Community Benefit Fund access increased for Northern Territory local sporting clubs and community groups

The Northern Territory Government is introducing legislation to allow Community Benefit Fund (CBF) grants to be used for capital works on NT Government-owned assets operated by community organisations and sporting clubs.

NT Minister for Racing Marie-Clare Boothby said the Gaming Control Amendment (Community Benefit Fund) Bill 2025 responds to calls from not-for-profit organisations across the NT who were previously blocked from accessing grants due to outdated accounting restrictions.

Minister Boothby noted “Territorians want local sporting clubs and community groups supported, not bogged down in bureaucracy, and that’s exactly what this Bill delivers.

“The changes will ensure local sports clubs and community groups get the support they need without being held back by unnecessary rules, because we promised Territorians a year of action, certainty and security.”

The CBF is funded by 10% of monthly profits from pokies in pubs, hotels and casinos across the NT. This money is returned to the community each year through grants that support not-for-profit services, events, leisure activities, vehicles and research.

In 2021, Labor removed the ability for community groups and sporting clubs on NTG land from access to this important support.

Minister Boothby added “this reform will allow eligible organisations to once again apply for CBF grants to improve the facilities they operate out of, where Territorians gather, play sport, and access services, with clear oversight and accountability in place.”

The amendment ensures:

• Strict compliance with accounting standards is maintained.

• Grants can only be used where the asset is being used by a not-for-profit group delivering community services.

• The Department of Infrastructure and Logistics will oversee, but not directly manage, the capital works to ensure quality standards are met.

“These are local sports clubs and groups making a difference in people’s lives – and we’re backing them. Whether it’s a sporting facility, aged care service, or cultural hub, this change helps get things fixed faster and services delivered more effectively,” said continued Minister Boothby.

“We’re delivering practical, community-focused outcomes and rebuilding trust in the way government supports the Territory’s vital not-for-profits.”