The former secretary of Belmore Bowling & Recreation Club has been convicted and banned from the industry after being found guilty of embezzling money, spending some of it on poker machines.
In January 2023 Liquor & Gaming NSW (L&G) received a complaint from a member of the public alleging that club secretary Steven Brissett had defrauded the Club through various means.
L&G began an investigation before learning that the matter had also been reported to Campsie Police, and the regulator’s enquiries were suspended pending the outcome of the criminal investigation.
Within days the Club suspended Brissett’s employment. He had served as secretary since 2018.
The police investigation found he had embezzled a total of $11,734 from the club during the years 2020 to 2023. Of this, $2,000 was gambled through poker machines.
In May 2024 Brissett was convicted of the charge ‘embezzle as clerk or servant >$5000 & <$15,000’ and sentenced to a two-year community corrections order*.
Earlier this year L&G resumed the matter and lodged a disciplinary complaint with the Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority (ILGA), speculating that due to his offending and conviction Brissett is not a fit and proper person to act as secretary of a club, under section 57F(3)(g) of the Act.
ILGA has now handed down its decision, per the Registered Clubs Act 1976, declaring Brissett ineligible to stand for election, be appointed to, or hold office as a secretary or board member of any registered club in the state for the next decade.
Jeff Loy, Chair of the Disciplinary Matters Committee, made special mention that the timeframe demonstrated a willingness to abuse his position for personal gain and “a consistent disregard for ethical obligations”.
“Mr Brissett engaged in multiple instances of fraudulent behaviour over a number of years,” noted Loy.
“The conduct was not an isolated lapse in judgement but appears to be part of a sustained pattern of dishonesty and misconduct.”
Dimitri Argeres, L&G A/Executive Director Regulatory Operations reiterated the point and says the governing body will not tolerate such behaviour.
“Club members expect their money to be managed honestly and responsibly, not stolen or gambled away,” Argeres said.
“L&GNSW will act where misconduct is identified to uphold integrity in the club sector and protect the interests of members and the wider community.
“Club officials who abuse their position will face serious consequences for breaking the law.”
The 10-year ban is reportedly one of the strongest industry sanctions available, and separate to the criminal consequences. Argeres notes its application reflects the seriousness of the offending.
Located around 15 kilometres west of the Sydney CBD, Belmore Bowls has been serving its local community since 1926.
*A Community Corrections Order (CCO) is a non-custodial sentence in New South Wales that acts as an alternative to imprisonment for offenses that are too serious for a fine or lesser penalty but do not warrant full-time jail.
