What advice, documents, briefings or correspondence, if any, has the Minister had regarding the misspending of money that should have gone to communities, by Pokie Trusts, by title and date, and does she have confidence in Department of Internal Affairs officials oversight of the sector?

Answer

I have received the following advice by email from Department of Internal Affairs officials regarding financial compliance in the class 4 gambling sector: 8 March 2026 – Title Withheld 12 March 2026 – Title Withheld 27 July 2026 – Class 4 financial compliance guidance 21 August 2026 – An update on the gambling financial compliance work 7 September 2026 - Proposed press release about financial compliance in the class 4 sector Yes, I have confidence in the Department’s oversight of the class 4 gambling sector. I am assured that the Department is taking appropriate steps to ensure gambling societies comply with their obligations regarding the use of net proceeds. This includes holding individual societies to account where issues are identified, taking regulatory action where appropriate, prioritising the return of funds to affected community groups where possible, and providing updated guidance to support compliance with regulatory requirements.