SOUTH SYDNEY JUNIOR RUGBY LEAGUE CLUB LIMITED v FC of T
Members:J Block DP
Tribunal:
Administrative Appeals Tribunal
MEDIA NEUTRAL CITATION:
[2006] AATA 265
J Block (Deputy President)
Part A - Introduction and background
1. The decision under review is the disallowance (by notice dated 25 October 2004) by the Respondent of an objection dated 20 April 2004 by the Applicant against assessments of tax for the years ended 30 June 2001, 2002 and 2003, and also against an amended assessment for the year ended 30 June 2000. Those four tax years are collectively referred to as the "Relevant Years"; individual years are referred to by reference to the actual years involved.
2. The Applicant was represented by Mr. R.L. Hamilton and Mr. B.L. Jones of Counsel instructed by Ms L Sherif of Pigott Stinson Ratner Thom, solicitors. The Respondent was represented by Mr. S.W. Gibb, SC and Mr. M Richmond of Counsel instructed by Mr. Michael Donohoe of the Australian Government Solicitor.
3. The Tribunal had before it the T Documents lodged pursuant to s 37 of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 1975 together with Exhibits as follows:
| Exhibit A1: | An expert report dated 18 August 2005 by Mr D Meredith, a partner in BDO; |
| Exhibit A2: | An affidavit by Mr Meredith dated 24 February 2006; it includes three annexures marked A, B and C respectively; |
| Exhibit A3: | An affidavit by Mr FJ Cookson dated 14 November 2005 the president and a director of the Applicant. That affidavit is very lengthy; it runs to 38 pages and 177 numbered paragraphs. The affidavit itself must be considered in conjunction with the exhibits which are referred to in the affidavit proper as "FJC". The exhibits proper are contained in two large volumes separated by tabs. The first volume contains tabs 1 to 31 inclusive but excluding tabs 7 and 15 which are separately contained in a second and equally large volume. Tab 7 in the second volume contains a book by Ian Heads entitled "The Juniors: The Best for the Best"; published in 2000. Tab references contained in these reasons are references to the exhibits to Exhibit A3; |
| Exhibit A4: | The 47th Annual Report (2004-2005) in respect of the Applicant; |
| Exhibit A5: | A card in respect of Mr. Cookson indicating he is a life member of the Applicant; and |
| Exhibit A6: | A circular entitled "South Sydney District Junior Rugby League Club Limited: Play Rugby League 4 Free; Our Juniors Our Future". |
| Exhibit R1: | An affidavit dated 8 December 2005 by Mr TJ Vella of Horwath; |
| Exhibit R2: | An extract for the Applicant's website dated 27 February 2006 and headed "Holiday Resorts - Una Voce"; and |
| Exhibit R3: | Another extract from the Applicant's website dated 28 February 2006 entitled "Home & Business Loans". |
4. The Tribunal was furnished with Statements of Facts and Contentions and also written submissions by each of the parties. Furthermore and on the third of three hearing days, the Tribunal received a document entitled "Respondent's Comparison of this case with Cronulla-Sutherland and St Mary's", coupled with a document entitled "Applicant's activities during Relevant Years"; those two documents are referred to in these reasons as the "Comparison" and the "Activity Summary" respectively.
5. Clauses 1 to 6 inclusive of the Respondent's outline of submissions are introductory in nature. They deal both with the relevant legislation and also with the manner in which, in accordance with relevant case law, an entity should be characterised for the purposes of para (c) of Item 9.1 in s 50-45 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 ("the 1997 Act"). It is common cause that the special conditions set out in s 50-70 of the 1997 Act were complied with. Put in brief terms, the Applicant will be entitled to succeed in respect of the Relevant Years if its main purpose was the encouragement of rugby league. The Applicant will not be entitled to succeed if its main purpose was the pursuance of other activities or where the other activities and the encouragement of rugby league were equally important. Those introductory clauses provide so useful a survey of the applicable law that they are included in these reasons as follows:
"Introduction:
1. The question for decision is whether the income of the Applicant for the years ended 30 June 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2003 is exempt from income tax, by operation of s50-1 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 (Cth) (ITAA 1997). The answer to that question turns upon whether the Applicant falls within paragraph (c) of Item 9.1 in s50-45, which relevantly identifies as an exempt entity:
'a …club established for the encouragement of:
…
(c) a game or sport;…'
The proper construction of this item, and whether the facts fully found fall within it, each involve a question of law[1]
“The Waratahs” at 415 (Waddell J); Rugby Union Club Ltd vFederal Commissioner of Taxation (1979) 37 FLR 413 at 395-396. Collector of Customs vAgfa-Gevaert Limited (1996) 186 CLR 389 2. The corresponding provision of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 (Cth) (ITAA 1936) is s23(g)(iii). Section 50-45 of the ITAA 1997 was inserted by the Tax Law Improvement Act 1997 (Cth) s3 and Sch 1 Item 11, with effect from 1 July 1997. Explanatory memorandum material for that section may be found in the Explanatory Memorandum, Tax Law Improvement Bill 1997, in particular, in Ch. 9. Part B of that Chapter contains a statement that the exempt income provisions of the Bill would not change the legal effect of the corresponding provisions of the ITAA 1936. This means that the earlier case law is still of relevance to the interpretation of s50-45, at least so far as the present form of the exemption corresponds with the previous form[2]
Section 23(g)(iii) refers to “ the income of a… club that…is established for the encouragement or promotion of a game or sport”. .3. The section was further amended by the Taxation Laws Amendment Act (No. 3) 1998 (Cth) s3 and Sch 3 Item 14, with effect from 23 June 1998. Explanatory Memorandum material for that amendment may be found in the Explanatory Memorandum, Taxation Laws Amendment Bill (No. 3) 1998, in particular, in Ch. 3. In essence, the amendment was to enable the section to 'catch up' with the ITAA 1936, under which, to remain eligible for the exemption, it was necessary to meet an extended set of special conditions. These are now to be found in s50-70 of the ITAA 1997. They are that the club is not carried on for the purpose of profit or gain to the individual members, and that it has a physical presence in Australia, and to that extent, incurs its expenditure and pursues its objectives principally in Australia. There is no issue between the parties that the Applicant satisfied each of these special conditions in the relevant years of income.
4. The history of this exemption, from its origins in earlier legislation and its amendment from time to time down to its present form, has been fully discussed in the cases[3]
See . Addressing its present form, the noun 'encouragement' ordinarily means 'the act of encouraging', and the verb 'encouraging' ordinarily means 'stimulate by assistance, approval, etc.'. 'Encouragement', both in theory and in practice, could occur by a number of means, including, directly, by the entity itself forming, preparing and entering teams in competitions in the relevant game or sport, or itself organizing or conducting such competitions, or else, indirectly, by the entity giving financial and other kinds of assistance in the promotion of the game or sport by other entities which, themselves, encourage the game or sport directly. The words 'game' and 'sport' also carry their ordinary meanings, and there can be no doubt that rugby league football is both a 'game' and 'sport' in ordinary parlance. The word 'game' would include games such as bridge and euchre, whereas it is doubtful whether old time dancing would be regarded as a 'game' or 'sport', but activities such as TAB betting, playing poker machines, art, the study of French, or photography could scarcely be regarded as a 'game' or 'sport' in ordinary parlance.(Senior Member Roach); Grand United Port Macquarie West Bowling Club vFCT (1989) 20 ATR 4125 at 4125–4126(Hill J); Cronulla Sutherland Leagues Club Ltd vFederal Commissioner of Taxation (1989) 20 ATR 1404 at 1416–1417per Beaumont J and at 118-119 per Foster J (dissenting); AAT Cronulla Sutherland Leagues Club Ltd vCommissioner of Taxation (1990) 23 FCR 82 (FFC) at 108–109(paras. 21–22) (Deputy President McMahon); AAT Case 6793 (1991) 22 ATR 3073 at 3078–3079(Member Katz); and Case No 8635 (1993) 26 ATR 1009 at 1009 and at 1011–1014(para. 7) (Senior Member Pascoe). Northern Suburban Club Inc vFederal Commissioner of Taxation (1999) 42 ATR 1111 at 1113How the Applicant should be characterised for tax exempt purposes:
5. In determining the purposes of an entity, one considers its objects as stated in its founding document, as well as its activities subsequent to formation[4]
. Specifically, in relation to the corresponding exemption in the ITAA 1936, it has been held that one has regard to its constitution, its activities, its history and its control at the relevant time[5] at 444, 446, 448, 450 and 452 (a case on s23(e) of the ITAA 1936). Royal Australasian College of Surgeons vFederal Commissioner of Taxation (1943) 68 CLR 436 Cronulla Sutherland Leagues Club (FFC) at 95 per Lockhart J. ; further, that although the intentions of the promoters may be relevant in determining the purpose for which an entity is incorporated, it is necessary to look at its actual activities at the relevant time[6]ibid., at 116-117 per Beaumont J. ; and that one is not concerned with the motives or ultimate aims of the founders of the entity[7]Royal Australasian College of Surgeons at 452. There is some discussion in later judgements of the High Court of the relevance, if any, of subjective motives and intentions of the promoters of co-operative companies referred to in s117 of the ITAA 1936: see . Financial information, and an analysis of it, will also be relevant in determining the character of an entity in a relevant year[8]at 651 and A & S Ruffy Pty Ltd vFederal Commissioner of Taxation (1958) 98 CLR 637 at 455, 453, 463 and 467-468, which discussion was considered in Cronulla Sutherland Leagues Club (FC), at 98 per Lockhart J and at 116 per Beaumont J. The relevance, if any, of such matters appears to have been due to the fact that s117 required attention to be paid to whether a company “is established for the purpose of carrying on any business having as its primary object or objects one or more of the following…”, rather than, as with para. (c) of Item 9.1, whether it possesses a particular character at a particular time. Brookton Co-Operative Society Limited vFederal Commissioner of Taxation (1981) 147 CLR 441 , although not, of itself, determinative of that character. at 287 (Hill J). St Marys Rugby League Club Ltd vCommissioner of Taxation (1997) 36 ATR 281 6. The question whether an entity has a particular character (is a club established for the encouragement of a game or sport) depends upon the main purpose of the entity[9]
Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, at 444, 447, 448, 450 and 451; Cronulla Sutherland Leagues Club (FFC), at 92 per Lockhart J, at 117 per Beaumont J and at 123 per Foster J. , not that of some other entity, with which it may have an association or connection. The main purpose of an entity is a question of fact. Most difficulties with this concept have arisen where, as here, the entity conducts activities other than the encouragement of a game or sport, such as social or commercial activities. Where those activities are merely ancillary or incidental to the encouragement of a game or sport, the main purpose of the entity will still be that encouragement[10]See Cronulla Sutherland Leagues Club (FFC), at 95 per Lockhart J. . But if the main purpose of the entity is or becomes the carrying out of those other activities (as ends in themselves), the entity will not be exempt. Nor will it be exempt if it is, or continues to be, involved in a game or sport to a substantial degree, but is, or continues to be, equally involved with those other activities[11]ibid. . So, the fact that a sporting club also encourages social and other activities does not, of itself, preclude the club from being exempt. However, an entity which is primarily engaged in commercial transactions, even if for the purpose of raising funds for the benefit of an associated entity, which entity is a club established for the encouragement of a game or sport, is, itself, only indirectly or incidentally conducive to the encouragement of a game or sport: the former may not, for that reason alone, be characterized as one established for the encouragement of a game or sport, merely because this may be the main purpose of the latter. An approach to characterization of an entity, such as a Leagues Club, which approach regards the manner in which surplus funds are utilised by the club as the real test of the application of the exemption, has been authoritatively rejected[12]This was Foster J’s approach in his dissenting judgement in Cronulla Sutherland Leagues Club (FFC). However, both Lockhart J, at 91, and Beaumont J, at 117, in rejecting that approach, referred to the observations of Rich J in Royal Australian College of Surgeons, at 447, to the effect that the fact that benefits may result for others (in that case, surgeons; in this scenario, another entity such as a football club) does not detract from the intrinsic character of the entity to be characterized. . So, the policy of a Leagues Club to maximize the surplus and to enable the Leagues Club, by making donations, to support another separate legal entity, a Rugby League Football Club, has been held to be insufficient to characterize the Leagues Club in question as established primarily for the encouragement or promotion of football; its main purpose was held to be that of carrying on a social club for the benefit of its members[13]Cronulla Sutherland Leagues Club (FFC), at 98. , or the provision of the facilities of a licensed club for its members and visitors[14]ibid., at 117. , not the encouragement or promotion of football[15]ibid., at 98 and 117. . Also, in characterizing an entity for present purposes, while the absence of a legal obligation upon the entity to support a game or sport may not be fatal, the fact that the entity could appropriate its surplus funds to a purpose inconsistent with the encouragement of a game or sport may be a significant matter. Further, while such clubs may have "intra-clubs", all or some of which may be established for the encouragement of a game or sport, the nature and extent of the participation of the membership in these intra-clubs is unlikely, in many cases, to have a great deal of weight in the proper characterization of the club whose tax exempt status is under consideration[16]Cronulla Sutherland Leagues Club (FFC), at 97 per Lockhart J. . In arriving at a conclusion about an entity's status, material such as its constituent documents, promotional material concerning its activities, and published reports such as annual reports, will be of relevance.…"
6. The most important case authority in this area is Cronulla-Sutherland Leagues Club v Commissioner of Taxation. It was heard at first instance by Hill J (reported as
Cronulla-Sutherland Leagues Club v Federal Commissioner of Taxation (1989) 89 ATC 4936 and in which his Honour denied the application for an exemption. His decision was affirmed by the Full Court (reported as
Cronulla-Sutherland Leagues Club v Commissioner of Taxation (1990) 23 FCR 82) by majority (Lockhart J and Beaumont J, Foster J dissenting). The Applicant recognised (and see clause 22 of its written submissions) that it is necessary if it is to succeed that its case be distinguishable from Cronulla-Sutherland. As noted by Hill J in
Terranora Lakes Country Club v Federal Commissioner of Taxation (1993) 25 ATR 294 at 296, Cronulla-Sutherland "authoritatively laid down the test to be applied".
