Page 828 - Week 05 - Thursday, 6 July 1989
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As for the possibility of a public awareness campaign targeting employers on the subject of employee security after dark, the idea requires further exploration and evaluation, and would need to be considered along with other government priorities and fiscal responsibilities.
In relation to your reference in question time to a staff security arrangement presently operating in Canberra, I am advised that the Royal Canberra Hospital hires security officers to escort nurses to their cars after dark. The Commonwealth Treasury and Customs also have guards available for staff who leave work after dark, and I am informed that security officers at Customs are happy to oblige Legislative Assembly building staff who wish to be escorted to their vehicles after dark. This arrangement is strictly informal. From Monday to Friday until 11.30 pm, personnel can phone either 756003 or 756004, and a Customs guard will meet them at the doors of the Legislative Assembly building.
Of course, employee security is a concern of this government and staff in this building have a right to feel safe when they leave work after dark. However, if we are to address this matter formally, we first need to obtain some relevant data. My department has discussed this matter with building security personnel, who have agreed to receive telephone calls from staff concerned with this issue. People who are leaving work after hours and who are worried about their personal security should phone Security on 462747 and help us identify the grounds for action.
Gaming
Ms Follett: On 29 June 1989 Dr Kinloch asked about allegations concerning betting activity at the Molonglo Tavern on 8 April 1989 which resulted in bets of some $270,000 not being settled, the largest amount in bets ever made and not settled in the ACT. I undertook to obtain further information on the alleged betting activity.
My answer is:
I am advised that on 8 April 1989 the ACTTAB subagent at the Molonglo Tavern, Fyshwick, accepted bets on behalf of the authority totalling $251,000 without receiving the sum wagered in cash at the time - that is, credit betting. The subagent was immediately suspended and the subagency closed down pending investigation of the incident and legal recovery action.
On 17 May 1989 the authority issued a writ seeking the recovery of the amount owing from the proprietors of the Molonglo Tavern in relation to the ACTTAB subagency operated on the premises. A writ has also been issued against the punter alleged to have made the credit bets.
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