Page 1828 - Week 05 - Thursday, 16 May 2019
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Opposition members interjecting—
MADAM SPEAKER: Members on my left, please.
MS CODY: Minister, how will the government’s changes support community groups beyond clubs?
MR RAMSAY: I thank Ms Cody for the supplementary question. Throughout this process of reform, the government has put community benefits first and foremost. Our community contributions scheme is a central part of that policy. Community contributions reflect the obligations of those who have the privilege of operating gaming machines to give back directly to their communities.
Mr Hanson interjecting—
MADAM SPEAKER: Mr Hanson, enough.
MR RAMSAY: They are required to do this in ways that go beyond using revenue from gaming machines to serve their own members.
This government knows that many community groups have formed relationships with clubs that are supportive. We want the community contributions scheme to keep on working for those groups. We also want it to reach even more people who are in need of support. That is why we committed to reform our community contributions scheme in line with the latest evidence. The Auditor-General made clear recommendations for how our scheme could be made more transparent. We have sat down cooperatively with clubs and community groups to turn those recommendations into action.
As a whole, our policy approach to gaming shows that we are committed to securing the maximum possible benefits for those who need help most while delivering the strongest possible harm minimisation rules. We will keep working collaboratively with clubs and with the community to deliver on our promises and to do it in a way that promotes a sustainable, diverse and even more community focused clubs sector.
Justice—wrongful incarceration
MS LAWDER: My question is to the Attorney-General and relates to the case of Daniel Jones who was incarcerated for 4½ months in 2014. Attorney, how are you responding to public calls for a review of the Bail Act?
MR RAMSAY: I thank Ms Lawder for the question. It is interesting that the Canberra Liberals are raising the issue of bail on this one. The clear argument in relation to the Jones matter has been that the bail laws should be looser while the previous arguments we have had from the Canberra Liberals have been that the bail laws should be tighter.
Mr Hanson: On a point of order, Madam Speaker, the question was how the government is responding to public calls for the review of the Bail Act. These are not
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