Page 1623 - Week 06 - Tuesday, 7 May 2013
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MADAM SPEAKER: Order, Mr Barr!
MR SMYTH: we will take pot luck. It is what we normally do. Minister, what advice have you sought from the Government Solicitor and what advice did you receive over these issues?
MADAM SPEAKER: Mr Corbell, do you want to answer this?
MR CORBELL: Yes. The issue of responsibility for the regulation of online gambling is not a state and territory responsibility. It is covered under the communications power in the constitution and it is a matter for the federal government. As Minister Burch has indicated, it is a matter of interest to state and territory gaming and racing ministers and they have raised the matter with the commonwealth, who have the constitutional power—
Mr Hanson interjecting—
MADAM SPEAKER: Order, Mr Hanson! It is complicated enough without that.
MR CORBELL: to regulate communications, including online communications, and therefore online gambling. States and territories do not hold the communications power and cannot control that realm.
Mr Smyth: I do not believe my question has been answered. There was an explanation about—
MADAM SPEAKER: I cannot make him answer the question, Mr Smyth.
Mr Smyth: Answers have to be relevant and direct. My question asked about legal advice, not an expose on who has got control.
Mr Corbell: The question has been answered.
Mr Smyth: He has not answered the question. He was not relevant under standing order 118(a).
MADAM SPEAKER: I think Mr Corbell has answered it as much as he is going to. Short of a half-nelson, I cannot make him answer anymore. A supplementary question?
MR SMYTH: Minister, who protects then the interests of ACT residents and ensures that the federal government is doing its job from your government?
Opposition members interjecting—
MADAM SPEAKER: Minister Burch, do you want to answer this?
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