Page 1205 - Week 04 - Thursday, 26 March 2015
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
While I am concerned about the long-term future of our clubs, I am equally concerned about the harm that occurs from the use of these new technologies, particularly for younger people.
I have drafted a letter to go to my state and territory counterparts asking for their support for effective regulation of interactive gambling and for the enforcement of harm minimisation and consumer protection. The date for that ministers meeting has been changed. Once that has been confirmed, that letter will go out and I will be asking my counterparts to look at that online gambling space. I hope that will be supported when we meet.
With respect to my amendment, the government has a proven track record in working with the community clubs sector. As the minister responsible, my priority has always been to maintain the right balance between securing the industry’s long-term viability so that it can continue to provide the full range of benefits to the Canberra community and ensuring that the impact of harm from problem gambling is minimised.
That is why, if you look at my amendment, Madam Deputy Speaker—and I hope it is supported by Mr Smyth—you will see that it takes out the element relating to gaming reform, because I do not want to have any hesitation or delay regarding the next tranche of gaming reforms which, as I said, will be introduced in this place in the May sittings. It captures the essence of what Mr Smyth was putting forward, in recognising that taxation, land development, problem gambling and diversification are all current matters of importance and interest to clubs, and they are matters that are being worked through with the task force. That is why I added, in paragraph (2) of the amendment, recognition of the work that is already being undertaken through the community clubs task force established in November.
The other change in the amendment is that it suggests that this be referred to the public accounts committee, to ensure crossbench participation in that committee. The amendment suggests that a member of the crossbench be appointed to PAC for the purpose of this investigation. We believe the committee could report to the Assembly in September this year. I will give a commitment to respond to that PAC report by the last sitting day in November this year.
Community clubs in the ACT are a unique model. The fact that electronic gaming machines are only in community clubs here means they are unique across the country. They form an important part of their revenues, but clubs, small and large alike, recognise and concede that a change in trends is occurring and that their revenue options need a new business model. Since I was appointed as the Minister for Racing and Gaming I have been working to support clubs to make sure that they remain a viable industry and business here.
I will watch with interest because this is, as Mr Smyth has indicated, an important piece of work. The government, through this amendment, shows its commitment to having a fair, reasonable and honest conversation about this. But I would be very disappointed—and there was a hint of this from Mr Smyth at the very end of his speech—if this was just an excuse for political bashing. It is well known that the Labor Club is owned by the Labor Party, but I have stood in this place, hand on heart,
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video