Former ACT Greens minister Emma Davidson has alleged senior public servants failed to brief her on matters in her own portfolio.

In correspondence released this week, Ms Davidson said she twice raised concerns with Head of Service Kathy Leigh within an eight-week period in 2022 that the Community Services Directorate was briefing the wrong minister, Rachel Stephen-Smith MLA, or not briefing her at all, on youth justice and child protection matters.

Independent MLA Thomas Emerson told the Estimates Committee the allegations suggested Ms Leigh may have withheld information during Estimates hearings when, under oath, she denied receiving complaints about senior public servants failing to follow administrative arrangements or appropriate reporting lines.

“These are serious allegations warranting independent investigation,” Mr Emerson said.

“The integrity of public institutions is core to their effectiveness. These allegations risk undermining public trust in the ACT Government and in our democratic institutions…”

He has referred the matter to the Public Sector Standards Commissioner and asked the committee to consider whether Ms Leigh’s evidence could amount to contempt of the Legislative Assembly.

Ms Davidson claimed that while acting minister during Ms Stephen-Smith’s overseas trip, the director-general of the Community Services Directorate, Catherine Rule, did not inform her of a child’s death until she requested a briefing, even though the directorate had updated Ms Stephen-Smith, who was abroad.

She told Ms Leigh that failing to inform the acting minister was unacceptable and made government appear dysfunctional; the problem was systemic, Ms Davidson alleged. Ms Davidson said that nothing changed after her complaints, except that Ms Rule often cancelled meetings with her.

Ms Davidson also alleged that the Community Services Directorate did not inform her that the contract for a youth justice therapy program was ending without new funding starting, despite her desire for the service to continue.

She said she sometimes learned more from the media than from her own directorate.

Ms Leigh said her recollection was that Ms Davidson had raised frustrations with a particular area of the directorate, not complained about senior staff.

She said she answered the Committee’s questions honestly and to the best of her recollection.

Chief Minister Andrew Barr MLA said he had confidence in Ms Leigh.

“Our public servants provide professional advice to the ACT Government of the day and deliver high-quality services to Canberrans. They are a valued and important part of democracy in the ACT.”

Inquiry into clubs sector

The ACT Government has appointed an independent panel to lead an inquiry into the long-term sustainability of the clubs industry.

The inquiry aims to develop a 20-year roadmap for the transition. It will consider alternative revenue streams for clubs; changing regulations and tax settings; training workers; and community uses of club-owned land (affordable housing, aged care, supported accommodation). Its report is due early next year.

Annette Kimmitt AM, former CEO of Victoria’s Gambling and Casino Control Commission, will chair the inquiry.

ClubsACT welcomed the launch of the inquiry, which the industry proposed before last year’s election, but CEO Craig Shannon criticised delays in appointing the panel; the inquiry was already two months behind schedule.

Gaming reform minister Dr Marisa Paterson MLA said that the inquiry would reduce reliance on revenue from poker machines. The government aims to reduce machines to 1,000 by 2045, and last month reduced the number to 3,500 machines.

“Poker machines cause serious harm to individuals, families and the broader community,” Dr Paterson said.

The 2024 ACT Gambling Prevalence Survey found that 15.8 of ACT residents — more than 58,000 people — were harmed by gambling, most often from poker machines. Young men were disproportionately affected. Two-thirds of respondents wanted the number of electronic gaming machines in Canberra reduced.

“We will continue to closely collaborate with clubs as they diversify their revenue, support their workforce and ensure they remain strong, community-oriented organisations,” Dr Paterson said.

Mr Shannon, however, said that gaming revenue was not the focus, and warned that reducing gaming revenue without relief would push many Canberra clubs further into deficit, as poker machines subsidise their operations.

He warned that the inquiry must map a way for clubs to continue funding community sports and community organisations, and providing facilities for community use — otherwise, government would be required to fund them.

He also said that government could not cut revenue streams while still taxing clubs at the same level, and that tax changes might be needed to ensure their survival.

“Government cannot expect to decimate clubs’ revenue streams and still empty the pockets of clubs for tax revenue while they are suffering diminishing returns of income,” Mr Shannon said.

Mr Shannon called for the inquiry to map out a clear pathway to long-term sustainability and spell out the cost to government and the community if clubs failed.

“Sadly, you may notice clubs more when they are no longer there if a sustainable future isn’t possible, and we don’t think that will be a good thing for Canberra or its future generations.”

Zoning changes to Ainslie Football and Social Club site approved

The Territory Plan has been amended to redevelop the Ainslie Football and Social Club site.

Part of the land around Alan Ray Oval will be rezoned from Parks and Recreation to high-density residential and mixed use, enabling 200 to 400 new dwellings.

The Legislative Assembly Standing Committee decided not to hold an inquiry into the proposed change.