Page 3830 - Week 12 - Thursday, 24 October 2013
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MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Mr Gentleman.
MR GENTLEMAN: Minister, what consultation has been done on the introduction of the scheme allowing the transfer of electronic gaming machines between clubs as flagged in the MOU?
MS BURCH: Thank you, Mr Gentleman. Since January of this year, multi-venue clubs have been able to relocate a small number of machines between venues under certain circumstances within their club network. In July the ACT government released a discussion paper outlining options for a scheme to allow the trading of electronic gaming machines between gaming machine licensees. Public submissions were accepted up until 5 August.
Comments were submitted in a number of forms and it was encouraged that those submitting comments refer to the issues and questions that were raised through the paper. However, given the diversity of the clubs in the sector and the territory, we also expected other issues would be raised.
In addition to receiving a number of written submissions, I met with several industry representatives from organisations such as ClubsACT, the Tradies and the Australian Hotels Association in the ACT to discuss issues relating to current gaming machine operations in the territory.
Consultation opportunities have also occurred as part of the Gaming Industry Consultative Committee with representatives from the Economic Development Directorate and the Gambling and Racing Commission. General industry reaction to a potential trading scheme has been positive and the comments received will contribute to the overall design and operation of a scheme.
Members interjecting—
MADAM SPEAKER: Order, members! It is getting very noisy.
MS BURCH: I am nearly there, Madam Speaker. I am in the process of considering these reforms that will seek to address issues raised in the submissions received during the public consultation. I look forward to updating the Assembly on this soon.
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Mr Smyth.
MR SMYTH: Minister, is writing to the Labor Club a conflict of interest?
MS BURCH: As Minister for Racing and Gaming, given that the Canberra Labor Club is a member of ClubsACT, it was only right and proper that I write to inform all members of ClubsACT about the progress of the MOU. Those opposite continue to raise the Labor clubs. But I say to them over there, “Have a look at your own annual returns and come in here, hand on heart, and say there is not a cent received by Canberra Liberals from a club.”
Opposition members interjecting—
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