Page 2942 - Week 10 - Thursday, 15 August 1991
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Gaming Machine Industry
MR STEVENSON (5.42): First of all, I have no intention whatsoever of defending what I said. It does not need defence. As far as being unclear is concerned, perhaps if members are unsure of what I say they should listen. At no time did I suggest that anyone or any group in the ACT was involved in any illegal activities regarding gaming machines. However, I did suggest, and will continue to suggest quite readily, that in Australia there has been major infiltration of the industry by organised criminals, as I proved in my statement.
The ignoring of this situation by members of this Assembly that have made statements - only those that have made statements - raises some interesting questions as to why, when I bring up a matter that requires that we ensure that there are not any problems in the ACT; in other words, that we take all due precaution - - -
Mr Duby: We do.
MR STEVENSON: Mr Duby says that we do take all precaution. The point I made is that they also took due precaution in certain other States in Australia.
Mr Connolly: Twenty years ago - in illegal casinos.
MR STEVENSON: Not only illegal casinos; I am referring to legal clubs in Victoria that operate gaming machines. The idea that we should take precautions would, one would have thought, be obvious to everyone here. The suggestion that we do not need to take any precautions is nonsense, and this has been proven in other States where precautions were also taken and yet there was found to be an involvement. It is very sophisticated equipment; it is a very well-organised racket; and, as I said - - -
Mr Wood: So it does exist.
MR STEVENSON: While ever I mention, Mr Wood, that there was no - - -
Mr Wood: Where does it exist?
MR SPEAKER: Order!
Mr Wood: You say that it is well organised. Where is it well organised?
MR SPEAKER: Order, Mr Wood!
MR STEVENSON: Mr Speaker, I refer members to a reading of Hansard, including the police quotations as well as those of the royal commissioner in the Victorian inquiry in 1983-84 - - -
Mr Berry: How long ago was that?
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