Page 3102 - Week 09 - Thursday, 13 October 2022

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We recognise that the Canberra community has high expectations for safe and well-regulated racing in return for this public investment. That is why we have moved to provide these additional requirements as part of the MOU, which we have published.

The Canberra Liberals clearly do not support this amendment, and there has never really been any question about whether this would be supported in the Assembly. It clearly does not have the support of the Assembly. The hyperbole from the opposition, including from Ms Lee, is a little bit ridiculous. It is clearly not going to be supported in the Assembly. The Labor Party certainly will not be supporting it in the vote today.

Question put:

That the amendment be agreed to.

The Assembly voted—

Ayes 6

Noes 18

Mr Braddock

Mr Barr

Ms Lee

Ms Clay

Ms Berry

Mr Milligan

Ms Davidson

Ms Burch

Ms Orr

Mr Davis

Mr Cain

Mr Parton

Mr Rattenbury

Ms Castley

Dr Paterson

Ms Vassarotti

Ms Cheyne

Mr Pettersson

Mr Cocks

Mr Steel

Mr Hanson

Ms Stephen-Smith

Mrs Kikkert

Ms Lawder

Amendment negatived.

MR BARR (Kurrajong—Chief Minister, Treasurer, Minister for Climate Action, Minister for Economic Development and Minister for Tourism) (5.14): Now that that matter has been resolved, I will speak briefly about a pathway forward.

I noted in that debate very strongly held views on either side of the debate. I want to take the opportunity now to reiterate what I have already said publicly about a pathway forward for this industry that will mean it will be less reliant on public funding into the future. That is very clearly through the utilisation, and the better utilisation, of its land endowment.

Again, there is no secret that the racing club has been preparing a proposal in relation to renewal of the facility and the potential surrender of some of its land for alternative purposes that would generate revenue for the racing club and potentially provide opportunity for land for housing and other purposes within that precinct. That is the pathway forward. It is the only viable pathway forward to reduce the industry’s reliance on public funding, and to ensure that it has a stable revenue stream into the future.

Mr Parton: And the harness racing?

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