Page 3489 - Week 11 - Thursday, 15 November 2007
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MR BARR: Nothing other than through the Labor Party.
Mr Mulcahy: Through the party.
MR BARR: They contributed to the party, but I do not think that any club—and I will stand to be corrected—donated individually to me. However, I am more than happy to receive donations from any who would like to offer that, as long as it is done according to all of the rules.
But let me return to more important subjects. I believe that there is agreement from both sides of the chamber on the important role that clubs play in promoting sport and recreation in the territory. Dr Foskey makes allegations that the current schemes are not working, that they are failing. I do not think that that is a fair statement to make. The club industry continues to provide its share of community contributions by returning to the community a significant share of its gaming machine revenue. As I said, despite facing some challenging times in relation to smoking bans, as the government acknowledges, the club industry continues to exceed its requirement to provide resources back to the community.
The government also acknowledges that it has to balance the revenue earned from gaming machines with a responsible approach to the negative aspects that some people may experience in managing their gambling activities. It is worth dwelling on this point for a moment. Whilst we are talking about only a small number of problem gamblers, this problem is very important to those that are affected, particularly to their family, friends and work colleagues.
In recognition of this fact, the ACT government continues to invest in programs and initiatives to address problem gambling, including the funding of counselling programs and the undertaking of research into gambling and problem gambling issues. The government’s mandatory code of practice for all ACT gambling licensees incorporates a wide range of responsible gambling and harm minimisation initiatives. As the Chief Minister has outlined in many debates on this topic, the ACT is a national leader in the field of harm minimisation for gambling patrons, through its mandatory gambling code of practice.
These initiatives—including restrictions on gambling advertising and promotions; mandatory staff training; self-exclusion programs; the appointment of trained gambling contact officers for each licensee; and the availability of information for patrons, including signage on the odds of winning major jackpots and access to counselling services—have been critical in providing help to those who need assistance.
It is important to know that the club industry takes its responsibility very seriously. Through the provision of social facilities and community contributions, its contribution to the community is a valuable and critical part of our community infrastructure. Without the revenue from gaming machines it would not be possible for all of these community facilities to be made available.
In the remaining 10 seconds, I conclude by saying that the club industry provides a valuable role and a critical role in our society by providing essential community facilities that would otherwise not exist.
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