Page 2779 - Week 13 - Tuesday, 21 November 1989
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Mr Kaine: That is a very persuasive argument.
MR DUBY: It is a very good argument.
Mr Humphries: It is a very good argument, actually; I like that.
MR DUBY: Yes. If we do not tax the X-rated video industry now, we cannot stand to benefit either in this financial year or in any other.
Mr Humphries: What do you think, Paul?
Mr Whalan: About what?
Mr Humphries: Wait till the Federal coalition gets in in six months' time and then ban them.
MR DUBY: Please, Mr Speaker.
MR SPEAKER: Order!
MR DUBY: With the tax intact the ACT receives an instant economic boost and one that is sustainable even with a change in government which would destroy the industry and the tax. Apart from the direct economic benefit accruing from the tax revenue, the passing of the business franchise Bill brings flow-on benefits to the ACT.
Now, a number of people have said that respectability and legitimacy will bring these underground operators to the ACT. All I can say is that that means more business, more jobs.
MR JENSEN (9.44): Mr Speaker, I think it is important to remind the members once again about the issues we are facing here tonight. The debate is not about whether we should have a pornographic industry in the ACT. However, it could be argued that, if we are to tax an industry, we need to be able to refer to and make some comment on this industry. But I think, Mr Speaker, that it is appropriate that tonight we talk about tax aspects of the Bill. I have no doubt that the aspects of whether we should or should not have a pornographic industry in the ACT will be discussed on another day. The debate is about whether we in the ACT are going to profit from an industry when a large percentage of people - I believe it is close to 53 per cent - have some difficulty with its operating in our national capital.
What these two Bills we are debating tonight will do is entrench an industry within the ACT fiscus. Bills, if passed tonight, will ensure that the Treasury will have some difficulty in removing this tax. We have been advised that a sum of approximately $2m will be raised for this financial year and $5m in a full year.
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