7. Hill J was as, I have noted, the judge at first instance in Cronulla-Sutherland. Hill J also, and apart from Terranora, decided
St Mary's Rugby League Club Ltd v Commissioner of Taxation (1997) 36 ATR 281. It is in these circumstances that the Comparison referred to previously in these reasons was particularly helpful.
8. The similarity of a number of relevant entity names is such that a glossary is needed. Accordingly, the following abbreviated names are used in these reasons:
- • The Applicant (sometimes referred to as "the Club") refers to the Applicant in this matter;
- • "Junior Football League" refers to South Sydney District Junior Rugby Football League Limited, a company limited by guarantee;
- • "The Rabbitohs" refers to South Sydney District Rugby League Football Club Limited, also a company limited by guarantee; and
- • "The Sporting Association" refers to South Juniors Sporting Association Limited, also a company limited by guarantee.
9. It may be noted that at this early stage that:
- (a) The Applicant is the owner of and manages and conducts a licensed club in South Sydney;
- (b) The Junior Football League is concerned with the administration of junior rugby league in South Sydney. The Applicant during the Relevant Years furnished the Junior Football League with significant financial assistance;
- (c) The Rabbitohs also received financial assistance from the Applicant in the Relevant Years but excluding the 2001 year when the Rabbitohs did not take part in the senior competition. This latter statement is subject to some qualification because the evidence as to financial assistance to the Rabbitohs in the 2001 year was decidedly unclear; this aspect will be dealt with more fully later in these reasons;
- (d) The Sporting Association was described as an entity controlled by the Applicant; that description was not altogether apt in that the Sporting Association is also a company limited by guarantee. However it was controlled in the sense that the boards of directors of the Applicant and the Sporting Association were the same. The Sporting Association was referred to by Mr. Hamilton as akin to a treasury arm although he agreed that its function could have been carried out by the Applicant itself. The evidence revealed that the Sporting Association was constituted some years ago as a company limited by guarantee which borrowed substantial sums from the Applicant and deposited the amounts so borrowed so as to derive interest. An exemption was granted by the Respondent to the Sporting Association conditionally upon its devoting all (and not part only) of its income to rugby league. Mr. Cookson in his evidence said that it was formed and constituted on accounting advice because of the tax advantages thereby conferred.
- (e) There is another similarly named entity which is also relevant. The South Sydney Leagues Club Limited (referred to in these reasons as the "Other Licensed Club") runs a licensed club which resembles the Applicant's licensed club except that it was not and is not nearly as extensive or as profitable. Indeed, the Other Licensed Club could, had it only had the means, have supported the Rabbitohs; it is precisely because it could not do so that the Applicant made significant contributions to the Rabbitohs. A proposal to acquire the Other Licensed Club was referred to in the 2001 President's Report of the Applicant, and which was in turn referred to in clause 9.2 of Exhibit R1 as follows:
"…
9.2 In the 2001 President's Report [Annual Report pages 2-3] there is a discussion of a proposal to acquire the South Sydney Leagues Club Limited;
'Your Board of directors has recently decided that it is time to diversify our Club interests. We propose, with the sanction of our members, to acquire the South Sydney Leagues Club Limited (Souths Licensed Club) at Redfern subject to certain legal requirements and special conditions. These will include reciprocal membership although the Souths Licensed Club will be under the total control of our Board of Directors.
We believe the South Sydney Leagues Club, including freehold property, which has an approximate unimproved capital value of $12 million will provide a valuable asset. The Club currently trades at a significant loss due to extensive interest and capital payments on loans. If members approve, it is out intention to discharge the Souths Licensed Club debts using our own resources, completely upgrade the gaming facilities and improve other areas. Upon doing so and with the expertise of our aggressive Management Team we envisage a significant profit is achievable. Your Board of Directors thus request you that vote for special resolution to this issue which requires the support of the majority of members in attendance, at an extraordinary general meeting which will be conducted immediately following the conclusion of our Annual General Meeting.'
The General Manager comments [at page 5 of the 2001 Annual Report]:
'….if this purchase does go ahead you can be assured that it will give the members of the club some exciting possibilities for the future.'
...
10. Mr Cookson's evidence was that in respect of the proposed acquisition by the Applicant of the Other Licensed Club, the Applicant's members approved the acquisition in general meeting but the members of the Other Licensed Club did not, and accordingly that acquisition did not proceed to completion.
11. Oral evidence was given by each of Mr. Meredith, Mr. Vella and Mr. Cookson. Mr. Meredith was not cross-examined at all. Mr. Vella was cross-examined to some slight extent and Mr. Cookson was cross-examined at some length. Their evidence will be dealt with in Parts B, C and D respectively.
12. It is convenient in this Part A to note that Mr. Hamilton objected to certain parts of Exhibit R1 on the basis inter alia that Mr. Vella was expressing opinions as to matters of law. A consideration of Exhibit R1 indicates that Mr. Vella has acted as the expert in earlier cases and that in preparing his report he referred to judicial comment which he considered relevant. Mr. Hamilton's objections were disallowed, as were objections by the Respondent (on grounds of relevance) to aspects of Mr. Cookson's statement Exhibit A3. In respect of all objections disallowed, the rights of the respective parties were reserved.
13. In brief opening remarks and before calling his evidence Mr. Hamilton advised the Tribunal:
- (a) The Applicant is through its constituent documents under the control of the Junior Football League. This is so because four of the seven directors (and thus a majority) must be nominated by the Junior Football League and during the Relevant Years all seven directors of the Applicant were nominated by the Junior Football League;
- (b) The Junior Football League which was at one stage unincorporated manages the Junior Football League in South Sydney. The Applicant was, so Mr. Hamilton said, born and conceived out of the Junior Football League;
- (c) Support for the Rabbitohs is necessary to ensure that there is a South Sydney senior team into which junior rugby league players in South Sydney can be promoted;
- (d) In contrast with Cronulla-Sutherland which distributed roughly 20 percent of its profits in respect of rugby league the Applicant in three of the four Relevant Years distributed between 70 to 80 percent of its profits to the Junior Football League and the Rabbitohs. The percentage was lower in respect of the year in which the Rabbitohs were not in the league. Moreover, the figures presented by the Applicant assume that the profit derived from the sale of certain land should not be treated as a profit for these purposes;
- (e) Mr Hamilton referred to the Sporting Association, as I have indicated, as a "kind of treasury";
- (f) Mr Hamilton said also that the South Sydney Bowling Club, an entity referred to in the papers was not of much relevance and was referred to only for the sake of completeness;
- (g) Mr Hamilton noted that in respect of the year ending 30 June 2004 the Respondent by ruling granted a tax exemption to the Applicant under the relevant statutory provision and that since there was no change in the nature of its activities from the Relevant Years to the 2004 year, I should take account of this factor in favour of the Applicant. (That allegation was disputed by the Respondent.); and
- (h) Put in short at this stage, Mr Hamilton said that this case was indeed distinguishable from Cronulla-Sutherland. He said moreover that the activities of the Sporting Association, although a separate legal entity could and should be treated as part and parcel of the activities of the Applicant.
14. Clause 24 of the Applicant's written submissions indicates that the Applicant contends that "the crucial factual differences between the present case and Cronulla-Sutherland " are :
"24. …
- (a) Control - the Applicant Club has at all times, by reason of the terms of its Articles, remained under the control of the Junior Football League who appoint four out of the seven directors (see Art. 21.2 at Tab 13 FJC1). Further, the evidence is that all seven directors of the Applicant Club throughout Mr. Cookson's 30-year tenure as a director have been elected from a ticket nominated by the Junior Football League (oral evidence);
- (b) direct financial support - the nature and extent of the Applicant's involvement in sporting activities through the provision of financial support to the junior and senior football clubs of between 70% and 80% of its net profit (in 3 out of the 4 years) in direct financial support (cash) with the principal focus on junior rugby league (Cookson, para 78FF Tabs 15 and 16 FJC1, Meredith para 6.1.3, Vella para 5.3 and 5.6); and
- (c) non-cash support - the Applicant Club has provided extensive additional support to the Junior Football League, in particular with an annual market value in excess of $425,000.
