IMPORTANT NOTICE: A Declared State of Disaster is currently in place across Victoria. For more information, see: COVID-19 information for licensees
IMPORTANT NOTICE: A Declared State of Disaster is currently in place across Victoria. For more information, see: COVID-19 information for licensees
Clubs that earned revenue from gaming machines between 1 July 2019 – 30 June 2020 need to provide us with an audited Community Benefit Statement (CBS) by 30 September 2020 as required by the Gambling Regulation Act 2003 (GRA).
As this is set in legislation we cannot change or extend the deadline for clubs to submit their CBS. This is still required to be submitted by 30 September 2020.
Given it is a legislative requirement for clubs to submit this document, we have consulted with the Department of Justice and Community Safety, who have advised that individuals can attend a venue to access any documents required to fulfil this responsibility. Those travelling to and from the office will be required to carry a work permit - see: Permitted workers scheme – COVID-19
We do understand the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has had a significant impact on clubs. If your club believes it is not able to lodge an audited CBS by 30 September 2020 due to issues associated with COVID-19, we request you notify us in writing prior to this date and explain the issues you faced. We will take any notifications received into consideration when determining what regulatory action is appropriate.
Our Statement of Regulatory Intent outlines our enforcement approach in response to COVID-19, see: Statement of Regulatory Intent
As outlined in the GRA, clubs which have not lodged their CBS on time will pay the tax at the pub licence level until this is lodged. Again, this is set in legislation we are unable to vary or change this. Clubs should lodge their CBS with us at the earliest opportunity to ensure they do not experience a taxation impact when your venue reopens.
Club venue operators will need their login name and password to lodge the CBS through our online lodgement system. This information can be found on the letter sent to venue operators on 6 July 2020. For those unable to locate that letter, you can email us to get this information. There is also an option to post your CBS to us.
To lodge your CBS, see: Community Benefit Statement
