Penrith Rugby League Club Limited
Inquiry into Penrith Rugby League Club Limited pursuant to section 41X of the Registered Clubs Act 1976
This page also includes other information outside of the section 41X inquiry concerning investigations into Penrith Rugby League Club Limited.
In 2003, the Director of Liquor and Gaming [the Director] commenced an investigation in the operations of the Penrith Rugby League Club Limited [the Club].
One component of the Director's investigation included an independent inquiry conducted by Mr Temby AO QC. Whilst Mr Temby provided a report on his findings to the Director in December 2004, the remainder of the investigation was not finalised until March 2006.
The Director issued the following Notice of Determination on 1 March 2006:
The Director considers there is sufficient evidence to support complaint proceedings against the Club under section 10(1)(I) of the Registered Clubs Act 1976, which provides:
A club shall keep correct accounts and books in respect of the financial affairs of the club showing the particulars usually shown in accounts and books of a like nature.
However, and after careful consideration of the potential financial implications facing club members and the community in general, together with the remedial action taken by the club, the Director has decided not to commence complaint proceedings in the Licensing Court of NSW.
On 1 March 2006, the Director served a compliance notice on the Club's secretary. The compliance notice requires that the Club strictly complies with the provisions of section 10(1)(I) of the Registered Clubs Act 1976 in future.
Further, that the compliance notice be circulated to all directors of the Club and that it be presented as an agenda item at the next board meeting with any discussion arising to form part of the minutes. The Club has been further advised that it will be the subject of ongoing monitoring and a thorough audit by special inspectors during 2006.
Background
The Director of Liquor and Gaming appointed Ian Temby QC under section 41X of the Registered Clubs Act 1976 to preside over an inquiry into certain allegations about improper or corrupt conduct in relation to the Penrith Rugby League Club Limited.
The allegations concerned:
- the aborted Board election of March 2002
- changes effected to the Club's constitution in 2002
- information given to members of amalgamating clubs as to their voting rights
- information given to the Board of the Club as to those voting rights
- knowledge as to the remuneration package of Roger Cowan, the Club's secretary
- knowledge as to the financial dealings between Phyro Holdings Pty Ltd and the Club, and
- whether the club has been run in good faith for the benefit of all members or whether it has been to a large extent, run by and for the benefit of Roger Cowan, his family and close associates.
Report - Inquiry in relation to Penrith Rugby League Club Limited (PDF 5.3mb)- conducted by Ian Temby AO QC - December 2004