LLOYD Stewart has resigned as chairman of the Lotteries Commission of Western Australia, citing short-term business commitments as the motivating factor.
Mr Stewart has headed the lotteries board for almost seven years, during which time the commission has achieved record results and a turn over of almost $445 million a year.
Since it’s inception in 1933, the Lotteries Commission of WA has returned $1.5 billion back to the community.
“It is simply the best job in Western Australia. You spend all your time either helping small business succeed or making grants to charitable and benevolent organisations” said Mr Stewart.
Mr Stewart’s small business background made him a strong advocate for the business of the commission and he is especially proud that he has been able to implement investment to improve the administration and expertise of the Not-for-Profit sector itself through the Promoting Excellence Program.
“Traditionally money has been available to the various charitable constituencies but this is the first time anyone has addressed the need to professionalise and help people who actually work in the sector” said Mr Stewart.
The commission’s activities now reach almost all sectors of the community.
“The statutory arrangements are unique to WA and should be preserved and cherished” said Mr Stewart.
The Lotteries Commission plays a vital role in WA providing funding to areas not serviced by either government or the private sector.
The commission has committed $3 million over a six-year period to establish a network of walking trails across WA.
The Trailswest program has a real economic value and is an important tourism asset.
Any proposed expansion of ‘pokies’ in WA is strongly opposed by Mr Stewart.
“Pokies are an insidious form of gambling that suck money out of the economy and can have a devastating impact on some individuals,” he said.
“Like the State Government I am bitterly opposed to any expansion of that form of gambling in this state”
