Page 281 - Week 01 - Thursday, 14 February 2019

Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video


Consistently over this term, we have worked with the community and with clubs to implement a more robust gambling harm prevention set of rules. That has included boosting funding for the problem gambling assistance fund to 0.75 per cent of gross gaming machine revenue. In line with the Gambling and Racing Commission’s adoption of a public health approach to harm minimisation, that fund will soon be renamed the gambling harm prevention and mitigation fund. Over this term, we have restricted cash withdrawals from EFTPOS machines at clubs. And after a series of round tables with experts, with club industry representatives and with voices from across the community, we are redrafting our gambling code of practice to provide even stronger protection.

Across our laws and across our services, this government has, time and again, demonstrated its commitment to preventing and minimising harm. Our approach to drugs, to alcohol and to other sources of harm will always focus on evidence rather than ideology. And evidence about how we can make life better for individuals, families, friends and our whole community will continue to guide our actions. We approached this term determined to ensure that people, especially the most vulnerable people in our community, get the support they need. We have delivered, and we will keep delivering on our commitment to make Canberra safer, stronger, and more connected. Again, I thank Mr Pettersson for bringing this important matter to the Assembly today.

MR RATTENBURY (Kurrajong): I seek leave under standing order 46 to make a personal explanation.

MADAM ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Ms Cody): Do you claim to have been misrepresented?

MR RATTENBURY: Yes.

MADAM ASSISTANT SPEAKER: Please proceed.

MR RATTENBURY: During the matter of public importance, Mr Hanson produced a graphic from my Facebook page. He subsequently tabled it in this place and he proffered a number of interpretations of the words in it. I want to assure Mr Hanson, and all members of the Assembly, that none of the interpretations Mr Hanson suggested is, in fact, the intent of the said Facebook square. It is actually reflective of the change in the Labor Party’s position, which Mr Hanson himself identified in his remarks.

In both 2004 and 2014, the Greens brought forward legislation in a similar vein to Mr Pettersson’s and—

Members interjecting—

MR RATTENBURY: This is an explanation. Just bear with me.

MADAM ASSISTANT SPEAKER: I believe Mr Rattenbury is getting to the point.


Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video