Entertainments tax

The first prosecution under the Entertainments Tax Act was brought forward at the Warragul Court when the honorary secretary of the Warragul Football Club was proceeded against for not sending in details of matches and entertainments held by the club to the Commissioner of Taxes.

It is not a well-known Act, and there are numerous “regulations” which are still less known. Ignorance of the law, however, is not recognised by the Court.

Under the Entertainment Tax Act, every secretary of such entertainment – with certain exemptions – is obliged to register the entertainment, to issue stamped tickets to everyone admitted, and to send to the Commissioner within 24 hours particulars of the receipts and expenditure.

There was something like eight matches played during the season. The secretary, as representing the club, had failed to render the necessary accounts, the gate money etc, for taxation purposes.

All the other clubs had registered their matches, and this club was unfortunately the only one in the Association which had not complied.

They were described as “Commos” and “traitors”, and were accused of acting in an “unAustralian” manner.

Most people merely glanced at the front of moratorium leaflets.

The march, which led to no incidents, ended after speeches in Queen St.

The marchers, eight of whom were secondary school students, were joined by the ALP candidate for Narracan, Mr P. Bartholomuesz.

Mr Bartholomeusz said his part in the march was “non-political”.

He added that his concern was for morality, and a wish that the killing in Vietnam would cease.

Marchers said their prime objective was to make people think deeply about Australian involvement in Vietnam.