Page 203 - Week 01 - Wednesday, 15 February 2012
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MS BURCH: The question was around harm minimisation strategies, including the $1 bet, and I have answered the question.
Racing industry
MR SESELJA: Minister, the Independent Competition and Regulatory Commission reported on its inquiry into the ACT racing industry in April 2011. What consultations has the government undertaken in considering this report and what were the results of those consultations?
MS BURCH: The government is finalising its response to the Independent Commission and Regulatory Commission report. The response will take into account the views of the three racing clubs. I have recently met with the Harness Racing Club and Thoroughbred Park and will shortly be meeting with the Greyhound Racing Club. And those discussions have been valuable and will inform the government’s consideration of the ICRC report.
MR SESELJA: Minister, when will you announce the outcome of the government’s deliberations on this report?
MS BURCH: Those considerations are being finalised. I look forward to meeting with the Greyhound Racing Club shortly, and once I have met with all three groups I will finalise the consideration and put it before cabinet.
Clubs—ATMs
MRS DUNNE: Minister, at recent public hearings held by the public accounts committee a number of witnesses raised concerns about proposals to change the way in which ATMs in clubs can be used. A particular concern related to proposals from both the ACT government and the federal government which would affect the use of these ATMs. Minister, have you given any consideration to seeking to align the two proposals for changes in the way in which ATMs are used in clubs? If not, why not?
MS BURCH: The Gaming Machine Amendment Bill includes reforms aimed at reducing the impact of problem gambling in the community. One such proposal is to restrict the amount of cash that can be withdrawn from an ATM located in a gaming machine venue. The proposed restriction in the ACT is to allow a maximum cash withdrawal of $250 per day. This is the same amount as provided by the federal government. The ACT proposal will commence in January 2013. Whether there are any significant differences between our proposal and that of the federal government will not be known until we see the federal legislation.
MRS DUNNE: Minister, what negotiations has the ACT government had with financial institutions regarding proposals to change the way in which ATMs can be used in licensed clubs and what has been the outcome of those negotiations?
MS BURCH: Our proposal is that a withdrawal of $250 per day will be maximised and we have ongoing discussions with the gaming venues about how this will be introduced. That would include some amendments perhaps, perhaps not, to their machines, to their ATMs in these sites, in their clubs.
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