…"
Part B - The evidence of Mr Meredith
15. Mr Meredith was asked whether he wished to correct anything in Exhibit A1. He said that although his experience as referred to in Exhibit A1 was correct at the time when it was made he has since completed his Master's Degree and has embarked on a doctorate. He said also that he wish to amend clause 6.1.3 of Exhibit A1 by deleting the words "and its controlled entity" in the second line.
16. Clause 5 of Exhibit A1 reads as follows:
"5. Methodology
5.1 In forming my opinion as to the proportion of net profit before tax and donations ( 'NPBT&D' ) devoted to donations to the Junior Football League, Senior Football Club and other sporting clubs and sporting and charitable groups by the Applicant for each of the years of income in dispute, I determined the NPBT&D for each of the income years in dispute by using as a starting point the profit from ordinary activities before income tax expense ( 'PBT') for the Applicant, being the Parent Entity, for each of those years, as shown in the audited statement of financial performance and adding to the PBT the amount of donations expense shown in the audited financial statement of performance of the Applicant.
5.2 The PBT of the Applicant for each of the income years in dispute, as shown in the audited financial statements of the Applicant for each of those years (rounded to the nearest thousand dollars) are:
Year ended 30 June 2000 $ 201,000 Year ended 30 June 2001 $3,848,000 Year ended 30 June 2002 $1,056,000 Year ended 30 June 2003 $4,514,000 5.3 Total donations expense incurred by the Applicant in each of the income years in dispute, as shown in the audited financial statements of the Applicant for each of those years (rounded to the nearest thousand dollars) are:
Year ended 30 June 2000 $2,993,000 Year ended 30 June 2001 $1,232,000 Year ended 30 June 2002 $2,884,000 Year ended 30 June 2003 $2,926,000 5.4 I determined the amount of donations devoted to the Junior Football League by the Applicant through reference to the audited financial statements of the Applicant and its controlled entity and the notes thereto for each of the income years in dispute. The amounts so determined (rounded to the nearest thousand dollars) are:
Year ended 30 June 2000 $1,000,000 Year ended 30 June 2001 $ 783,000 Year ended 30 June 2002 $1,838,000 Year ended 30 June 2003 $1,870,000 5.5 I determined the amount of donations devoted to the Senior Football Club by the Applicant through reference to the information referred to in item 4.1.5 of my report. The amounts so determined (rounded to the nearest thousand dollars) are:
Year ended 30 June 2000 $1,650,000 Year ended 30 June 2001 Nil Year ended 30 June 2002 $1,000,000 Year ended 30 June 2003 $ 500,000 5.6 I determined the amount of donations devoted to other clubs or sporting groups or charitable groups by the Applicant for each of the income years in dispute by deducting from the total donations expense listed in item 5.3 of my report, the aggregate of donations devoted by the Applicant to the Junior Football League and the Senior Football Club, as listed in items 5.4 and 5.5 of my report. The amounts so determined (rounded to the nearest thousand dollars) are:
Year ended 30 June 2000 $343,000 Year ended 30 June 2001 $449,000 Year ended 30 June 2002 $ 46,000 Year ended 30 June 2003 $556,000 5.7 In order to provide the information contained in the section of my report dealing with the level of direct financial support provided by the Applicant to the Junior Football League (section 6.2), I referred to the audited financial statements and notes thereto of the Junior Football League for the years ended 30 June 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2003.
5.8 In order to provide the information contained in the section of my report as to the value of "in kind" support provided to the Junior Football League (section 6.3), I referred to the annual reports of the Applicant and its controlled entity, including the audited financial statements and notes thereto, for the years ended 30 June 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2003.
6. …"
17. Exhibit A2 was completed by Mr Meredith after he had considered Exhibit R1, Mr Vella's expert statement. It was completed in particular because he had determined that in the 2001 year the Applicant made no contribution at all to the Rabbitohs whereas Mr. Cookson in a letter to the Respondent seeking a private ruling (Annexure C to Exhibit A2) had claimed that in that year 14.84 percent of profits was donated to the Rabbitohs.
18. Mr. Meredith referred in particular to T p44 which dealt with the manner in which surplus funds were utilised. He said that T p44 dealt with donations as a percentage of available profits. Exhibit A2 was executed in order to explain why certain percentages contained in Exhibit A1 differed from those set out in the application for a ruling. He went on to say that although the denominator figures differed, the numerator figures were the same but with one exception. He did not, relying on public documents, reflect any donation to the Rabbitohs in the 2001 year. He said that there was in this regard some confusion and that Exhibit A2 was intended to resolve the discrepancies. (I note at this point that the parties in referring to the T documents cited both the document number and the page number; thus e.g. T17-284 appears in the Comparison. Since the pages were numbered sequentially a reference to the page number alone is sufficient and this is the methodology adopted in these reasons.)
19. Mr. Meredith was asked why in his calculations (and see in particular Annexure A to Exhibit A2), "members facilities\expenses" were reflected as if there were two components in that presumably the cost of members facilities would figure as part of those expenses. His answer was that he could not explain because the schedule was taken from a file prepared by someone else in BDO and before he became a partner in BDO. That other person is apparently no longer with BDO. When it was put to him that the cost of members facilities would have been included in operating expenses he answered that "I would have thought so". He went on to say that the reference to the expenses in respect of members facilities might include the cost of maintaining the boat (a reference to the catamaran).
20. Counsel for the Respondent did not ask Mr. Meredith anything at all in cross-examination; that there was no cross-examination is in the circumstances understandable.
Part C - The evidence of Mr Vella
21. Mr Vella's evidence was, by agreement between the parties, taken after that of Mr Meredith but before that of Mr Cookson.
22. Exhibit R1 is a lengthy and comprehensive statement by an accountant who has through his participation as an expert witness in cases in this area clearly gained considerable expertise and experience.
23. Mr Vella's comments on Mr Cookson's statement (Exhibit A3) and in particular in relation to financial matters are contained in clause 4 as follows:
"4. Comments on the Cookson Statement
4.1 The Cookson Statement comments on various aspects of the Applicant's operations. Paragraphs 88 to 130 of the Cookson Statement set out the details of the various 'logistical and other contributions' that the Applicant provides to the junior Football League, in addition to the annual donations, during the Relevant Period. In these paragraphs, Mr. Cookson attributes a value to all, or most, of the services and facilities provided. Some detail of the calculations.
4.2 The Table behind Tab 18 of the Cookson Statement provided, in some, but not all, cases, some further detail of the calculations of the values put forward by Mr Cookson. However, there is no supporting documentation (vouchers, or other business records) provided. I have not been provided with any other documentation supporting the amounts stipulated. Accordingly, I are unable to form any views on the reasonableness or otherwise of the values attributed to the services and facilities provided by the Applicant to the junior Football League during the Relevant Period. I am able to say that the mathematical calculations in the table at Tab 18, are correct and that the amounts shown in the paragraphs which are drawn form the table are consistent with what is shown in the Table. For the purpose of the calculations set out in this report, I have assumed that the amounts set out in the table at paragraph 4.3 below can be supported by appropriate underlying documentation. My calculations may need to be amended in the event that the amounts cannot be so supported. I have taken account of the total of the values listed in the table below in my calculations in sections 6 and 7 below.
4.3 The alleged total value of services and facilities provided by the Applicant to the Junior Football League in each of the years in the Relevant Period is set out in the table below, based on the figures shown in the table at Tab 18:
Para of Cookson Statement Cash Non-cash Total 89 Staff/office staff[1] The calculation is based on current (2005) salary levels but the difference is unlikely to be material. 53,683 0 53,683 92 Maintenance staff 5,440 0 5,440 93 Drivers 17,118 0 17,118 94 Employment of players[2] No value attributed by Mr Cookson — in my view the cost would be offset by the benefit to the club. 0 0 0 102 Office and other rooms 0 75,000 75,000 103 Auditorium charge[3] While the “usual charge out rate is $1,650.00”, no cost is incurred unless the auditorium would otherwise be rented to a third party [I do not say that no benefit arises to the JFL]; 0 42,900 42,900 105 Stationery and printing 55,000 0 55,000 106 Accounting software[4] The cost is not material, but again, I assume the software is utilised by the Applicant in any event 8,796 0 8,796 107 Electricity 12,500 0 12,500 108 Telephone 19,100 0 19,100 109 Mobile telephones 12,000 0 12,000 114 Insurance 48,000 0 48,000 115 Audit and accounting fees[5] It is not explained why the cost increase by more than four times over the Relevant Period. 14,750 0 14,750 119 Transport 60,000 0 60,000 122 Cars 1,500 0 1,500 Alleged value of services and facilities provided by the Applicant to the JFL $307,769 $117,900 $425,787 4.4 It might be argued that some of these costs would be incurred whether or not the Applicant supported the Junior Football League. For example, the various personnel described at paragraph 89 of the Cookson Statement would likely have to be employed in any event. The rental cost is measured as the 'market value of the premises' but there is no cost involved unless the relevant space could and would otherwise be rented. I do not explore these issues.
4.5 Mr Cookson also refers to other 'contributions':
- (i) South Sydney Building & Training Company (' BTC ') [paragraphs 95-99] - it is not clear what costs were incurred during the Relevant Period. It appears that 'establishment costs' of $100,000 [paragraph 97] were incurred in 1998, outside the Relevant Period. Mr Cookson says 'the Applicant was the ultimate holding company of BTC'. A company search indicates that BTC is now deregistered and that it was wound up in or around 2002;
- (ii) land or capital owned or contributed by the Applicant [paragraph 110-113] - as I understand it, no cost was incurred by the Relevant Period. It is not clear when the 'commitment' described at paragraph 113 was made, or when it must be honoured;
- (iii) Erskineville Gymnasium [paragraph 123-125] - Mr. Cookson does not specify what are the 'costs associated with maintaining the Erskineville Gymnasium';
- (iv) Mascot Gymnasium [paragraph 126] - no indication was given of the timing or quantum of the contributions referred to;
- (v) pool facilities [paragraph 127] - it would seem that any incremental cost involved is negligible; and
- (vi) medical officer [paragraph 128-130] - there is no cash out involved; the 'cost' is the opportunity cost (if any) of the rental premises, which is not specified.
4.6 Mr Cookson does not seek to place any monetary value of the various aspects 'promotion of Rugby League through encouragement' described in paragraph 131-153 of his statement,
'Intra-CIubs'
4.7 At paragraph 26 of his statement Mr Cookson provides a schedule setting out the number of members of each 'Intra-Club'. Mr Cookson does not disclose the date to which the numbers relate. I reproduce that schedule below.
