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I am pleased to say, very promptly replied to my letter, advising that it in no way condones this sort of behaviour and will do all in its power to stamp it out. The peak body will be discussing this incident with the clubs involved and, in consultation with the clubs and ACTSport, will formulate a policy on racial abuse in their sport. I also intend to work with ACTSport in developing a whole-of-sport approach to racism in sport in the ACT. I would hope that the ACT Government, through the Bureau of Sport, and in cooperation with the Commonwealth and also in cooperation with ACTSport, will be able to ensure that similar incidents do not occur in the future. As I say, racist incidents in ACT sporting matches are, thankfully, few and far between.

We currently employ in the ACT a full-time Aboriginal sport and recreation development officer. That officer works with the local Aboriginal community and the community at large to maximise opportunities for Aboriginals to participate in sport and recreational activities of all kinds and at all levels. I am confident that the education approach will work. These incidents are few and far between and I would prefer to see education and mediation strategies in the first instance work. If these fail, I will be unhesitating in taking whatever other appropriate measures are necessary to ensure that it does work.

Mr Speaker, I conclude by stating that I am confident that ACT sport is mature enough to ensure that racism does not become an issue that would cloud our very well earned reputation as a sporting community. It is rare. I think that, with the cooperation of all sports involved and the cooperation of the peak body, ACTSport, who are very keen to assist, such incidents should not occur in the future.

Fitness Industry - Code of Practice

MS McRAE: My question is to Mr Humphries in his capacity as Minister for Consumer Affairs. Mr Humphries, I return to a question that I asked you on Tuesday and I am hoping for more detail today about this important matter. Could you please explain what information was sent to fitness industry operators in regard to the code of conduct for the fitness industry? As well, would you please table the brochure which was prepared to ensure that all operators knew their obligations?

MR HUMPHRIES: Mr Speaker, I am quite happy to table the letters that were sent to the fitness club operators in the Territory and I am happy to table the brochure as well. I do not have them with me, but I will make them available.

MS McRAE: I have a supplementary question, Mr Speaker. Because this is to become law by 1 July, can you assure the house that the code of conduct will be complied with and that members of the general public will not be left unprotected?

MR HUMPHRIES: Mr Speaker, a code of conduct, by its nature, is a document that relies substantially on the willingness of people to take part in it. I cannot guarantee to members of the Assembly that the laws with respect to murder in the Territory will be complied with either, but we certainly hope that most people will comply with them.

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