Page 3870 - Week 10 - Thursday, 27 August 2009
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You, Madam Assistant Speaker Burch, raised this issue the other day. You asked whether it was appropriate for a committee to look at these things and whether it would be appropriate if it was the Vikings club or any other club. I take the view that it is appropriate that we look at this issue. The issue stands independent of which club is putting itself on the market.
Ms Gallagher: Why wasn’t the referral written like that if that was the case?
MRS DUNNE: Because that is the impetus for this. That is the impetus. It is the only club that is putting itself on the market. This is the only profitable club putting itself on the market and as a going concern—not one in financial difficulties—wanting to sell for profit. Therefore, Madam Assistant Speaker, this is an appropriate reference to this committee.
Members interjecting—
MRS DUNNE: I think there is a conversation rather than a debate going on.
MADAM ASSISTANT SPEAKER: Mr Seselja, Mrs Dunne is asking for silence. I call Mrs Dunne.
MRS DUNNE: Because we are venturing into a new policy area—
Ms Gallagher: You lack a bit of genuine interest.
MRS DUNNE: Come on, Katy; give it a rest. Because we are venturing into a new policy area, it is appropriate that a committee look at the policy implications of what is ahead of us. I commend Mr Smyth for this reference. If the members of the Assembly do not like the terms in which this reference is couched, I encourage them to come up with an amendment that would give them a set of words which is more appropriate. But I also challenge them to dare to actually ask the questions about whether what is being proposed out in the public in relation to the Canberra Labor Club Group fits the policy as it was envisaged and as it is described in the gaming machine legislation and whether or not we do actually have the policy mechanisms to deal with this.
I have had a discussion with the Gambling and Racing Commissioner. He admits that he does not have the policy mechanisms to deal with this. It was completely unforeseen. My recollection is that he is an experienced officer who has worked in the commission since its inception. It is clearly the case that no-one ever foresaw this.
This is why this Assembly should be looking at the policy so that we make sure that we get the policy setting right and that it deals with not just this case but with any other case which may arise in the future. I commend Mr Smyth for his motion. I commend the motion to the house.
MR HARGREAVES (Brindabella—Minister for Disability and Housing, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Minister for Industrial Relations and Minister for Corrections) (4.45): I rise because I do not want Mr Seselja to selectively
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