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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1996 Week 8 Hansard (25 June) . . Page.. 2045 ..

Mrs Carnell: They were nice people, but they did not know what they were doing.

MR DE DOMENICO: They were lovely people, Mr Wood. They were fantastic individuals, but in the very highly competitive multimillion dollar betting industry it is so crucial that the people the Government puts on boards of that nature have the relevant expertise notwithstanding what position they hold anywhere. They have to have incredible expertise in this industry in particular.

Mr Wood: No argument.

MR DE DOMENICO: I am glad that Mr Wood says that there is no argument about that. Mr Speaker, the Government believes that this is a balanced piece of legislation. It is vital for the ACT's future and deserving of the support of all Assembly members. These Bills, if adopted, will play a significant role in ensuring a viable return to the ACT community. If the status quo continues, there is every indication that this revenue source will not only decline but inevitably dry up. With the board operating along commercial lines, we have the opportunity to revitalise ACTTAB in association with its staff and management. There have been substantial consultations with ACTTAB staff about current and future employment arrangements. Discorporatisation is not about changing employment conditions. That would occur only when there was agreement between the parties and in the context of the industrial relations system.

This legislation is not about privatisation; it is about ensuring that commercial practices can be applied whilst ensuring that mechanisms for accountability to the Government and the community are maintained. It is not about having a stranglehold on a dynamic industry, as in the past. Inevitably, that leads to rash decisions to find pots of gold because of insufficient funds for infrastructure and survival.

Mr Speaker, ACTTAB has operated under several different corporate models - government agency, statutory authority and Territory-owned corporation. With the benefit of experience, Assembly members know that to achieve the perfect model is a difficult task. We have all made efforts to get the mix right. We believe that the mix in this legislation is in fact right. We accept that privatisation is not the right model. This legislation does not privatise ACTTAB. We accept that there has to be accountability to the ACT community and the Legislative Assembly. This legislation provides that accountability. We accept that staff need employment protection. We have consulted with staff, and this legislation provides that protection.

Mr Speaker, in summary, this legislation is about being realistic in ensuring that a major revenue provider to the ACT economy is maintained in a healthy state for its long-term viability and the prosperity of the people of the ACT. I would be very interested in seeing what amendment Mr Wood has to introduce to this house. I remind Mr Wood of his very own words - that the calibre of the board is the most important thing we should take into account when considering corporatisation of a multimillion dollar industry, specifically the betting industry. Mr Wood will know from experience in this Assembly how crucial it is to have people with the right expertise on that board.

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