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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2003 Week 1 Hansard (20 February) . . Page.. 398 ..

Canbet-relocation (Question No 391)

Mr Stefaniak

In relation to the announcement by Canbet that it was relocating out of Canberra:

How much annual revenue will be lost to the Territory as a result of the relocation;

How many staff have been/will be made redundant;

Did the ACT Government meet with representatives of Canbet in relation to this proposed relocation from Canberra and, if so, when and where;

Was any incentive offered by Canbet to remain in Canberra, and if so what was offered and when was it offered;

Has the government considered or taken any moves to change the percentage rate of gaming turnover it has received from Canbet and similar organisations engaged in sports betting and if any moves have taken place, list details of those moves;

List the remaining sports betting operators in Canberra and what their turnover was for the last full year reported and also, detail in each instance what revenue was paid as a result to the ACT Government.

Mr Quinlan: The answer to the members' question is as follows:

(1) Refer to table at Attachment A.

Canbet will make its 12 casual staff redundant in mid April and has offered to take its 15 permanent staff to the UK.

The ACT Government was not given the opportunity to meet with representatives of Canbet in relation to the proposed relocation from Canberra to the UK. Canbet's board took the decision to relocate without Government knowledge and contrary to intentions previously conveyed to the Gambling and Racing Commission (the Commission). On the day following Canbet's board meeting, the Commission became aware of rumours of the decision and immediately contacted the company. In addition to confirming its decision to relocate, Canbet advised it intends to keep its ACT licence and maintain a local office. However, it is understood that they do not intend to transact business through that office.

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