Page 1058 - Week 03 - Wednesday, 17 March 2010
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the government the ability to spin their way out of responsibility. However, our perspective is that the motion will now be stronger. We believe we have added to Mr Smyth’s original intention. It gives some context to the debate and also, as I say, adds those useful requirements that the government act this year in the lead-up to the budget. That time frame was not part of the original motion, but it puts the pressure on to resolve this question as quickly as possible.
In conclusion, this motion identifies the changing circumstances that the racing industry operates in and calls on the government to engage with the industry to address the concerns it has. The industry does have honestly held concerns. In discussions I have had, there is a very general concern there. There are some debatable points, but I think the industry also has a willingness to embrace change and discuss with the minister the challenges ahead. The industry has adapted and changed in the past. We encourage the minister to meet with the representatives and do the work required to meet the commitments set out in this motion. I move the amendment circulated in my name:
Omit paragraphs (1), (2) and (3), substitute:
“(1) notes the social and economic importance of the racing industry to the ACT and acknowledges the changes taking place within the industry;
(2) notes the importance of fiscal responsibility and the maintenance of a balanced budget through the economic cycle, and notes the many and varied demands on the Budget for funding for social, environmental and economic policy objectives;
(3) notes the December 2009 Access Economics’ report on the ACT Racing Industry and the benefits that it identifies would come to the industry from a more generous funding model;
(4) acknowledges the continuing importance of adequately funded programs to address problem gambling;
(5) notes the Government’s commitment to:
(a) consult with the racing industry to develop a suitable funding formula for the ACT racing industry as part of the development of the coming Budget; and
(b) implement that funding formula in the 2010-11 Budget;
(6) notes the Government’s commitment to provide in writing to the Assembly by the last sitting day of October 2010:
(a) details of the revised funding model the racing industry will operate under from 1 July 2010 including the yearly process the Government proposes to use to calculate budget allocations for the racing industry;
(b) details of work performed by the Government to identify the impact the revised funding model will have on jobs supported directly and indirectly by the racing industry; and
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