Does the Minister believe that the trustees of pokie trusts should be held responsible for the misspending of funds that should have gone to communities, and if so, will she explore options to recover funds from trustees and not just the trusts themselves?

Answer

I am advised by the Department of Internal Affairs (the Department) that corporate societies that are licensed to conduct class 4 gambling (pokies) can take a variety of forms. For example, they can be incorporated societies, charitable trusts or not for profit companies. Whatever the form, all societies, and those who run and govern them, must ensure they are meeting their statutory obligations when it comes to returns to communities. I expect the Department to hold societies accountable where funds have been misspent, and I am encouraged to see that happening as well as the recovery of community funds. Decisions about liability are for the Department to make as the gambling regulator.