful, evidence-based submissions on the issues that matter most. Our submissions draw on the experiences and expertise of member clubs, industry professionals and community stakeholders to ensure the sector’s voice is clearly and constructively represented.

Where possible, we collaborate with other industry associations and trusted partners to develop informed, practical and unified responses. By sharing knowledge and working together, we strengthen our advocacy and help shape policies that support a sustainable club industry and positive outcomes for the Canberra community. This archive provides transparent access to our submissions and demonstrates our ongoing commitment to open, collaborative and solutions-focused engagement.

Submissions

ACT Budget Submission

Club Industry Independent Inquiry 2025

ClubsACT Consolidated Booklet on Submissions

Municipal Services Submission

Night Time Economy Submission

Community advocacy
ClubsACT advocates not only for community clubs, but for the broader Canberra community that clubs help support every day. Through ongoing engagement with government, industry, and community organisations, ClubsACT works to strengthen funding, opportunities, and long-term sustainability across grassroots sport, arts and culture, disability inclusion, multicultural communities, youth engagement, workforce development, and social connection initiatives.

Community clubs are often the backbone of local communities — providing safe and inclusive spaces where people gather, volunteer, celebrate, play sport, access support services, and build lasting connections. ClubsACT actively advocates for policies and partnerships that recognise this wider social value, ensuring clubs can continue investing millions of dollars each year back into community programs, sporting organisations, cultural events, charities, and local initiatives across the ACT.

ClubsACT is also committed to supporting workforce pathways, inclusion, accessibility, and stronger community wellbeing outcomes by working collaboratively with education providers, government agencies, charities, sporting groups, and community leaders to help create a more connected, resilient, and inclusive Canberra.

Government engagement
ClubsACT works closely with all levels of government to ensure the voice of Canberra’s club industry is heard, understood and represented in the decisions that shape our city and our communities.

As the peak industry body for licensed clubs in the ACT, we provide a strong and coordinated voice on the policy, regulatory and economic issues affecting our members. Through ongoing engagement with Ministers, Members of the Legislative Assembly, government agencies and key decision-makers, we advocate for practical and sustainable outcomes that support a strong and progressive club industry.

Our engagement extends beyond regulation. We work to ensure government understands the broader contribution clubs make to Canberra — as employers, community hubs, sporting and recreational facilities, hospitality venues, supporters of local organisations and significant contributors to the ACT economy.

By bringing government and industry together, ClubsACT helps create opportunities for constructive dialogue, informed policy development and collaboration on the issues that matter to clubs and the communities they support.