Page 4499 - Week 14 - Thursday, 1 December 1994
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It is just too simple for an Opposition to be all things to all people. These two people over here have gone out and deliberately said, "Do not worry; we will make the Government side take all the risk, and if there is an increase in turnover you will be able to pick it up". That is what is being proposed by the amendments put forward by Mr De Domenico. That is singularly what is being proposed by the Opposition. What I am proposing, Ms Szuty, is a continuation of the ability of ACTTAB to remain linked and, in a commercial sense, to allow all of the industry and the TAB to benefit.
I already have the power to vary the rate of deductions payable to the ACT race clubs, as you have pointed out, Ms Szuty. This Bill basically gives me the flexibility to determine the levels of payment to the Territory and the RDF. That is, in effect, what happens with this amendment.
Mrs Carnell: Mr Lamont, can we remain linked if we do not pass the legislation? It is a simple question and it is an important question.
MR LAMONT: What happens, Ms Szuty, if ACTTAB - - -
Mr De Domenico: Can we remain linked if we do not pass this legislation?
MADAM SPEAKER: Order! You will have your opportunity later.
MR LAMONT: No. The effect is no.
Mr De Domenico: Why not?
MR LAMONT: Because there would be two different dividend rates. Therefore, Ms Szuty, that simply is their position. All they are saying is that any effect of this should fall only on the distribution to the Territory. That is the only thing they are saying. Let us say that Tabcorp moved between now and March to permanently reduce their deduction rate. (Extension of time granted) If that were to occur, we would be permanently forced out of the pool. That might suit these people in the lead-up to an election; it most certainly would not suit the punters in the ACT or the ACTTAB. I suggest to you, Ms Szuty, that these amendments are a case of the clubs wanting their cake and wanting to eat it too. The clubs support the Bill, as Mr De Domenico has said.
Mr De Domenico: No, they do not.
MR LAMONT: Yes, they do. They support the Bill, but they want only the Government to bear the pain. What they are saying is that they want only the Government to bear the pain, and that the Government should adjust its take to offset the variations as far as the clubs are concerned. If there is a reduction for the Geelong trots, it will apply for that day. It is not a permanent reduction. That is specified in the instrument. Any proposal to vary the deduction rate will involve the advice of Treasury, ACTTAB and the Bureau of Sport, Recreation and Racing. Obviously, where these reductions are to occur, it will require consultation with the industry.
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