Page 4687 - Week 13 - Tuesday, 10 November 2009
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gaming as a mechanism to entice new customers into venues for further gambling after the charitable event.
In allowing charitable gaming, the government is providing a new opportunity for charities to fundraise, and it would not be appropriate for gaming venues to profit from these events. To hold these events, charitable organisations will need to obtain a formal approval from the Gambling and Racing Commission. More detailed information will be available on the commission’s website before the act commences.
Whilst some charitable organisations do not support fundraising through gambling activity, and therefore would not choose to participate, I expect that there will be others for whom this will provide a valuable source of additional funds so that they can continue to undertake their good work in the community.
In conclusion, I would like to draw members’ attention to the fact that, under this bill, two-up will be allowed on Anzac Day. We know how many people enjoy that activity on Anzac Day. I note that the bill will now allow any organisation, not just clubs, to raise money for charitable purposes through the playing of two-up on Anzac Day.
MR BARR (Molonglo—Minister for Education and Training, Minister for Planning, Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation and Minister for Gaming and Racing) (10.25): I thank members for their contributions to this debate and I thank all sides for their support. Having assumed responsibility for the gaming portfolio at midnight last night, let me say that it is my very great pleasure, 10½ hours later, to be able to see through the passage of this legislation. I again thank the Treasurer for all of her hard work—and the Gambling and Racing Commission and all those who have been involved in the development of this bill.
As we have heard, the bill makes all gambling unlawful except to the extent that it is permitted under the bill or another gaming law. An important safeguard is provided for the community in this legislation. It ensures that a positive decision must be made in order for new gaming activities to be lawful in the ACT. This contrasts with the alternative approach of the legislature having to, in effect, catch up with developments in the gambling industry and be reactive rather than proactive.
The approach taken in this bill will enhance the government’s ability to achieve its gambling policy objectives. This is particularly the case in relation to minimising criminal or unethical behaviour and reducing the impact of problem gambling. It is also consistent with the legislative approach taken in other Australian jurisdictions.
As we have heard, the bill was developed following an extensive public review of the current acts by the Gambling and Racing Commission. These acts—the Unlawful Games Act 1984; the Games, Wagers and Betting Houses Act 1901; and the Gaming and Betting Act 1906—are clearly outdated. They do not address a number of current gaming issues and are unclear in some of their provisions.
Therefore a key objective of this bill has been to update and clarify the unlawful gambling provisions in the territory. In achieving this important update, a number of the provisions in the older acts were not carried through, as they were either no longer relevant or are now covered in existing legislation such as the Criminal Code.
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