AFL car-plates directive concerns Minister

28/05/05
The State Government is seeking an early resolution to negotiations over the Australian Football League's (AFL) directive to stop the manufacture and sale of AFL car number-plates.
The Minister Assisting the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure, Francis Logan, said the order was issued in an email sent to his department on Wednesday, May 18.
Mr Logan said the department had agreed to abide by the directive but was negotiating with the AFL to ensure it was a temporary measure.
"I am concerned that the AFL's actions will impact on football supporters' clubs in Western Australia," the Minister said.
"These clubs rely on the sale of the number plates to raise funds for match functions and other activities, so it is difficult to understand the AFL's actions.
"The AFL approved the manufacture and sale of the plates back in 1991 and indicated they did not want a royalty return. Has something changed? Do they now want a royalty return?
"Any royalty is going to increase the price of the plates and impact on the finances of the supporters' clubs."
Except for the Eagles and Dockers, all AFL number plates are purchased through the WA supporters' clubs of the individual clubs. The supporters' clubs purchase the approved plates at a standard fee and are free to on-sell them to their supporters for varying amounts.
A similar arrangement exists with the West Coast Eagles and the Fremantle Dockers, except it is with the club and not their supporters' clubs.
Approximately 6,000 AFL plates have been sold in WA since 1991.
Mr Logan said the department was in discussion with the AFL with a view to entering into formal agreement for use of their 'intellectual property'.
He said the AFL had already entered into agreements with Victoria, South Australia and Queensland, with each jurisdiction adopting a different approach.
The DPI was awaiting a copy of these agreements to help facilitate an appropriate agreement for WA.
Minister's office: 9222 8950