The Minns Labor Government’s plan to trial cashless gaming and its review of the ClubGRANTS scheme has been tossed further into the long grass following today’s Budget Estimates.

Shadow Minister for Gaming and Racing Kevin Anderson said the community was hoping for progress on the issue, but today’s hearing leaves it looking like just another broken Minns promise.

“Implementing a trial for cashless gaming was a key election commitment of NSW Labor, but now it is clear it has fallen off the priority list,” Mr Anderson said.

“I’ve held strong concerns that the Minns Labor Government was attempting to kick the issue down the road. I’m troubled that the Minister was unable to provide any real detail today and was foreshadowing delays beyond the November deadline they set themselves.

“It seems the Minns Government is about to break another promise, which is deeply disappointing for advocates, the industry, and the community; and leaves pubs and clubs across NSW facing an indeterminate period of uncertainty - unable to invest in their business with any confidence.

“It’s also troubling that the Minister could not provide any timelines for the ongoing review into ClubGRANTS, meaning community groups who rely on this funding have also been left in the lurch.

“Charitable organisations, not-for-profit community groups, and community-based sporting organisations rely on ClubGRANTS to remain viable and to upgrade their infrastructure, and today those groups are left with more questions than answers.

“Today’s estimates hearing is a clear example that the Minns Labor Government is out of touch with grassroots community organisations, and needs to do more to support them.