Page 1728 - Week 06 - Thursday, 19 May 1994
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The Bill and its provisions for the creation of an Electrical Licensing Board are clear evidence of this Government's commitment to consultation with unions, employers and small business. The principles evident in the Bill have been discussed thoroughly with this constituency, and I am advised that it is consistent with their wishes and represents an agreed position across the industry. The Bill brings the ACT into line with other States. It will hold down cost to the community and add to economic efficiency. In conclusion, this Bill is in the interests of the community, electricians, other tradespersons and electrical contractors. I commend it to the Assembly and present the explanatory memorandum.
Debate (on motion by Mr De Domenico) adjourned.
BOOKMAKERS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994
MR LAMONT (Minister for Urban Services, Minister for Housing and Community Services, Minister for Industrial Relations and Minister for Sport) (10.46): Madam Speaker, I present the Bookmakers (Amendment) Bill 1994.
Title read by Clerk.
MR LAMONT: I move:
That this Bill be agreed to in principle.
The Bookmakers (Amendment) Bill is the first of two Bills I am introducing today to enable licensed bookmakers to accept bets by telephone whilst fielding on-course. In February this year, the racing Ministers agreed that all States and Territories should endeavour to have in place legislation to provide for on-course telephone betting by 1 July 1994. South Australia and Western Australia have already introduced this service to punters.
The ACT racing industry supports the introduction of these legislative amendments, which are a necessary response to competition provided by casinos and other initiatives in the licensed clubs industry. They will also expand the service available to punters in the Territory. The legislation is expected to enable ACT bookmakers to compete more effectively for the leisure dollar and protect ACT government revenue. Introduction of this legislation must coincide with similar legislation to be introduced in New South Wales, as the industry is firmly of the view that any custom lost to interstate bookmakers with telephone betting services would be difficult to recover.
In brief, the Bill provides that bookmakers shall not be able to accept a telephone bet unless it is equal to or greater than the prescribed amount or the bookmaker's risk is an amount greater than or equal to the prescribed amount. Telephone betting will be conducted in accordance with prescribed procedures and recorded on prescribed equipment. The Chief Minister, as the responsible Minister, will be able to make regulations prescribing minimum bets and approved equipment.
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