Art 95 Golf - Ladies 74 Bowling - Men's 79 Golf - Men 25 Bowling - Women's 26 Gym - Tuesday ladies' 37 Bowling - Ladies' Wed Night 15 Gym - Wednesday Ladies 54 Bowling - Ladies' Thurs Night 24 Gym - Tues Night Ladies 25 Bowling - Men's indoor 26 Gym - Men 30 Bowling - Mixed Thur Night 19 Karate 34 Bridge 111 Netball 38 Camera 12 Old Time Dance 95 Canasta 14 Rummy 11 Chess 25 Snowy 118 Cricket 29 Squash 114 Darts 12 Swimming 65 Euchre 19 Table Tennis 18 Fishing 83 Water Ski 45 French 10 4.8 The total number of members is 1,477, all of whom are members of the Applicant. If one assumes that there are no members who belong to more than one Intra-Club and that the numbers of members are unchanged over the Relevant Period, then the total membership represents the following proportions of the total club membership:
2000 2001 2002 2003 Number of Intra-Club Members A 1,477 1,477 1,477 1,477 Number of Club Members B 45,725 45,978 45,476 44,924 Percentage a ÷ b 3.2% 3.3% 3.3% 3.2% 2000 2001 2002 2003 Number of Intra-Club Members A 1,477 1,477 1,477 1,477 Number of Club Members B 45,725 45,978 45,476 44,924 Percentage a ÷ b 3.2% 3.3% 3.3% 3.2% The percentage is somewhat lower if those activities which do not constitute a 'game or sport' are excluded. As I understand it, those activities would be Art, Camera, Fishing[6]
See Terranora, at para 51. , French and old time dance. Is not clear to us what 'Snowy' means. Mr Cookson does not discuss what costs are incurred in operating the Intra-Clubs...."
24. Mr Vella's comments on Mr Meredith's report are contained in clause 5 of Exhibit R1 as follows:
"5. Comments on the BDO Report
5.1 The author of the BDO Report has been requested as follows[7]
Letter from Pigott Stinson Ratner Thom to Douglas Meredith of 5 August 2005. 'Could you please obtain the audited financial accounts of the applicant for the years of income in dispute and any earlier years which you consider to be relevant and prepare a report which specifies the proportion of the applicant and controlled entities' net profit before tax and donations are devoted to donations to the Junior Football League, the Senior Football League and any other clubs or sporting groups or charitable groups.
Could you also please obtain and examine the [audited] financial accounts of the Junior Football League [and if you consider it necessary, the Senior Football League] and report on the level of direct financial support provided by the applicant to the Junior Football League [and, if appropriate, to the Senior Football Club]. [If it is possible to discern from the financial accounts of the applicant the value of "in kind" support provided to the Junior Football League and the Senior Football Club, can you please include that in your report.]'
5.2 Paragraph 4.1.5 of the BDO Report makes reference to certain audit working papers that were provided to the author of the BDO Report. I have not been provided with copies of these working papers.
5.3 I have reviewed financial data shown in each of paragraphs 5.2 to 5.6 of the BDO Report. That data is summarised in columns A, C, E and G of the following table:
A 2000 B 2000 C 2001 D 2001 E 2002 F 2002 G 2003 H 2003 a $'000 % $'000 % $'000 % $'000 % Profit before tax b 201 3,848 1,056 4,514 Donations to JFL c 1,000 31% 783 15% 1,838 47% 1,870 2 5% Donations to SFL d 1,650 52% 0 0% 1,000 25% .500 7% Other donations e = b + c + d 343 11% 449 9% 46 I% 556 7% Total donations f = a + e 2,993 1,232 2,884 2,926 PBTD e ÷ f 3,194 5,080 3,940 7,440 Donations / PBTD 94% 24% 73% 39% PBTD = profit before tax and donations 5.4 Table 6.1.3b of the BDO Report recalculates the net profit before tax and donations for the 2003 year. In calculating the net profit before tax, the BDO Report deducts the profit from the sale of land on the basis that this is a significant and non-recurring item. On this adjusted basis the total donations represent 88.2% (rather than 39.3%) of the (adjusted) profit (before donations).
5.5 I have checked the data in the BDO tables referred to against the underlying financial statements of the Applicant from which it has been sourced by Mr Meredith and the data correctly reflects what is shown in those statements. Columns B, D, F and H of the above table summarise the calculations in the tables at each of paragraphs 6.1.1, 6.1.2 and 6.3 of the BDO Report. I have confirmed that these calculations are correct.
5.6 I observe as follows.
- (i) the calculations effected by Mr. Meredith are of total donations as a proportion of profit plus donations. This is the proportion which he has been asked to calculate. It is not clear why non sporting donations made by the taxpayer are relevant in determining the tax exempt status of the taxpayer. If the proportions are recalculated by reference to football donations only, the proportions are as follows:
A B C D E F G H 2000 2000 2001 2001 2002 2002 2003 2003 $'000 % $'000 % $'000 % $'000 % Profit before tax a 201 3,848 1,056 4,514 Donations to JFL b 1,000 31% 783 15% 1,838 47% 1,870 2 5% Donations to SFL c 1,650 52% 0 0% 1,000 25% 500 7% Total football donations d 2,650 783 2,838 2,370 PBTD e = a + d 2,851 4,631 3,894 6,884 Football Donations /PBTD d ÷ e 93% 17% 73% 34% PBTD = profit before tax and donations - (ii) Mr Meredith has been asked to 'prepare a report which specifies the proportion of the Applicant's and controlled entities' net profit before tax and donations devoted to [sport and charity]'. As I understand it, donations made by another taxpayer are not relevant to the tax status of the Applicant. Mr. Meredith does not, in any event, calculate these proportions in relation to the Applicant and its controlled entity, but only in relation to the Applicant. He does, however, at paragraph 6..2 and Appendix C deal with the total contributions by two entities together; and
- (iii) at Tab 41 of the Annexure to the Cookson Statement is a copy of a request for a private ruling in relation to tax-exempt status for the Applicant. No particular years of income are specified [the ruling subsequently issued - at Tab 40 to the Cookson Statement- relates to the 2004 year". The financial information included in the request[8]
At page 5 – I have not been provided with the supporting material [if any]. The document I have comprises only 13 pages] indicates certain proportions of 'surplus funds…' distributed for the 2001, 2002 and 2003 years. These proportions do not accord with those in the table at paragraph 5.3 above. I are unable to explain the differences. I note, for example, that there is shown, in the request, a donation to the Senior Football League of 14.84% of surplus funds/profit in 2001, but no donation at all was made to the Senior. Football League in that year.5.7 I refer to paragraph 5.1 above and to the request made to Mr Meredith to examine the financial accounts of the Senior Football League. I note the use of the words 'if you consider it necessary' and 'if appropriate'. Mr Meredith does not appear to have provided in his report any comment on the financial statements of the Senior Football League whereas he has examined those for the Junior Football League. There is no explanation offered.
5.8 Paragraph 6.2 of the BMO Report compares the level of donations received from the Applicant with certain financial information of the junior Football League. I have compared the data in Tables 6.2a and 6.2b with the underlying source documentation and confirm the data is correctly extracted. I agree with Mr Meredith's conclusion [at the foot of page 13] that the JFL is financially dependant upon the support in the form of donations' from the Applicant [unless financial support could have been obtained from another source]. I are not aware what, if anything, turns on this. I note the comments of Hill J in Cronulla-Sutherland [at page l7]:
'I accept without hesitation that the football club would not have survived, at least in the form of which it presently is, without the financial assistance which it obtained from the Applicant…but that fact tells nothing of the purpose for which in any year. the Applicant is established. The donations represented the result of the Applicant making a profit but could not be seen objectively as the sole business of the Applicant.' The same argument was made and rejected in the Waratah's case.
…"
25. Mr Vella was asked in examination-in-chief as to the fact that he had not been provided with working papers. He said that they had been provided about a week prior to the hearing but that they were unclear in a number of respects. In particular the working papers did not deal with the contribution (if any) to the Rabbitohs in the 2001 year.
26. As regards clause 8.14 of Exhibit R1 and in respect of depreciation schedules, Mr Vella received registers only "last Tuesday". He said that he did not consider that any detailed examination was worthwhile especially if the Applicant acknowledged the correctness of the last sentence of clause 8.14 of Exhibit R1 and which the Applicant did in fact acknowledge. The last sentence of clause 8.14 of Exhibit R1 reads:
"…
It would appear that the bulk of the items of plant and equipment are constituted by these items in the above listing which are not within the category 'land and buildings'.
…"
27. Mr Vella said that he saw Exhibit A2 only that morning and he was asked whether he had any comments. He answered that he attempted to compare the proportions of donations to net profits and that in particular he sought to compare them with the information contained in the ruling application letter. He said that his task was complicated by the fact that he did not know what members facility expenses were and "I can't take it further".
28. In cross-examination, it was put to Mr Vella that he was presented with audited accounts which had been signed off by the Applicant's auditors. He said that the disclosure of donations in respect of the 2001 year did not disclose the break-up of those donations.
29. Mr Vella was asked in relation to clause 4.4 of his report whether he could not agree that in respect of the premises provided to the Junior Football League there would be some cost and for example cleaning and electricity. He answered that there was not in fact a rental cost. When asked again about cleaning and electricity as examples, he answered that the whole question depended on whether there was some rental foregone and which would in turn depend on the actual market value.
30. Mr Vella agreed that as regards clause 5.4 of his report it would not be unreasonable to include as a non-recurring item, the profit derived from the sale of land.
31. Mr Vella agreed as regards clause 5.6(i) that some of the donations (eg, Olympic athletes, surf organisations) could be classified as sporting but that there were other donations to organisations which had no connection with sport of any kind.
32. Mr Vella agreed in relation to clause 6.11 that the quoted comment was made in the context of a proposed increase in the rate of gambling tax.
33. I do not think it necessary to deal in further detail with the evidence of Mr Vella. As indicated previously he has over a number of years gained a considerable degree of expertise and experience in this comparatively narrow field. He made concessions where it was proper for him to do so. His evidence was acceptable and must be preferred to that of Mr Meredith who was handicapped by the fact that in respect of certain important aspects he was obliged to rely on a document prepared by someone else in BDO and who could not, so Mr. Meredith said, be contacted for enlightenment precisely because he is no longer with BDO.
34. I have previously noted that objections by Mr Hamilton in respect of Exhibit R1 were disallowed. Mr Vella referred (in my view aptly) to certain Presidential Reports and I have previously included clause 9.2 of Exhibit R1 in relation to the proposed acquisition of the Other Licensed Club.
35. I include, because they are also relevant, other references by Mr Vella to Presidential Reports in respect of the Applicant, and which are contained in clauses 8.11 to 8.14 and 9.1 of Exhibit R1 which read as follows:
"8.11 In this regard I note the following extracts from the Applicant's Annual Reports:
2000 Annual Report
'… a new, state of the art, swimming pool will be built in the recently approved extensions to our Club on the eastern wing. Stage one of this project will commence mid October, 2000 with work scheduled for completion prior to Christmas 2001. The news from indoor pool and gymnasium will be incorporated in this section, and it will be magnificent!!' [President's Report, at p2]
'Work has commenced on the ground floor refurbishment project with the completion dated expected to be the second week of December, 2000. This project will see the combination of the old swimming pool area and the current Orbit Room combined into one spacious area.
Feature of the room will be:
- • A new bar with three plasma screen displays in the bulkhead, providing highest quality pictures that are digital signal ready.
- • Cellar located in close proximity to the new bar, providing a shorter pull for the beer, ensuring the best beer in Sydney will be at the Juniors.
- • Additional lounge seating for 100 people.
- • Additional coffee shop seating.
