Page 482 - Week 02 - Thursday, 22 February 1990
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have not yet been introduced into the ACT licensed clubs to date. The casino component of the section 19 development is being promoted on the basis that conduct of casino games such as black jack and roulette in the ACT would be restricted to a table game format and played exclusively in the casino. If I can put that into ordinary language, as I understand it - not being a casino habitue - those types of machines would compete with what is played out on the green felt.
The major projects group from the Office of Industry and Development has asserted that the premium offered for the casino site would be adversely affected due to the perceived competition to the casino from ACT licensed clubs if clubs are permitted to operate gaming machines with a black jack or roulette format. Quite frankly, at the time I received this submission, I had not even familiarised myself with the gaming machines legislation. I took considerable care with this submission, and it was put to me that in its submissions to the casino social impact study and the subsequent Legislative Assembly select committee on the establishment of the casino, the Licensed Clubs Association indicated that it would not seek approval of gaming machines which had casino overtones, including a list of casino games which included black jack and roulette.
Acting on the advice of my Law Office, after inquiring within the Government as to the accuracy of the statement - and I subsequently confirm from the transcript of the Select Committee that the Licensed Clubs Association had indeed made that statement - I signed the necessary ACT Government Gazette notice on 31 January 1990. It appeared in the Gazette and I will make that available to members. Subsequently, there was a conversation between myself and Mr Peter Head, general manager of the Southern Cross Club. I am not sure of his position in the Licensed Clubs Association, if any.
Mr Moore: I rise on a point of order, Mr Speaker. I refer to standing order 118, which says that the answer to questions without notice shall be concise and confined to the point.
MR COLLAERY: Mr Speaker, I seek leave to make a statement.
Ms Follett: Not in question time!
MR SPEAKER: Your point is upheld, Mr Moore. I would ask Mr Collaery to finish the statement.
MR COLLAERY: Mr Head, of the Southern Cross Club subsequently received a letter from me in which I advised him of the facts that I have just read to the house, that I understood those matters, and if there was any misunderstanding, he should contact me without delay. That letter went by facsimile - I have a copy; I do not know the date it was sent - and I received a response - - -
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