Page 3464 - Week 11 - Wednesday, 22 October 2014
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take part in a discussion of a matter or vote on a question. This is not a discussion of a matter; that would be interpreted as a matter of public importance, which is an issue before the Assembly which does not have a vote.
I should have stopped the clock, but I will rule on this.
I do not uphold the point of order because the standing order relates directly to voting. There is reference to “discussion” in the standing order, but I rule that that relates to issues like a discussion of a matter of public importance and does not relate to question time.
Minister Burch had two minutes to go in answering the question, so if the clock could be started for two minutes to allow Minister Burch to answer her question.
MS BURCH: This 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 sell machines they no longer require. Small clubs wishing to move away, as I have said, will be supported to do so.
Next month I will host a roundtable with the specific intention of providing a pathway to support clubs’ efforts to diversify. There will be a more equitable distribution of the overall taxation burden on the clubs while supporting all clubs with an increase to the tax-free threshold.
The reduction in unnecessary red tape will also reduce the administrative and regulatory burdens they face. The changes will be implemented so that a robust regulatory framework applying to gaming machines is preserved and enhanced to reflect contemporary standards.
I would like to acknowledge the club sector for the way in which it responded to the government’s reform process. As I understand it, ClubsACT recognise that they have not got everything they wanted but, overall, it is a balanced package that will give certainty and a positive regulatory framework for many years to come.
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Ms Porter.
MS PORTER: Minister, are you saying harm minimisation measures will be maintained under the reform package?
MS BURCH: Absolutely. The ACT already has the strongest protections for problem gamblers in the nation. These protections will not change under the new reform package. We have a daily $250 limit on ATM withdrawals in gaming venues. We do not allow people to smoke in gaming areas, meaning that they need to get up and leave their machines if they want to smoke. We ensure that gaming areas are screened from sight within the clubs.
Our clubs contribute 0.6 per cent of their gross gaming machine revenue each year to the problem gambling assistance fund, which provides counselling and a 24-hour
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