Page 4820 - Week 13 - Wednesday, 1 November 2017
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MS CODY: I don’t think I will be able to ask it as well as Mr Pettersson, but can the minister advise the Assembly what measures the government has taken to assist individuals who may have enjoyed their night out a little too much?
MR RAMSAY: I thank Ms Cody for the question, which was asked extremely well. Having exciting, diverse venue offerings for a good night out is just one part of the picture. The other is to ensure that Canberrans are safe during a night out. In addition to the eviction powers and the extra police patrols that I have mentioned, the government is funding a 12-month trial of the CBR NightCrew program. The NightCrew program operates between 10 pm and 4 am on Fridays and Saturdays, next to platform 8 at the city bus station on Mort Street, and also has teams roving around the city centre to assist where necessary.
At the NightCrew tent, late-night revellers can sit down and rest, rehydrate and receive basic first aid if needed. They can wait safely for public transport and charge their mobile phone if needed, so that they can reconnect with their friends or arrange a lift home. With their distinctive uniforms and backpacks and non-judgemental attitude, the NightCrew teams have become a well-loved and much-valued fixture of Canberra’s late-night scene.
It is a simple and effective way that the government is helping Canberrans to enjoy a night out in our ever-evolving, exciting city. I would like to place on record my thanks to every person who volunteers or contributes in any way to the CBR NightCrew. Not everyone can or will do what they do, but I commend them for their commitment to making our city a safe and fun place.
Greyhound racing—inspections
MR PARTON: My question is to the Minister for Regulatory Services. Minister, over the past six months the Gambling and Racing Commission has increased the frequency of its inspections of the Canberra Greyhound Racing Club tenfold. This has led to staff and members of the club feeling as though the Gambling and Racing Commission is targeting and harassing them. Minister, will you advise the Assembly of every single animal welfare breach on animals owned and trained in the ACT discovered by this regulatory crackdown?
MR RAMSAY: I will take that on notice.
MR PARTON: Minister, why has there been such a dramatic increase in the frequency of Gambling and Racing Commission inspections of the Canberra Greyhound Racing Club over the past six months?
MR RAMSAY: The Gambling and Racing Commission is working not only in this particular area but also right across Canberra in a range of areas. I am pleased to see that the GRC takes its responsibilities to oversee gambling in this jurisdiction very seriously.
Mr Parton: Point of order, Madam Speaker.
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