Legislation before Parliament gives temporary powers to Lotterywest, enabling it to provide additional grants and fund other worthy programs during the current pandemic.
The Lotteries Commission Amendment (COVID-19 Response) Bill 2020 also allows Lotterywest to utilise its expertise in grant administration to assist other public authorities to provide grant programs.
Introducing the proposed laws, Premier Mark McGowan said hardship packages could be more readily developed to provide urgent financial relief for not-for‑profits, arts and community organisations that had been severely impacted as a result of cancelled events.
“Eligible not-for-profit organisations will be able to continue grants for charitable or benevolent purposes during COVID-19,” Mr McGowan said.
“However, the new laws will also enable Lotterywest to expand its ability to fund other grant programs, using its existing processes, for the purposes of the emergency period.”
He said that as part of social distancing measures, changes to the laws allowed an extended prize payout period for lottery draws and instant lottery tickets in certain circumstances of up to 24 months.
“It also allows Lotterywest to accept a digital copy of a lottery ticket to pay prizes during the emergency period,” the Premier said.
He said the measures would help better protect Western Australians who would otherwise have to present the physical ticket to a Lotterywest retailer or at the Lotterywest head office.
“This also minimises unnecessary contact for retailers during COVID-19,” he said.
He said lotteries belonged to the community as they benefitted the community — more so during a time of greatest need.
“These changes expedite the distribution of funding and ensures swifter access to increased demands for crisis relief services and support,” Mr McGowan said.
