Page 4469 - Week 14 - Thursday, 28 November 2013

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So we consider that the sales objectives provide an appropriate set of parameters for the sale of ACTTAB and that they appropriately balance the needs of multiple parties to allow us to optimise the sale outcome on behalf of the entire ACT community whilst, of course, taking into account the concerns the local racing industry and, critically, the staff of ACTTAB. I consider that these amendments put forward by Mr Smyth will result in a situation where the sale price will not be maximised. We need to allow the market to respond to this sale.

The amendment put forward by Mr Rattenbury more accurately reflects the sale conditions the government has agreed to. On that basis, it will allow us to appropriately pitch to the market to allow them to respond to those conditions. It gives us flexibility to negotiate and to optimise the outcomes for the benefit of everyone—all of the stakeholders and the broader community. It represents a more balanced approach to the sale rather than just looking at the interests of a narrower section of our community.

On that basis, we will support the amendment from Mr Rattenbury to seek to achieve a fair and reasonable price through the sale to ensure that the local racing industry is not negatively affected; to achieve a timely sale; to ensure that the successful party has appropriate experience, capacity and integrity to operate a wagering business; and to ensure that employee welfare is considered. The government will be supporting the amendment that has been circulated by Mr Rattenbury.

Question put:

That the amendment be agreed to.

The Assembly voted—

Ayes 8		Noes 9
Mr Coe	Ms Lawder	Mr Barr	Ms Gallagher
Mr Doszpot	Mr Smyth	Ms Berry	Mr Gentleman
Mrs Dunne	Mr Wall	Dr Bourke	Ms Porter
Mr Hanson		Ms Burch	Mr Rattenbury
Mrs Jones		Mr Corbell

Question so resolved in the negative.

MR RATTENBURY (Molonglo), by leave: I move the amendment circulated in my name:

Add paragraph (3):

“(3) asks the government to ensure the following outcomes from the sale:

(a) achieve a fair and reasonable price;

(b) ensure local racing industry is not negatively affected;

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