- • Roulette, Blackjack and Sic Bo machines.
- • Cash Express - Hyperlink with a $50,000 start up jackpot.
- • Cashcade Jackpots on every machine, once new controllers are available.
Once completed, the room will be open 24 hours a day, providing high quality facilities for our members, regardless of the hour.' [General Manager's Report, at p4]
2001 Annual Report
'Our building project next door, which will incorporate car parking, sports bar, specialty restaurant, function rooms, gymnasium and swimming pool as well as offices etc., is slightly behind schedule. It was anticipated the project would be completed prior to Christmas this year. Mid February 2002 now seems more appropriate.
Planning is also in its final stage for "revamp" of the remainder of the ground floor, as well as the upgrade of certain areas on the 1st floor. In part the renovations are to comply with the State Governments Legislation requiring the partitioning of areas where food is prepared or consumed from other areas of the Club where smoking is permitted. It is anticipated work on these areas will commence in Mid January next year and will conclude some six months later.' [President's Report, at p2]
2002 Annual Report
'Since my last report we have seen the opening of the new building which accommodates our offices, swimming pool and gymnasium facilities, the Swordfish Restaurant and Legends Sports Bar as well as undercover parking for 125 cars. In addition renovations to the ground floor and 1st floor eating areas have also been undertaken. Your Board of Directors is not satisfied with the ground floor eating and this will be altered in the near future at no cost to the Club. We propose further minor alternations to both the ground and first floors which will provided additional seating for the comfort of members and their guests.' [President's Report, at p2]
8.12 The President's Report in the 2002 Annual Report notes that the Applicant has holiday premises available to its members at Lower Portland, The Entrance and Forster. In relation to the holiday premises at Lower Portland, the 2002 President's Report at page 3 says:
'Una Voce, our Resort at Lower Portland, continues to be a financial problem. The resort has suffered substantial continuous losses over many years which has not been a great concern because it was considered an amenity of members. However, it is factual only about one percent of our total membership now uses the facility. Low occupancy rates, escalating maintenance costs and wages have resulted in a $557,818.00 loss this year. Una Voce continued operation will necessitate further capital expenditure of approximately $800,000 on the sewage and water supply system alone. Whilst your board of directors appreciates many members and their families who have enjoyed wonderful times at Una Voce over the years, it is now frequented by very few. Your board of directors previously recommended the resort be sold with members deciding against doing so. In view of the aforementioned, we are duty bound to ask members to reconsider this decision and vote in favour of the resolution relating to this issue, which requires the support of the majority of members in attendance, at our Annual General Meeting.'
It appears that the resolution was defeated. The President's Report for the 2003 year [Annual Report, page 3] continues to promote the use of the resort.
In the General Managers report in the same year appears the following [at page 4]:
'Una Voce has just had a large amount of money spent on renovations and new facilities…'
Marine vessels
8.13 A marine vessel was purchased during the 2000 year at a cost of around $400,000. In the Presidents' Report in the 2000 Annual Report [at page 3] appears the following:
'I have never weakened in my resolve that, we as a Club must be aggressive in our attitudes towards progress and competitive in gaming, but at the same time not lose our compassion, or conscience and our generosity towards the community. The Juniors never have and never will. We will always be 'The best for the Best'. Acknowledging this, I'm sure you will be impressed with the new catamaran cruiser purchased during the year, along with the employment of a full time-skipper. I know that it will serve the needs and requirements of all members.'
Plant & equipment
8.14 I have not had access to the Applicant's depreciation schedules or plant registers and I cannot check what comprises plant and equipment. However, I note that. under the heading 'Facilities' at paragraph 25 of the Cookson Statement appears the following:
'During the relevant period the applicant had (and still has) the following facilities:
- (i) The main club building which contains:
- (a) A gymnasium;
- (b) A 25 metre swimming pool at Kingsford;
- (c) 4 squash courts;
- (d) 2 function rooms;
- (e) 2 privately run restaurants, 1 club run Bistro/Snack bar;
- (f) 7 bars covering various levels on the Club's premises;
- (g) A library;
- (h) Auditorium seating for 600;
- (i) TAB, Keno facilities;
- (j) 545 Poker machines;
- (k) Undercover parking for 120 cars;
- (ii) 3 buses and one van;
- (iii) 9 cars;
- (iv) 2 holiday flats at Forster (total of 12 units);
- (v) 1 holiday flat at The Entrance (9 units);
- (vi) Tourist Hotel (at Una Voce) at Lower Portland - including 20 rooms, dining and bar facilities; a swimming pool, 2 tennis courts, ski facilities, a small par 3 nine hole golf course;
- (vii) Gymnasiums at Mascot and Erskineville.'
It would appear that the bulk of the items of plant and equipment are constituted by these items in the above listing which are not within the category 'land and buildings'.
8.15 …
…
9. Other matters relating to financial aspects
9.1 I note that the main activity of the Applicant is described in the Annual Reports as follows:
- (i) in Note 26 to the 2000 Annual Report and note 27 to the 2001 Annual Report [at page 33] appear the following words under the heading 'Segment information';
'the parent entity operates predominantly in the licensed club industry. The principal activities of the parent entity are to provide club facilities and services to its members';
- (ii) the Directors' reports for each year in the Relevant Period state:
'The principal activity during the year of the economic entity constituted by South Sydney Junior Rugby League Club Limited and its controlled entity is the operation of a licensed club.'
Mr. Vella's comments in clause 9.1 as to the Applicant's own description of its principal activity are particularly relevant; as will be noted the Applicant consistently described its principal activity as the operation of a licensed club; that description was in my view, on the evidence before me, altogether accurate.
Part D - The evidence of Mr Cookson
36. I do not think it necessary to deal in detail with all of the evidence of Mr Cookson and its content is confined to some of the more salient and relevant aspects. During the course of his evidence, Mr Cookson was referred to some of the President's Reports forming part of annual statements of the Applicant.
37. Mr. Cookson noted that clause 8 of his statement Exhibit A3 should be amended in that he was the coach from 1970 (and see clause 8(ii)) and that clause 8(iii) should be amended to record at the end that he was then President until 1991.
38. Mr. Cookson noted that as set out in the constituent documents of the Applicant four of its seven directors (a majority) must be appointed by the Junior Football League. Three directors could be nominated by members (referred to by him as "floor directors"). He said that he in fact was elected as one of the floor directors. All seven directors of the Applicant were nominated by the Junior Football League. As his statement indicates, all seven have extensive experience and involvement in rugby league gained over many years.
39. Clause 26 of Mr. Cookson's statement deals with the 23 intra clubs as follows:
"…
Intra Clubs
26. In addition to the facilities set out in the preceding paragraph, the applicant presently has, and had over the relevant period, 23 Intra Clubs. A schedule showing each Club, and the number of members of each Club (each of who is also a member of the applicant) is set out below:
CLUB NUMBER OF MEMBERS Art 95 Bowling -Men's 79 Bowling - Woman's 26 Bowling - Ladies' Wed Night 15 Bowling - Ladies' Thur Night 24 Bowling - Men's Indoor 26 Bowling- Mixed Thur Night 19 Bridge 111 Camera 12 Canasta 14 Chess 25 Cricket 29 Darts 12 Euchre 19 Fishing 83 French 10 Golf- Ladies 74 Golf - Men 25 Gym - Tuesday ladies' 37 Gym - Wednesday Ladies' 54 Gym - Tues Night Ladies 25 Gym - Men 30 Karate 34 Netball 38 Old Time Dance 95 Rummy 11 Snowy 118 Squash 114 Swimming 65 Table Tennis 18 Water Ski 45 27. …"
Mr Cookson was asked about the club entitled "Snowy". He said that the Applicant supplied a coach, petrol and a driver for four trips during the ski season.
40. As to the Sporting Association Mr Cookson said that it formed on accounting advice to enable the Applicant to provide support to the Junior Football League without paying tax. He said that it was controlled because the directors are the same.
41. Mr. Cookson said that the Junior Football League is dependent on the Applicant, that it asks for funds when it needs them and that it would not be able to continue without the Applicant's support. He said that the Other Licensed Club "battles for survival. It is a club like ours, smaller but similar. It has next-to-no facilities". He said also that Other Licensed Club does not give any money to the Rabbitohs; "they are supposed to do so but can't and we do".
42. Mr. Cookson was referred to T p189 which is one of his reports as President, and which deals in some detail with a proposal to increase the rate of gambling tax; the second paragraph on the right-hand side of T p189 reads as follows:
"…
I consider I am not being dramatic but honest in my assessment of this Club's future should the State Government's proposed tax increases on gaming REVENUE be implemented. I believe members should be made well aware of the ramifications should this occur, as never before in the history of the Club industry has there been an issue of such crucial significance as this proposed tax increase. If implemented the tax rate on gaming machine REVENUE will increase from 17.1% to a maximum of 40%, phased in over the next few years, beginning in 2004. G.S.T. of 9.09% will similarly be payable bringing the maximum tax rate on gaming machine REVENUE up to 49.09%. These taxes are on TOTAL GAMING REVENUE BEFORE ANY DEDUCTIONS and will by 2010 cost this Club, on current trading figures an extra $7,500,000.00 a year. To be required to pay almost 50% of total gaming revenue before allowances for wages, insurance, replacements, repairs and maintenance, electricity etc. is a definite formula for disaster. You only need deduct $7,500,000.00 from our trading profit of $507,000.00 to assess the situation this Club will be placed in. In such circumstances, for the Club to have hope of survival it will, not necessarily immediately but in the near future need to be conducted as basically a total commercial rather than community entity. Donations, sponsorships and subsidies will regrettably no longer be affordable and ultimately there will unfortunately be job losses [ind] means our affiliated sporting association will suffer as will charitable organisations. Our intra clubs will also lose financial support. Subsidised drinks, meals, entertainment, games, holidays, accommodation, bus and boat trips etc. will no longer be affordable. To put in transparently, Club life to which we have been long accustomed, will cease to exist. Clubs will finish up as merely mini gambling Casinos from which the Government will reap a vast percentage of the profits.
…"
The same page indicates that the year's overall profit was $4,630,000.00 which included the proceeds of sale of a section of land adjacent to the Bowling Club in Botany. It noted further that the total net assets of the parent entity were then $42,562,000.00.
Mr Cookson said that the effect of higher taxes would be that there would be reductions in amenities and staff. He went on to say that much of the entertainment provided was free and moreover that the Applicant provided cheap meals (eg, $5 steaks) which were particularly attractive to pensioners. However, so he said, if there were to be a cut down, the last to suffer would be the Junior Football League.
43. Mr Cookson was asked (in the light of the conflicting evidence referred to previously) as to whether the Rabbitohs received any amounts in the 2001 year. He said that the Applicant's financial year ends on 30 June but that they, the Rabbitohs, might have received amounts between July and October 2001. He went on to say that "we honoured our contract". He was referred to clause 173 of Exhibit A3 which reads as follows:
"…
173. Ultimately, the Senior Football League requested the applicant donate $3.5million a year to the Senior Football League commencing on 1 January 2000. The applicant's Board of Directors considered the request but rejected it on the grounds it was beyond the financial capacity of the applicant to meet the request. However, the applicant made donations to the Senior Football League in the relevant period as follows:
Year ended 30 June Donation Amount 2000 $1,650,000.00 2001 Nil 2002 $1 mil 2003 $ 500,000.00 174. …"
He said that the Applicant contracted to give the Rabbitohs $1.5M a year in either 1989 or 1990, for three years. The Rabbitohs received payments in accordance with the contract but not when they were out of the league. However the final payment was made after the Rabbitohs came back into the league.
