Page 3484 - Week 11 - Thursday, 24 September 2015
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burdened with additional government red tape. The bill’s changes no longer require an application process, fee and compliance with the regulatory code provisions every time these organisations want to run a low value game of housie or a raffle.
The bill will provide further regulatory reform through modified powers for the commission to determine exemption thresholds for different lottery products. This allows for recognition of the level of risk associated with each product. Prior to commencement of the bill’s provisions, a disallowable instrument identifying the commission’s approval exemption threshold amounts will be notified.
Our community expects a fair go when participating in lotteries. If you buy a ticket, you must have an equal chance of winning. The bill retains the requirement to conduct a fair lottery, whether the commission’s approval is required or not. Lotteries are still subject to the act’s offence provision and, in addition, the commission’s existing powers to undertake compliance activities and respond to complaints remain unchanged. This helps ensure consumer protection and integrity is maintained to the highest level.
The bill also proposes specific conditions to be applied for the conduct of exempt lotteries to ensure lottery subscribers are protected. In practice, the bill’s conditions will not require any major changes to existing practices of low risk lottery operators, and under the existing code of practice all housie operators are required to comply with the strict regulatory provisions targeted at high risk gambling. Given that low prize value housie is considered low risk, compliance with the code’s requirements will no longer be required.
The bill reaffirms that regulation of higher risk lotteries will still require the commission’s approval and must comply with approval conditions. The government will work with businesses and organisations to provide information and support during the implementation of the changes introduced through this bill. As part of the government’s commitment to red tape reduction, we will keep consulting with businesses and the community about ways to ease regulatory burden while still retaining the protections our community rightly expects.
Madam Speaker, I commend the bill to the Assembly.
Debate (on motion by Mr Smyth) adjourned to the next sitting.
Children and Young People Amendment Bill 2015 (No 3)
Mr Gentleman, pursuant to notice, presented the bill, its explanatory statement and a Human Rights Act compatibility statement.
Title read by Clerk.
MR GENTLEMAN (Brindabella—Minister for Planning, Minister for Roads and Parking, Minister for Workplace Safety and Industrial Relations, Minister for Children and Young People and Minister for Ageing) (10.57): I move:
That this bill be agreed to in principle.
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