24 November 2009
Ms Pam Glossop
CEO Bowls WA 1st Floor
158 Main Street
OSBORNE PARK WA 6017

Dear Pam

Re: Proposed Levy on Non Capitated Bowlers

I am writing to express my concern with Bowls WA’s intention to “tax” all non capitated bowlers in WA. The purpose of this tax is to fund another Development Officer to be appointed by Bowls WA.
Do we need another Development Officer? I can not see a single benefit at our club as a result of an initiative of the Development Officer.

The best way to develop bowls in W.A.is through the existing clubs structure and the work of their existing network of volunteers. These are the people who created and drove the corporate and social bowls revival of our sport.
This proposed levy on our social bowlers appears to be little more than a cash grab which further threatens the financial viability of our clubs.

Corporate and social bowlers have become the lifeblood of many club’s financial wellbeing. Any tax is a deterrent to participation and therefore a negative to all clubs financial standing. How does this enhance the development of bowls?

I observe in your “budget” figures for this new Development Officer that you have allowed $56,000 for salary and $7,200 for leasing a car. There are no figures for insurance, fuel, licensing, tyres or servicing of the vehicle.
Surely the true cost of a motor vehicle is nearer to $20,000 p.a. Combined with superannuation, this new Development Officer will cost around $80,000 p.a. Is this a good use of our funds? I think not!

In the past 12 months we have seen Bowls WA introduce fines for smoking, drinking and sitting on the bank. We see State Representatives paying $400 for the “privilege” of being selected, and we are told we can not play pennants if it gets too hot. (How did we bowlers survive before these rules were introduced?)

I urge Bowls WA to stop this obsession with money and the over regulation of our sport. We need to encourage club volunteers to continue the superb job they are doing. They will do it far better than any Development Officer could hope to and at no cost to Bowls WA, our clubs, or to our precious social and corporate bowlers.

Doubleview will resist attempts to implement this negative imposition on our operations, and call on all other clubs to support us in this resistance.

PATRICK BULLER
President
Doubleview Bowling Club