44. Clause 113 of Exhibit A3 reads as follows:
"Land or capital owned or contributed to by the applicant
110. …
…
113. In a joint venture with Marcellan College, the applicant has committed to pay $175,000.00 to upgrade Marcellan College Oval and its facilities for the benefit of junior rugby league players and to keep up with ongoing demand for more grades as a result of more children playing rugby league football."
Mr Cookson said that in respect of Marcellan College (the College), an arrangement has been entered into with the College and pursuant to which the Applicant shares the cost of maintaining certain grounds, at a cost to the Applicant of approximately $15,000 per annum.
45. Mr Cookson was asked as regards clause 119 of Exhibit A3 whether he believed that 40 percent of bus use was genuinely attributable to the Junior Football League more particularly having regard to Tab 18 which refers to a percentage of 30 percent. Mr Cookson said that he believed that a percentage of 40 percent was more appropriate.
46. Mr Cookson was referred in the context of clause 176 of Exhibit A3 to Note 16 in Exhibit A4 (the 2004 - 2005 report) in respect of commitments and which indicated that donations and commitments were not contracted for. Clause 176 of Exhibit A3 reads as follows:
"…
Future Direction of applicant
Financial Commitment
176. The applicant's audited financial statements for the years ending 30 June 2003 and 30 June 2004, at notes 22 and 19 respectively, show that as at 30 June 2003 and 2004, the applicant had committed to providing donations and sponsorships as follows:
2003 2004 (i) Not later than one year $3.6million $2.9 million (ii) Later than one year but not later than five years $10million $10 million The applicant has committed these amounts (almost in their entirety) for donation or sponsorship in respect of rugby league football.
…"
47. Note 16 in Exhibit A4 reads as follows:
"…
Consolidated Entity Parent Entity Note 2005 2004 2005 2004 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 16 Commitments Donations and Sponsorship Not contracted for: Within one year 3,000 2,900 2,200 2,900 One year or later and no later than five years 12,800 10,000 11,600 10,000 15,800 12,900 13,800 12,900 The donation and sponsorship commitments
are not contracted for, but are directors"
estimates based on donations and sponsorship
payments to the South Sydney District Junior Rugby
Football League Limited and other parties in prior years.
…"
Mr Cookson's said that there had been periodic increases arising in particular from increases in the number of clubs.
48. T p66 is a President's Report where the President was Mr Henry Morris (Mr Cookson's predecessor in that office). It contains a paragraph reading as follows:
"…
I made mention last year of our intention to utilise virgin land on the surrounds of our Bowling Club at Botany to build quality town houses. Plans are currently before Botany Bay City Council awaiting approval and I urge all Members to view these plans which will be displayed at the Club. I am sure that you will all be suitably impressed.
…"
Mr Cookson said that the land was sold as unimproved land with development approval. When asked whether this occurred in 2003 he said that he thought that it occurred before that time.
49. Mr Cookson said that about 17 percent of the persons who use the Club's facilities are not members of the Club. He said later in his evidence that a non-member can enter the Club and use its members' facilities if signed in by a member and where the non-member lives within a five kilometre radius, but that where the non-member lives outside that radius he can and will be admitted merely upon proof that he lives outside that radius.
50. The remainder of this Part D relates in the main (but not exclusively) to the cross-examination of Mr Cookson. It may be noted that in general terms Mr Cookson answered a number of questions to the effect that he did not know the answers.
51. Mr Cookson was asked whether the Applicant's licensed club was not one of the biggest clubs. He said that it was in the top ten. Mr. Cookson agreed that in 2000 the Applicant embarked on a substantial development involving a new building; the Applicant expanded its building onto adjoining property and in consequence obtained a substantial underground car park with four floors above ground level. He did not know when completion of the extensions took place.
52. Mr. Cookson was asked whether the Applicant was trying to obtain additional poker machines. He said that he did not think so. He recollected a policy of "capping" machines but did not know whether the Applicant bought more before "capping". He was referred to T p65 and where Mr. Morris said:
"…
Now is the time to bite the bullet and make the tough decision to have the whole bottom floor available for 24 hour trading, if required. We must progress. Standing still is not the answer. We must look at what challenges await us.
Whilst the pool is 'out of action' the Directors have negotiated with management of the Des Renford Aquatic Centre for Members of this Club to use their facilities free of charge. This arrangement will remain until completions of the Club's new pool.
An artist's impression is on display within the Club and I urge all Members to come and inspect what is destined to be a most outstanding development. Please contact our Operations Manager, Mr. Ron Harder, to view these plans.
Also, let me lay to rest some whispers that have been circulating in regard to the Board wanting more poker to support South Sydney Football team. We, in fact, anticipated the Government's policy on the capping of poker machines and therefore were forced to move quickly, and by establishing this new area, we will also have a much needed lunge area. The first stage of this project will also see the Orbit Room opened up and connected to this new area. I am sure you will be most impressed.
Let me unequivocally assure you that the needs and requirements of the Members of this Club are paramount in the Board's decision making, and whilst we love and have great admiration and affinity with the Rabbitohs, our Members will always have first priority. Our written agreement and support of Souths continues for Seasons 2001 and 2002, providing that they are in the elite NRL competition. This commitment is for $1.5 million per season.
…"
Mr Cookson said that he did not support the new building and as to "priority to the members" he said "I can't remember". It will be noted that the Report made it clear that the interests of members of the Club were paramount and had first priority.
When asked whether the renovations gave the Applicant power to obtain more poker machines he said "we were forced to move quickly. I don't know what he meant. You could ask him".
53. Referred again to T p66 he said that the Applicant owned the virgin land from the 1960s. There were two options; one involved developing townhouses (and this was discussed); the other option, which was adopted, was the sale of the land as undeveloped land but with development approval, and which fetched $5M. When asked whether there was any intention to do anything, other than develop, he said that the land was originally park land which was subdivided in the early 2000s.
54. Mr Cookson was referred to T p97 which refers to the recipients of donations from the Applicant. The relevant recipients set out in T p97 are as follows:
- A.
Sporting Donations
:
- • Brett Hawke (Olympian-Swimming)
- • Jane Saville (Olympian-Athletics)
- • Lars Kleppich (Olympian-Sailing)
- • Paul Rowney (Olympian-Cycling)
- • Maui Channel Swim Team
- • Sth Maroubra Surf Club (surf ski)
- • Candice Falzon (Meadow Lea Ironwoman)
- • South Sydney Cricket Club
- • Surf Life Saving Australia
- • Randwick Botany Harriers
- • Maroubra S.L.S.C.
- • Pat Farmer (Ultra Distance runner)
- • South Eastern Little Athletics
- B.
Community Donations
:
- • Sydney Children's Hospital
- • World Vision
- • Bear Cottage
- • Gardeners Rd Public School
- • Life Education Program
- • Mental Health Association
- • Vision Education Centre
- • Matraville High School
- • Maroubra Lions Club
- • Tempe Public School
- • Warioa School
- • J.J. Cahill High School
- • Redfern PCYC
- • Botany Public School
- • Victor Chang Cardiac Research
- • Southside Surfriders Association
- • Meals On Wheels
- • Eastlakes Public School
He agreed that some were not related to sport. He said that the Applicant was always sympathetic to pensioners; at a later time in his evidence he said that the Applicant was (also) always sympathetic to surf life saving associations.
55. The left-hand side of T p101 reads as follows:
"In this my first year as your President it is my pleasure to report our Club has continued to progress with the Board of Directors and Management team making every effort to ensure all amenities etc. are in keeping with the high standards to which you, the members, are accustomed.
As will be seen from the Profit and Loss Statement a net trading profit of $2,789,000 was achieved after allowances for major items such as depreciation ($3,880,000) donations ($1,832,000) and taxation ($647,000). Our Club is certainly in a healthy state financially with the total net assets of the parent entity now exceeding $37,181,000). However, if the State Government's further proposed changes to gaming laws, due for ratification soon, go through in their introduced form, future Club trading profits and services in general, will certainly be effected.
We have totally supported and instituted the Government's previous policies in relation to problem gambling and alcoholism as well as introducing some of our own. We also accept, without criticism, the bulk of the proposed new changes. However, it is our opinion the proposed six hour per day 'turn off' of poker machines in Clubs and pubs but not the Casino, will not prove beneficial. As members would realise in our current twenty four trading span we are able to cater for the entertainment of people whose employment restricts or precludes their attendance during, to us, normal hours. By basically closing down our industry between 4.00am and 10.00am it will, to say the least, thwart these people's options to socialise. It may also have an adverse effect on employment both within and related to the industry.
Our building project next door, which will incorporate car parking, sports bar, specialty restaurant, function rooms, gymnasium and swimming pool as well as offices, etc., is slightly behind schedule. It was anticipated the project would be completed prior to Christmas this year. Mid February 2002 now seems more appropriate."
Mr Cookson gave evidence in this connection as to the extent to which there were changes in gambling laws, and I refer to those changes later in these reasons.
On the same page on the right hand side of Mr Cookson's President's Report he referred to the Other Licensed Club in the following terms:
"We believe the South Sydney Leagues Club, including freehold property, which has an approximate unimproved capital value of $12,000,000 will prove a valuable asset. The Club currently trades at a significant loss due to extensive interest and capital payments on loans. If members approve, it is our intention to discharge the Souths Licensed Clubs debts using our own resources, completely upgrade the gaming facilities and improve other areas. Upon doing so and with the expertise of our aggressive Management Team we envisage a significant profit is achievable. Your Board of Directors thus requests you vote for the special resolution relating to this issue, which requires the support of the majority members in attendance, at an Extraordinary General Meeting which will be conducted immediately following the conclusion of our Annual General Meeting."
He said that the Other Licensed Club would be a valuable asset because of its land. The Applicant believed that they could run it more profitably and had formulated detailed plans. The Other Licensed Club had 59 machines. As indicated previously the proposal did not proceed when the Other Licensed Club's members did not support it.
56. T p103 refers to the Applicant's entertainment resources. It also referred to Una Voce, a hotel resort on the Hawkesbury River. Mr Cookson said of Una Voce that it had been purchased some time previously and that it was available for use both by members and non-members but in the case of the latter at a somewhat increased tariff. He described it as a "white elephant". However, proposals to sell it had been defeated on more than one occasion by members at general meetings (or as he put it, the proposed sale was "blocked by self-interest groups"). Apparently, members who wished to retain the use of Una Voce's facilities on the Hawkesbury were able to mobilise sufficient support to block the proposed sale. (The fact that all seven members of the Applicant's board were nominated by the Junior Football League did not as Una Voce demonstrates, confer absolute control on the board since members retained sufficient power to defeat the directors.)
