Page 4379 - Week 14 - Thursday, 28 November 2013

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In stark contrast to the minister’s statement today, the recent update from the federal government is frank and up-front about the challenges that they are facing in rolling out the NDIS. This includes being open and transparent about the trends that show an increase in the number of people that are registering interest to take part in the NDIS as well as the time that it is taking to complete care plans. This honesty and transparency is the only way that we can successfully move forward and see the implementation of this policy.

The opposition will continue to engage with the disability sector and with the community, and we will continue to identify gaps in the transition as they occur locally. We will continue to highlight any issues in this place in the hope that the NDIS can be delivered and improve the lives of people with a disability in the ACT.

Question resolved in the affirmative.

Totalisator Bill 2013

Ms Burch, pursuant to notice, presented the bill, its explanatory statement and a Human Rights Act compatibility statement.

Title read by Clerk.

MS BURCH (Brindabella—Minister for Education and Training, Minister for Disability, Children and Young People, Minister for the Arts, Minister for Women, Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Minister for Racing and Gaming) (10.30): I move:

That this bill be agreed to in principle.

Today I present the Totalisator Bill 2013, which establishes an appropriate regulatory framework with clear licensing arrangements for totalisator activities in the territory. For many people gambling provides a popular form of entertainment. However, gambling is an activity that requires regulation. Australian and international experience shows that unregulated gambling is highly likely to attract criminal elements and involve fraudulent behaviour.

The standard approach adopted by most developed countries is to subject gambling to tight controls. By doing so, consumers are better protected, the influence of criminal activity is reduced and the impact of problem gambling is better managed. It is vital to the integrity of gambling and for consumer protection that effective and transparent regulation exists and that compliance is enforceable. Bona fide gambling operators also benefit from the protection provided by appropriate regulation through increased public confidence in their operations and reduced competition from unlicensed gambling.

Moreover, regulated gambling provides greater protection for problem gamblers. Regulation enables governments to implement policies to ensure that profits from gaming activities contribute to the cost of problem gambling. Totalisator betting, in particular, relies heavily on technology to provide an ever-increasing list of complex


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