Page 3465 - Week 11 - Wednesday, 22 October 2014
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hotline service through Relationships Australia and Care Financial. Clubs contributed over a million dollars to this fund last financial year.
The reform package includes the largest reduction in gaming machines in the ACT’s history. Based on current numbers, it would mean around a 10 per cent reduction. On commencement of a trading scheme, the clubs will be required to quarantine at least 200 machines from operation for a minimum of 12 months. A one-in-four forfeiture will apply to all machines traded during phase 1.
After three years we will introduce a cap of 15 machines per 1,000 adults, dropping well below the average of New South Wales. Clubs will surrender entitlements on a pro rata basis to meet that new ratio. By allowing hotels and taverns to divest themselves of outdated class B machines, we are restricting the availability of machines to our community club sector.
I commend the ACT community clubs for their willingness to work with the government to deliver on these important reforms and also for the work that they do across our community.
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Ms Berry.
MS BERRY: Minister, what consultation occurred with clubs and community groups in developing the package?
MS BURCH: I thank Ms Berry for her interest. Consultation on the reform package, in particular the development of the trading scheme, occurred with multiple groups, including clubs, hotels, the community sector and state and territory governments.
A discussion paper on how a trading scheme could work was released in July of last year, and a public call for comments was put in the Canberra Times and the Chronicle. Copies of the paper seeking submissions were provided directly to key organisations, including all clubs with gaming machine licences; all hotels and taverns with a gaming machine licence; the Canberra casino; state and territory regulators; and community and industry groups such as the AHA and ClubsACT. Community groups included Mission Australia, the ACT Churches Council, the council on the ageing, the Canberra Multicultural Community Forum, Care Inc, the Salvation Army and ACTCOSS.
Of the community groups, submissions were received from Care Inc and Mission Australia. These submission, together with others received on the discussion paper, provided valuable input into the development of what is a well-balanced set of reforms. We will continue to work closely with all stakeholders as the reforms are finalised so we can ensure that they are in place early next year.
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Dr Bourke.
DR BOURKE: Minister, is the government supporting clubs with any red tape reduction measures?
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