57. T p107 reflects the wide range of entertainment options available. Some were free and some required entrance fees but all were subsidised. As Mr Cookson put it "we get it back through the poker machines".
58. T p141 in the first paragraph reads as follows:
"Since my last report we have seen the opening of the new building which accommodates our offices, the swimming pool and gymnasium facilities, the Swordfish Restaurant and Legends Sports Bar as well as undercover parking for 125 cars. In addition renovations to the ground floor and 1st floor eating areas have been undertaken. Your Board of Directors is not satisfied with the ground floor eating and this will be altered in the near future at no cost to the Club."
59. T p143 refers to CDSE (Community Development and Support Expenditure). Under this scheme poker machine profits to the extent of either one percent or one and a half percent had to be distributed to charities and which were divided for this purpose into categories, category one being charities as that term is commonly understood and where rugby league came within category two.
60. T p166 contains a Note as to the Chelmsford Green Project. Mr. Cookson said that it referred to the land which was sold at a profit with development approval.
61. T p167 contains a Note as to the Narellan Properties Partnership. This is a golf course purchased originally by 12 clubs and so that the Applicant originally owned one-twelfth. Having purchased the Other Licensed Club's interest it now owns one-sixth. Mr Cookson said that it involves a motel and a golf course used by the lady members and also by the male members but less often. Mr Cookson was asked as to the fact that the Note refers to the fact that "… the principal activity of which is the rental of properties". He said that he did not know and that the Applicant did not receive any rent. He said also that a housing development on the land surrounding the golf course is contemplated.
62. T p177 continues from T p 176 with a Note as to a director-related sale. That Note reads as follows:
"Note 26 Related Party Transactions
(c) …
…
- (iv) Director Related Sale of Property
During the year ended 30 June 2001, a property at 36 Chelmsford Avenue, Botany was acquired from the Company by relatives of a Director, Ron Floyd, at public auction for an amount of $410,000. On settlement a reduction of $90,000 was applied to the purchase price. The discount represented an independent valuation of capital improvements to the property made at the expense of Ron Floyd during the course of this tenancy of the property. The valuation was conducted by a registered real estate valuer."
63. Mr Cookson said that "it was purchased I think in the 1960s. There were two houses, one of which was sold.
64. T p184 (and other pages) refer to study trips by the Applicant's staff to study casino management. Countries visited including Hong Kong, Malaysia and the Republic of South Africa. Mr Cookson said that the Applicant cannot call itself a casino is a right reserved to the current monopoly owner but that monopoly right will endure only until 2010.
65. T p148 refers to one of the years when donations were specified separately. Mr Cookson said in relation to the relevant recipients that he did not know what some of them were but agreed that some had nothing to do with sport. This was so also as to the list at T p196.
66. On the second hearing day, Mr Cookson was asked about Note 16 in Exhibit A4 which I have referred to previously in these reasons.
67. Mr Cookson said that the Applicant had no entrenched obligation to make payments to the Junior Football League.
68. Further questions were asked of Mr Cookson as to the Narellan Golf Course. He agreed that the golf course was used by members but did not know whether it was listed on the Applicant's website. Nor could he answer questions as to what rental income was involved although he said, as indicated previously, that the Applicant receiving nothing. He agreed that the interest would be worth about $1.5m.
69. A catamaran was purchased in 2000 for about $500,000. It has a full-time skipper. Mr Cookson said that while it was used to provide pleasure cruises for members it was also used by the fishing club.
70. Mr Cookson was referred to Club website advertisements as to the availability of loans. Mr Cookson said that the Applicant acted purely as a commission agent, and that the Applicant was in other words only an intermediary. He said that the Applicant when it does negotiate a loan (and there have not according to his evidence been many), it receives a trail commission on an on-going basis.
71. Tab 7 of Exhibit A3 is the book by Mr Ian Heads referred to previously in these reasons. Page 228 of that book describes "A Week in the Life of the Club, 1999"; it reads as follows:
- "• Members: 24,891 men, 22,466 women. Total: 48,727
- • Intra-clubs: 32
- • Club is open 24 hours per day in Smithy's Gaming Lounge
- • Bar trade - per week: 80-100 kegs ordered per week, plus 400 dozen packaged beer (bottles and cans). Nice dozen bottles of spirits. 10 dozen bottles of wine (red and white) plus 215 litres of bulk wine. 15-20 carton of orange juice (15 litres per carton). 40 dozen bottles of water. Four dozen Oasis. 204 dozen soft drinks of various types (including sports drinks). 270 litres of Post Mix
- • Gamin machines: 475 - with the jewel in the crown being 'The Jockey Club' one 24-terminal simulated racing game
- • Staff numbers: 106 permanent; 294 casual
- • Auditorium: approximately 2500 people per week attend the shows
- • Tax paid weekly: $175,000
- • Weekly wages bill: $207,000
- • Poker machine duty: Last year (1998) averaged out at $165,000 per week paid to the NSW Government
- • Yearly Donations (charities, hospitals etc): $2.8 million.
Some Fun At the Club
Monday Bingo Tuesday Market Place Punters' Choice Wednesday Spin 'n' Win Kaffy's Kashboard Thursday You're Laughing Members' Badge Draw Friday Bingo Stack the Deck Saturday You're Laughing Sunday Line Dancing Spin a Dinner Go Racing …"
Mr Cookson agreed that the book was published in 2000 and that so far as he is aware what was said then is still correct. He was referred to the description of the Applicant's club as a pleasure palace and agreed that it is now an even bigger palace. When asked whether he agreed that it was a "miniature Las Vegas" his answer was that he had never been to Las Vegas. That page (from the book) indicated that in 1999 the Club had 48727 members.
72. Mr Cookson said that gambling at one time took place 24 hours per day every day. There was then (in 2002 or 2003) a change which restricted gambling hours to 18 hours a day, Monday to Friday and 21 hours a day on Saturdays and Sundays. However, about 18 months ago a further change allowed 21 hours a day throughout the whole of each week.
73. Further as to the Narellan venture Mr Cookson was asked whether the reference to rental income at T p121 was a reference to rental from this source. He said that he did not know. Similarly, he said that he did not know what commission income was referred to at T p179 (or at T p225). It was put to him (and he agreed) that the commission might relate to rebates from poker machine vending companies.
74. Mr Cookson said in relation to T p225 that the revenue from sale of land related to the bowling green land sold with development approval. T p225 specifies in Note 27 (the 2003 report) and under the head of "Other": "In addition the Club also generates revenue from entertainment and shows, hotel accommodation, sale of land, commission and sponsorship".
Having regard to that entry it must be wondered whether the profit from the sale of the land was properly excluded as a one-off item in the manner for which the Applicant contended. It will be remembered that Mr Hamilton asked Mr Vella whether to exclude it would be fair and Mr Vella agreed that as a one-off sale such exclusion would be proper. However, the Applicant appears to have treated the profit derived differently.
Part E - Examination of the evidence
75. There can be no doubt that the Applicant made substantial donations in cash to the Junior Football League. It is also likely that the value of the non-cash donations to the Junior Football League has been exaggerated. As Mr Vella pointed out, the value of accommodation in the Applicant's building must depend on whether that accommodation could or would be let separately. If employees of the Applicant furnish services to the Junior Football League there was no evidence that the employees in question would be paid less if their services to the Junior Football League were not rendered. In the absence of evidence as to these aspects (and I refer here to two examples only) it is not possible to be more specific and equally it is not possible to calculate the true aggregate value of non-cash donations.
76. The dubious nature of the evidence as to what, if anything, was paid to the Rabbitohs in the year (the 2001 year) in which they were out of the league has the effect that it is unlikely that anything was paid in that year. This is so despite evidence by Mr Cookson which would suggest the contrary and it is also so despite the content of the letter to the Respondent seeking an exemption and which is Annexure C to Exhibit A2.
77. The contract with the Rabbitohs was not produced and one has to wonder why. So much evidence was before the Tribunal; one would imagine that it would have been possible to produce that contract or to include it in the Exhibits. In a relevant accounting note (referred to later in these reasons) the commitment to the Rabbitohs was describes as an "in principle commitment" only.
78. The activities of the Applicant gathered by the Respondent in the Activities Summary comprised the following:
"APPLICANT'S ACTIVITIES DURING RELEVANT YEARS
The Applicant's extensive business activities during the relevant years included:
- (a) the provision of entertainment and shows (including at the Applicant's auditorium seating 600 people) described in the annual reports as 'world class entertainment' (T12-103) and as a 'vast array of entertainment' (T14-192) and on the web site as 'top line entertainment' (Cookson, Tab 25). Some examples are described at T11-71 and 72, T12-103, 107 and 108. It was voted 'variety Venue of the Year' in 2001: T12-98. They were available to members and non-members alike: Cookson XXN.
- (b) 2 restaurants, a bistro/snack bar and 7 bars: see Cookson at paragraph 25 (i)
- (c) extensive gaming facilities (including TAB, Keno and 545 poker machines): Cookson at paragraph 25(i), T14-225
- (d) a tourist hotel called 'Una Voce' which was 'upgraded' during the 2001 year (T12-102, T12-103, T13-142, T15-267) which was open to members and also to non-members (at a slightly higher tariff): R2 and Cookson XXN.
[This is particularly significant in light of Hill J's reference in St Mary's to the prospect of a different conclusion in that case had the motel development gone ahead: 36 ATR at 288.]
- (e) holiday units at the Entrance and Forster: T12-102 and Cookson XXN
- (f) harbour cruises on Applicant's 'luxury' catamaran which has a full-time skipper and cost the Applicant approximately $500,000 (T11-85, T12-102, T13-142 and T14-190) and Cookson XXN
- (g) coach trips on Applicant's buses: T12-102, T13-142 and Cookson XXN
- (h) a facility for the provision of home and business loans: R3 and Cookson XXN. [See also Cookson at Tab 25 which is the home page of the web site which has a link to 'home and business loans' which leads to R3)
- (i) investment in real estate (shown in the accounts with a cost or value of $1,477,000) including land from which rental income was derived (T12-121) and land held for resale for which DA approval was obtained (T11-66, T13-166, T13-177, T14-210)
79. It is clear that the undertaking of the Club was of very considerable size and magnitude. it may have been larger and more extensive than the club in Cronulla-Sutherland, and was at all events certainly not smaller or less extensive. The President's Reports in the T Documents indicate in clear terms that the Applicant was a very large and profitable undertaking and the Applicant was anxious to ensure that it remained so. As indicated previously the Applicant itself described its principal activity as the operation of a licensed club. Evidence to the effect that the Applicant was seeking to maximise its profits in order to benefit rugby league cannot be accepted in the light of the fact that benefits were paid to many other recipients, and moreover because profits were retained in order to expand and to diversify the activities of the Club. I have referred previously to a statement in a report by the Club that the interests of members were paramount. The Club even embarked on the provision of loans to members and that activity featured on the Club's web-site, although Mr. Cookson referred to this activity as being of minor importance only. The only possible conclusion is that the Applicant had developed a life and an importance of its own. Put in other words it cannot be said that the support or encouragement of rugby league was a main object or even an object equal to that of the licensed club itself. To the extent that the Applicant now seeks to contend that the encouragement of rugby league was a principal activity, its own reports indicate otherwise.
