Page 2892 - Week 07 - Wednesday, 30 June 2010
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MR SPEAKER: A supplementary, Ms Hunter?
MS HUNTER: Yes, Mr Speaker. Minister, can you confirm that the reallocation scheme will include a mechanism to reduce the number of poker machines in the ACT?
MR BARR: That certainly is the intention of the policy at this stage. The exact mechanism, of course, is to be determined in negotiation with a number of stakeholders. The government has already announced a position that we want to see a reduction in the number of poker machines in the territory.
MR SPEAKER: A supplementary, Ms Bresnan?
MS BRESNAN: Thank you, Mr Speaker. Minister, as we will not have the 1 July implementation that licensed clubs were hoping for, when is the government planning to implement the reallocation scheme which the bill creates?
MR BARR: That is obviously a hypothetical question, Mr Speaker, in so much as it is contingent on so many factors, not least of which is successful passage of any legislation through this place. As we have seen in recent weeks, that can be quite a complex matter. But in terms of a time frame, I have written to ClubsACT, indicating that, given the range of policy issues that the government is grappling with, the more recent information, most particularly the Productivity Commission report, and further information we are expecting in this area, a more realistic starting date for any new scheme would be 1 July next year.
MR SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Ms Le Couteur?
MS LE COUTEUR: Thank you, Mr Speaker. Minister, what will the quantum of the reduction of poker machines be?
MR BARR: That is a matter that will be determined through this process and ultimately determined by the Legislative Assembly.
Visitors
MR SPEAKER: I would like to take the opportunity to welcome delegates from Chinese universities visiting the Assembly today. They are part of the ANU’s policy and governance program. I would like to welcome you all again to the Assembly.
Questions without notice
Childcare—places
MRS DUNNE: My question is to the minister for community services. Minister, last night you made a statement seeking to clarify the situation in relation to childcare places at the Flynn primary school. However, in that statement you failed to acknowledge that you misled the Assembly in May when you said, and I quote from the Hansard:
Now this announcement delivers another 110 places.
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