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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2000 Week 11 Hansard (29 November) . . Page.. 3455 ..

MS TUCKER (continuing):

definitely the case. In other places around Australia, we now see equally concerning figures.

I found it quite fascinating that when we were talking about Internet gambling and licences being given out for that, Mr Humphries said at the time, "This is not a problem. We know the problem is with poker machines. We know that's where the problem is." I disputed and argued that at the time because clearly there are a number of reports which would suggest that Internet gambling could be just as problematic. The argument from the government at that point was that poker machines were where the problem was. But what do we see here?

I cannot believe that the government would be supporting this legislation from Mr Kaine because we heard the government stress at a public forum on problem gambling that poker machines are where the problem is. Okay. So we have a gambling commission and we have asked it to do research. I have asked for a briefing to see where that research is up to. I haven't seen any reports on this from the gambling commission to tell me, as an elected representative, what I should do, or what is responsible. I have not been given any data to look at on which I can form my decisions. No-one in this Assembly has that. It has not been produced yet. So why are we having this debate? I have no idea why. I think it's absolutely inappropriate and I will not be supporting this motion.

Mr Osborne: I move that the debate be adjourned.

MR TEMPORARY DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr Hird): Mr Osborne, I am advised by the Clerk that that motion may be moved after the bill has been agreed to in principle because the question of adjourning the debate has been dealt with.

Mr Osborne: Well, I seek leave then, Mr Temporary Deputy Speaker.

Mr Berry: No, no, no. We're going to make it hard for you, Ossie.

Mr Osborne: Yes, you already are.

MR TEMPORARY DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! Mr Osborne, what do you wish to do?

Mr Osborne: I wish to adjourn the debate on the bill.

MR TEMPORARY DEPUTY SPEAKER: You are seeking leave to adjourn the debate?

Mr Osborne: I seek leave.

Mr Berry: He can't adjourn it. There has been a move to adjourn it.

MR TEMPORARY DEPUTY SPEAKER: You can seek leave, Mr Osborne. With the indulgence of the chair and the house, you can seek leave to move a motion to adjourn the debate.

Mr Osborne: Which I just did.

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