80. It must be remembered that the Applicant does not provide a field which it makes available for rugby league at a nominal cost or fee (and see Cronulla-Sutherland which did just that) and it does not field any teams itself (and contrast St Mary's which did). The Applicant did contribute annually to the maintenance of the Marcellan field where the cost involved on an annual basis was only $15000.
81. It cannot be doubted that the seven directors of each of the Applicant and the Junior Football League were involved in rugby league, but there was no evidence (in contrast with that in St Mary's) that the members (or a substantial body of them) were interested in rugby league to any extent which was significant. The members of the Applicant may have been motivated by a desire to enjoy the numerous facilities and benefits provided by the Applicant ranging from gambling, entertainment and cheap meals to hotels, units, cruises and other outings.
82. The percentages for which the Applicant contends (and it must be noted that the percentages contended for are of limited relevance only) assume that the land profit was an extraordinary item which should be excluded. That assertion is contradicted by the reference to the note quoted earlier in these reasons, pursuant to which that profit was reflected as revenue.
83. The Sporting Association was and is a separate entity and there is no basis in my view upon which its results can or should be consolidated. It will be remembered that it was set up as a separate entity purely for tax reasons, on the basis that all of its profit would be devoted to rugby league. Apart from any other considerations the profit of the Applicant was used in part for purposes apart from rugby league. But my decision would not differ if the Applicant were entitled to contend that consolidation is appropriate.
Part F - The Comparison
84. The Comparison reads as follows:
"Respondent's comparison of this case with Cronulla Sutherland and St Mary's
Relevant matters Cronulla Sutherland St Mary's Applicant Objects in constitution Yes Yes Yes (a) to provide a social and sporting club and (b) to promote rugby league (23 FCR at 84) (36 ATR at 283) (T16-279) Was association with a game or sport a pre-requisite of membership? No express finding, but apparently not (per Hill J in St Mary's 36 ATR at 288) Yes (36 ATR at 283) No (the only pre-requisite for ordinary members is that they are at least 18: T17-284) Did taxpayer conduct any football activities? No (23 FCR at 87) Yes (they were 'substantial' and Hill J said that it was 'the intensity of activity directed towards football' which tipped the balance in favour of the taxpayer: 36 ATR at 284 and 288) No Was there a separate Football Club which controlled the taxpayer? Yes[1] The finding of Hill J (20 ATR at 1406) was: “The control of the applicant has always remained in the hands of persons interested in promoting the Football Club. All the directors of the applicant have since the formation of the present football club in 1963 been members of the club.” (23 FCR at 85 and 96 repeating a finding of Hill J 20 ATR at 1406)N/A (the taxpayer was controlled by former footballers: 36 ATR at 287 and 288) Yes (Cookson at paragraphs 50 - 56) Did the taxpayer provide significant cash support to the Football Club? Yes (23 FCR at 85 and 96) N/A (the taxpayer made 'football grants':36 ATR 286) Yes (Cookson at paragraphs 78 - 87) Did the taxpayer provide significant indirect financial support to the Football Club (eg football grounds, offices and meeting facilities at no charge)? Yes (23 FCR at 85-86, 96 and 99 and findings of Hill J at 20 ATR at 1408-9) N/A Yes (Cookson at paragraphs 88-130) In the absence of that financial support, would the Football Club have been unable to operate? Yes (23 FCR at 86 and 96) N/A Yes (Cookson at paragraph 78) Was that financial support provided pursuant to a contractual obligation? No (23 FCR at 97) N/A No[2] Cookson XXN on 28/2/06 agreeing that (1) The Applicant had an obligation under gaming laws to contribute a percentage of its gaming turnover to charities under “CDSE” (eg T13-143, T14-200) which could be satisfied in part by donating to its associated Football Club [being South Sydney District Junior Rugby Football League Ltd]. (2) At no time has there been any contractual or other obligation on the Applicant to donate funds to its associated Football Club. (3) In 2002 there was a contractual obligation to provide $1.5 million to the South Sydney District Rugby League Football Club (the “Rabbitohs”): see T11-90 and T12-129. Was the policy of the taxpayer to maximise the surplus available to it to support the Football Club? Yes (23 FCR at 85 and 96) N/A Arguably yes (Cookson at paragraphs 78-87) Did the taxpayer have intra-clubs to cater for other sports? Yes (20 ATR at 1409) Yes (36 ATR at 284) Yes (Cookson at paragraph 26) Did the taxpayer have a club house and provide extensive social and other facilities to its members (and non-members)? Yes (23 FCR at 86-87 and 96 where Lockhart J describes it as a 'very substantial business as a social club'; and see findings of Hill J at 20ATR at 1409) Yes (36 ATR at 285 and 288; Hill J indicates at 288 that his conclusion may have been different if the 'motel development' had gone ahead) Yes (see attached list of activities)
85. The Comparison is of particular assistance because it includes references to and citations from the judgments in the cases themselves.
86. Mr Hamilton criticised the Comparison on a number of bases. In the case of the second relevant matter he contended that the entrenchment of control of the board of the Applicant by Junior Football League persons had the effect that this question should, in the case of the Applicant, be answered "yes" and not "no". I disagree. While it is true that the Junior Football League controlled the board of directors of the Applicant, this was not so in respect of members. There was no suggestion in this case of a class of football members as was the case in St Mary's. There was control also in Cronulla-Sutherland, and although the control in that case was of a de facto nature rather than control of an entrenched nature, there does not seem to be any doubt that there was in fact control.
87. Mr Hamilton criticised the content of the Comparison in respect of the third relevant matter, but not in my view in a manner which was tenable. St Mary's had a heavy football involvement amongst its own members and conducted and ran its own teams; in this case the Junior Rugby League had a heavy direct involvement in rugby league but the Applicant did not. The Applicant provided financial assistance; and it provided non-cash benefits, the precise real value of which is difficult to quantify.
88. As to the fourth relevant matter, Mr Hamilton said that "arguable" should be substituted for "yes" in respect of the Applicant and that this was so because of the board control entrenchment to which I have referred. In my view that contention is doubtful. It is of course true, as I have said, that board control was entrenched but the judgments in Cronulla-Sutherland suggest that the degree of control was, even if not formally entrenched, similar.
89. As to the sixth relevant matter, Mr Hamilton recognised that Cronulla-Sutherland provided a football ground. As to the value of indirect support Mr Vella's reservations had merit; the true value of the Applicant's indirect contributions to the Junior Football League was not established.
90. As to the eighth relevant matter, Mr Hamilton considered that the answer should have been "no" in the case of the Junior Football League and "yes" in the case of the Rabbitohs. Note (3) to the Comparison makes reference to this qualification, but even then the reference to an obligation in principle has the effect that there is room for doubt. T p90 contains at its foot the following notation:
"This includes an annual commitment, in principle, of $1,500,000 for a period of three years commencing January 2000, to the South Sydney District Rugby League Football Club. The annual commitment is subject to a number of terms and conditions set out in the agreement and is contingent on the Club being readmitted into the NRL competition."
The reference to a commitment in principle is surely different from an absolute commitment since otherwise the words "in principle" are redundant.
91. As to the tenth relevant matter, the intra clubs in all cases do not appear to have figured largely and the number of members involved appears in all cases to have been in comparative terms, minor in relation to the membership as a whole.
92. As to the last relevant matter, St Mary's might have been decided differently (per Hill J) if the motel development had gone ahead. Previous content of these reasons indicates that this Applicant has not only contemplated activities of a similar nature but has undertaken them. I refer in particular in this context to Una Voce, and also the Activities Summary as to units.. It is to be noted also that the Applicant considered developing the bowling green land as townhouses, but instead (and presumably the preferred alternative) sold the land as undeveloped land but with development approval.
Part G - Extracts from the relevant cases
93. Although it may not be necessary to do so, and more particularly having regard to the detail contained in the extracts from the Respondent's submissions quoted in Part A I intend in this Part G, and if only for the sake of completeness, to include extracts from Cronulla-Sutherland at first instance, Cronulla-Sutherland in the Full Federal Court and St Mary's, and notwithstanding the fact that other cases were cited before the Tribunal.
[Paragraphs 94-97 omitted]
Part H - Conclusion
98. The fact that the Applicant received an exemption from tax for the 2004 year in consequence of a ruling (perhaps erroneous) does not bear on the Relevant Years.
99. The Applicant's case is in my view not as strong as was the case for Cronulla-Sutherland which also failed in its attempt to obtain an exemption. In Cronulla-Sutherland a playing field was provided for nominal consideration. And the Applicant was at least as successful as was Cronulla-Sutherland. Moreover, the range and extent of the Applicant's activities appears to have been in excess of those which applied in Cronulla-Sutherland, or at the very least were at least as extensive.
100. Hill J indicated in Cronulla-Sutherland that the actual figures in respect of amounts distributed, while relevant, would not be determinative. I do not know and cannot ascertain the precise proportion of profits devoted by the Applicant to rugby league although I am satisfied that they were not as high as was claimed on behalf of the Applicant.
101. At the end of the day the matter is one of fact. The evidence before me indicates in clear terms that the Club which had a very large membership, offered a large range of activities and facilities and entertainment (much of it subsidized). The emphasis on gambling as a source of revenue comes through the annual reports to which I have referred, in the clearest possible terms. As Mr. Cookson said, subsidies, in respect of entertainment and catering, could be and was recouped through the poker machines. The pervading importance of gambling was altogether evident. This very large undertaking was profitable in its own right and independently of rugby league, although it undoubtedly made significant contributions to rugby league. One measure of its success arises from its support of the Rabbitohs a function which should have been fulfilled by the Other Leagues Club, but was in fact fulfilled by the Applicant because the Other Leagues Club did not have the financial ability to do so. While there was clearly, in respect of the Applicant, a great deal of interest and involvement in rugby league at the level of the board of directors, there was no evidence before me as to the level of involvement (if any) in rugby league of the members or even a significant body of them. It is conceivable and perhaps likely, that to the members of the Club, rugby league was a matter of (at most) peripheral interest and that the members were primarily or solely interested in the numerous and various benefits obtainable from membership of the Club. There was indeed evidence of significant participation in the activities of the Club by non-members; the percentage of non-members using the facilities of the Club was put, as I have said, at 17% although there was no specific evidence as to how this figure was calculated. But assuming that that the Club's facilities were utilized to the extent of nearly one fifth by non-members, there was no evidence that those persons had any interest in anything other than the Club's facilities and amenities; it will be remembered that its hotel accommodation was available to non-members although at a slightly higher cost.
102. In all the circumstances and having regard to the evidence before me, Cronulla-Sutherland is not in my opinion distinguishable, and accordingly, the decision under review must be affirmed.
Footnotes
[1][2]
[3]
[4]
[5]
[6]
[7]
[8]
[9]
[10]
[11]
[12]
[13]
[14]
[15]
[16]
[1]
[2]
[3]
[4]
[5]
[6]
[7]
[8]
[1]
[2]
This information is provided by CCH Australia Limited Link opens in new window. View the disclaimer and notice of copyright.