Page 4108 - Week 13 - Thursday, 31 October 2013
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
Mr Corbell: Thank you, Madam Speaker. The question was, “Does the Labor Party have a direct financial interest in poker machines?”—not whether or not the Labor Party, through its clubs, operates poker machines or has poker machine licences. It is about the financial matters of the Australian Labor Party. I do not think Mr Coe can ask a question of any minister in this place about the financial interests of the Australian Labor Party.
Mr Smyth: Just on the point of order, if the question had been, “Does the Canberra Southern Cross Club have a direct financial interest in poker machines?” I am sure nobody over there would be objecting and it would be entirely in order, as this is entirely in order. She is the minister responsible for, ultimately, the issuing of poker machine licences.
MADAM SPEAKER: I will not allow the point of order. It is a question asked of the Minister for Racing and Gaming—I want to get the term right—and the Minister for Racing and Gaming is clearly responsible for the administration of poker machines in the Australian Capital Territory. It may not be within her capacity to know the exact arrangements, but I think that the question is in order and it is up to the minister to answer to the best of her ability.
MS BURCH: All arrangements and approval for gaming machines in the ACT are accountable and have gone through the gaming and racing commission.
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Mr Coe.
MR COE: As the Minister for Racing and Gaming, what assessment have you made regarding the relationship between the Labor Party and the Canberra Labor Club, which is a holder of gaming machine licences?
MS BURCH: Again, the Gambling and Racing Commission, a body of integrity and independence, studied the relationship between the clubs and the Labor Party and the connection to any member of this executive, and it was found to not be there.
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Mr Doszpot.
MR DOSZPOT: Minister, what is the association between ACT Labor and the Canberra Labor Clubs?
Mr Corbell: A point of order.
MADAM SPEAKER: Mr Corbell.
Mr Corbell: How is the minister for gaming and racing at all responsible for the relationship between two entities, neither of which are owned, operated or within the portfolio responsibilities of the minister?
Mr Coe: On the point of order.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video