Tuesday 16 February 2010

CLUBS TAX THREATENS LEAGUE

The State Labor Government’s regime of clubs tax increases, which started in 2004 and has continued with a sequence of stepped up rises, is threatening the future of rugby league, Shadow Minister for Hospitality and Tourism George Souris said today.

"The community is now suffering under the weight of cumulative impacts,"

Mr Souris said.

"As the National Rugby League trial season gets underway, it does not come as a shock to learn that licensed clubs have had to cut back contributions to league to such an extent that leagues clubs themselves are finding it difficult to get all grades on the field for the season, including juniors’ support," he said.

Mr Souris said the NSW Liberals & Nationals have been supporting clubs and rugby league for a long time.

"We are concerned that any damage done to the sport takes years to repair, if it can be at all.

"The NSW Liberals & Nationals are working closely with clubs to develop a Memorandum of Understanding that will encompass all aspects of clubs governance.

"It will also recognise their worth in our community and the importance we place on the NSW heartland sport of rugby league.

"It’s one thing for Ms Keneally to play touch footy for the cameras, but it’s time she started doing the hard yards on policy to actually help the game," Mr Souris said.