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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2001 Week 4 Hansard (29 March) . . Page.. 1121 ..

MR HUMPHRIES (continuing):

� an approval process for race bookmakers to field on interstate races in the sports bookmaking venue at the Canberra racecourse on non-race days at the racecourse; and

� the elimination of double taxation on bet backs, that is, reducing the amount of taxable turnover by the amount bet by the bookmaker to reduce his/her liability on bets already taken.

The bill, through modern drafting practice, presents as a cohesive and clearer document than its predecessor. It provides comprehensive recognition of today's bookmaking practices, regulation and administration. In addition to assisting the regulator it will also make it easier for those who are subject to the law to understand their obligations and therefore, make it easier to comply.

Mr Speaker, this is the first overhaul of this kind in relation to the Bookmakers Act since 1985. It arises from the National Competition Policy review and from experience in bookmaking regulation and administration.

Mr Speaker, I commend the Bill to the Assembly.

Debate (on motion by Mr Quinlan ) adjourned to the next sitting.

Low-alcohol Liquor Subsidies Amendment Bill 2001

Mr Humphries , pursuant to notice, presented the bill and its explanatory memorandum.

Title read by Clerk.

MR HUMPHRIES (Chief Minister, Minister for Community Affairs and Treasurer) (10.36): I move:

That this bill be agreed to in principle.

I ask for leave to have my presentation speech incorporated in Hansard.

Leave granted.

The speech read as follows:

Mr Speaker, this Bill amends the Low-alcohol Liquor Subsidies Act 2000 (the Subsidies Act) to extend the payment of subsidies on low-alcohol beer and wine in the ACT after 30 June 2001, the date currently fixed in the Subsidies Act for the cessation of payments. The Bill will commence on gazettal of the legislation.

On 5 September 2000, this Assembly passed the Subsidies Act to reintroduce the payment of low alcohol subsidies to liquor wholesalers. The reintroduction was in response to the NSW decision to continue its subsidy scheme until 30 June 2001, to ensure ACT consumers are not disadvantaged in comparison with NSW. Members will recall that it was agreed that the Commonwealth and the States and Territories would meet before 30 June 2001 to negotiate a uniform Commonwealth excise, providing a concession for low alcohol beer. In anticipation of the uniform scheme, the Subsidies Act contains a 1 July 2001 expiry date. In the event, Mr Speaker, while all States and Territories have formally indicated their intention to participate in the national working party, work has yet to commence on the nature of the

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