Page 3463 - Week 11 - Wednesday, 22 October 2014
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
understanding with ClubsACT, and they reflect our common commitment to a strong harm minimisation framework while ensuring the long-term viability of our community clubs. These are the biggest reforms seen in this sector for decades. They mean the biggest reduction in gaming machine numbers since self-government. By 2018 we will have a ratio of 15 gaming machines for every thousand adults in the ACT.
The reforms give small clubs the opportunity to move out of gaming forever by allowing them to sell their machines to other clubs. The progressive tax reforms mean that small clubs will pay less and the largest clubs will pay more. Hotels and taverns will be able to get out of gaming by divesting themselves of their outdated class B machines.
The establishment of a trading scheme will allow clubs to buy and sell entitlements to operate gaming machines. We will be cutting unnecessary red tape, all the while retaining a strong focus on harm minimisation.
The clubs reform package heralds a new era for the industry. The freeing up of regulation and the introduction of a trading scheme will allow our community clubs greater flexibility to manage their business and to sell machines they no longer require. The package of reforms will help them to remain viable and to grow.
The small clubs wishing to move away from a reliance on gaming machine revenue will be given support to do so, including access to lease variation charge remissions to help redevelop their land.
Mr Smyth: On a point of order, Madam Speaker, I seek your ruling on standing order 156, where it says that a member who is party to or has a direct or indirect interest in a contract made on or behalf of the territory or a territory authority shall not take part in discussion of the matter or vote on a question in the meeting of the Assembly. I would ask that you rule on the conflict of interest the minister has as a member of the Labor Party that owns Labor clubs.
MADAM SPEAKER: I am sorry, but the standing order does not apply. Standing order 156 relates to voting; this is answering a question on notice.
Mr Smyth: It also applies to the discussion of a matter. Clearly, we are discussing a matter.
Members interjecting—
MADAM SPEAKER: Order, Chief Minister! This is a very difficult issue. Mr Smyth has asked me, quite frankly, a difficult question and I have to contemplate it. It is an issue that has arisen sufficiently often in this place. It is an issue that has been directed to the Ethics and Integrity Adviser on at least one occasion, and it requires an appropriate response. I cannot collect my thoughts with people shouting at one another across the chamber.
On the point of order, Mr Smyth raised standing order 156, which relates directly to voting and divisions. In relation to conflict of interest it says that a member shall not
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video