Bert Van Manen (Forde, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

Along with my two colleagues on the other side of the chamber, I have for many years enjoyed playing the world game. The member for Moreton and I enjoy a social game down on the Senate oval most weeks. It is a little concerning. Like the member for Herbert, I find it very difficult to support this motion because I have not heard any complaints in the over 20 years I have played this game with a number of clubs, including a number of premier league clubs. Certainly not since commencing my current role have I had any complaints from local football clubs or parents. My son too plays in a local football club. It has certainly not been a topic of discussion. Costs have certainly been a topic of discussion, but by far the biggest part of registration costs are for insurance.

The Queensland football licensing scheme has been in force for about the past 30 years. It has allowed clubs to invest more in the junior level of the sport. As my colleagues have noted, it has also been a successful arrangement for clubs nationally. Other sports have also taken advantage of these schemes. The board of Football Queensland continue to view this as a valuable arrangement that allows the organisation to obtain funds from goods or necessities purchased by their members and affiliates that can then be invested into the sport. It also provides funding for a professional administrative organisation.

I readily admit that Football Queensland is not perfect, but what sporting organisation is? It does a fantastic job, with currently 330 clubs across Queensland and also a few in Northern New South Wales. It has a turnover of some $4 million per annum. It also employs 20 people on a full-time or part-time basis in its head office at Mount Gravatt. It is a non-profit organisation, so all of the funds it raises through sponsorship, fees or other things are reinvested into the growth of the world game in Queensland and Northern New South Wales. This scheme has been tried and tested and has provided great investment in local football clubs and has provided lower fees and costs. It not only benefits up-and-coming players and their families but, through the tight control and regulation of the supply of quality apparel, provides a worthwhile additional revenue source for Football Queensland.

This motion intimates that Football Queensland has not been proactive in expanding the range of products available to the clubs. That is actually not the case. Over the past four years the number of suppliers has more than doubled, from six to 13. This indicates to me that Football Queensland is looking to provide an increasing range of options for clubs. The list of suppliers ranges from internationally recognised brands, such as Nike and Adidas, to local suppliers, such as Living Edge Designs and Apparel in Brisbane.

It is important to note that, despite the context of this motion from the member for Oxley, this arrangement was approved by the ACCC in July 2008 and it was based on information provided by Football Queensland at that time. It also followed consultation with a number of clubs randomly selected by the ACCC. The member for Oxley is correct that the current arrangement is again being reviewed by the ACCC, but it is important to note that Football Queensland have sought to cooperate with the ACCC in this review. They believe they have provided all the information that is required and they are more than happy to provide more information if the ACCC wishes them to do so. I spoke this afternoon with the CEO of Football Queensland in that respect. (Time expired)

Debate adjourned.

Sitting suspended from 20:50 to 21:0 2

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