Page 3347 - Week 08 - Thursday, 23 August 2012

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However, given the proposed amendments and the absence of any real mechanism to actually reduce the number of machines, the Greens do not support this bill.

MS BURCH (Brindabella—Minister for Community Services, Minister for the Arts, Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Women and Minister for Gaming and Racing) (10.54): I thank the Canberra Liberals for their support of these amendments. These amendments strengthen the support to our clubs and do provide some flexibility for clubs and recognise that the club sector is one that provides significant support to the community. As Mr Smyth reflected, at the Southern Cross Club recently the club gave out to many small organisations small grants that made a difference to them and made a difference to the community. I noticed that the Greens were there participating and celebrating in that distribution of funds by the Southern Cross Club to community organisations.

This government does recognise and value clubs. A short time ago I released grants to small clubs so that they could look at diversifying their revenue. Since I have been minister, I have engaged very positively with clubs and I look forward to continuing that into the future. I have more comments on the amendments I will make but I will get to them in the detailed stage.

Question put:

That this bill be agreed to in principle.

The Assembly voted—

Question so resolved in the affirmative.

Bill agreed to in principle.

Debate interrupted.

Visitor

MR SPEAKER: Before we move to the detail stage, members, I have been remiss to acknowledge the presence of Mr David Lamont in the public gallery again today. Welcome to the Assembly again, Mr Lamont.

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