Page 3520 - Week 12 - Thursday, 20 September 1990
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not mean that a 95 per cent pay-out ratio is implemented; it simply means that GALA has the ability to determine such a pay-out ratio. I expect that the introduction of the changed pay-out ratio would then occur following further consultation between the Government and the Licensed Clubs Association. It may, in fact, be appropriate for clubs to be given the flexibility to increase the pay-out ratio above the GALA set maximum and up to 95 per cent.
Mr Speaker, as I said at the outset, the Labor Party will not be opposing this Bill, but we do seek the support of the Government for the amendment that I have foreshadowed and we ask the Minister to consider my suggestion - if he would only listen - concerning the timing of the implementation of the new tax regime.
MR WOOD (10.58): The Labor leader has indicated the support of the Labor Party for this Bill; but there are some concerns that I, in particular, want to express. First of all, we note the increase to $2 in the coins that can be fed into machines. I am not sure what the club term for it is, but you can play five lines at once and now are able to spend $10 in one throw. We have casinos in Canberra - and I am sure Dr Kinloch will realise this - with that very extensive - - -
Mr Jensen: We always have had.
MR WOOD: Yes, I agree; we have always had casinos in Canberra. I have argued that point before in this chamber; but now the amount of money that can change hands in these casinos is much increased. It is a point that I am sure will concern many in the community. There are people who are not impressed with the extent of the clubs and, in particular, the amount of money that flows through the clubs via the gaming machines. There will be a very rapid increase in the amount of money that is taken by these machines. I suppose - as Mr Jensen indicates - it is an indication of the growth of the casino industry in Canberra. That is something that we have to bear in mind and have to have some thoughts about.
I want to raise the point that there are many people who go to clubs for recreation without any particular thought of winning money. They do not go there to win the large pay-out; they go there to spend some time, perhaps with friends, in what they see as amiable surroundings. It is, I think, becoming more difficult to find machines that will take 5c coins and 10c coins. The Minister, in his reply, may indicate to me some data that I do not know, and that is the provisions in our legislation or our regulations that may indicate that a club has to keep a certain number of machines of different values. Minister, do clubs have to have so many 5c machines and 10c machines - - -
MR SPEAKER: Order, Mr Wood! Mr Stefaniak, as I asked yesterday, when you are caucusing, would you please press the control buttons of your microphones.
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