Page 1904 - Week 07 - Tuesday, 14 June 1994
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One of the most important areas that we need to look at, obviously, is the Northern Territory, where there is betting by telephone on interstate and international sports events other than at racing venues. It has been said that this type of turnover tax gives the Northern Territory about $1.25m. It is a pity that the ACT does not allow telephone accounts and does not allow bookmakers to take bets on other sports to maximise the Government's revenue. Perhaps the Minister can tell us why he has not gone that step further and allowed bookmakers to bet on other sporting events. I understand that the Minister has not been in this position for long and he is looking at that. Perhaps we will see something down the track. I appreciate the briefing I received from the Minister's officers. They were cordial, prompt and thorough. That was very much appreciated.
Mrs Carnell: It is a change.
MR DE DOMENICO: It is a big change, as Mrs Carnell says; but it is a change for the better. It gives people on this side of the house a better chance to look at things in a commonsense way. The Minister should look in the near future at reducing that $250 minimum bet. I know that he intends to look at that anyway. That would make us competitive with Tasmania, and also with the other States.
The other thing we need to keep in mind is the immense pressure of competition from the casinos which are being set up in both Victoria and New South Wales. What effect is that going to have on our TAB? It may be tempting to some governments to allow casinos to install poker machines in order to be competitive with the club industry. I am sure that this Government is not going to do that. I believe that Mr Connolly's picture was seen in the clubs association's bulletin last week and he was reported as saying, "No, under this Government no poker machines for casinos". That will please the club industry.
Mr Connolly: And what do you say?
MR DE DOMENICO: The Government might also consider, for example - - -
Mr Wood: No answer.
Mr Connolly: And what do you say?
MR DE DOMENICO: Listen and I will tell you. Take a couple of valiums, a couple of aspros, sit back, listen, take notes, and you might learn something.
Mr Kaine: What you say is cheaper petrol, is it not?
MR DE DOMENICO: That is right. What the Government - - -
Mr Connolly: There is plenty of cheaper petrol; but what are you going to do to the clubs, Mr De Domenico?
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