Page 3322 - Week 09 - Thursday, 24 August 2017
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machines operating in the current casino. That will occur only in the context of an approved redevelopment proposal and where key harm minimisation requirements are met.
These requirements include mandatory pre-commitment and a maximum bet limit of $5 or less for gaming machines. In addition, both casino gaming machines and FATG terminals must be connected to a centralised monitoring system. The bill sends a strong message about the community’s expectations that those who would benefit from new or expanded gambling products must take significant steps to minimise gambling harm. I commend the bill to the Assembly.
Debate (on motion by Mr Parton) adjourned to the next sitting.
Crimes (Food or Drink Spiking) Amendment Bill 2017
Mr Ramsay, pursuant to notice, presented the bill, its explanatory statement and a Human Rights Act compatibility statement.
Title read by Clerk.
MR RAMSAY (Ginninderra—Attorney-General, Minister for Regulatory Services, Minister for the Arts and Community Events and Minister for Veterans and Seniors) (11.08):
That this bill be agreed to in principle.
I present the Crimes (Food or Drink Spiking) Amendment Bill. This government has been hard at work promoting the development of a diverse, fun night-time economy in Canberra. Canberrans have a right to be safe during a night out. Ensuring that our night economy is safe is key to promoting new business and encouraging people to enjoy all that Canberra has to offer. That is why this government delivered new safety measures in our reforms to the Liquor Act. One of those measures was a clearer and more explicit power to require CCTV cameras to be installed at pubs and clubs. The government also funded the CBR NightCrew program, which provides water and roving safety patrols in Civic to help keep Canberrans safe at night.
In the 2017-18 budget, we provided funding for six additional members of the ACT Policing’s regional targeting team. The regional targeting team patrols all areas of Canberra focusing on the central business district and entertainment precincts. The additional officers will increase ACT Policing’s presence in these entertainment precincts as well as at major sporting, cultural and music events. One of the most serious crimes that people may encounter in this environment is drink spiking.
Today’s bill will strengthen the legislation that criminalises drink spiking. It sends a clear message to the community that this behaviour will not be tolerated and it gives ACT Policing and our prosecutors better tools to hold offenders accountable for this crime. This bill is part of the government’s comprehensive efforts to make Canberra safer through support programs, more police and stronger legislation.
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