❓ Hon Barry House questions the Minister for Racing and Gaming about the stalled Betting Legislation Amendment Bill and the viability of bookmakers. The Minister defends the government's record, highlighting GST rebates and ongoing discussions with stakeholders, while noting the bill's progress.
AnsweredQoN 1256Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
BETTING LEGISLATION AMENDMENT BILL
In the light of Western Australia bookmakers adopting a vote of no-confidence in the minister’s performance, will he attach greater priority to the Betting Legislation Amendment Bill, which has been stalled in the Legislative Assembly for an unreasonable amount of time and is yet to come before the Legislative Council, and will he take the steps necessary to improve the viability and maintain the presence of bookmakers in the Western Australian racing industry? Hon N.D. GRIFFITHS
In the light of Western Australia bookmakers adopting a vote of no-confidence in the minister’s performance, will he attach greater priority to the Betting Legislation Amendment Bill, which has been stalled in the Legislative Assembly for an unreasonable amount of time and is yet to come before the Legislative Council, and will he take the steps necessary to improve the viability and maintain the presence of bookmakers in the Western Australian racing industry? Hon N.D. GRIFFITHS
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for the opportunity to put some matters on the record about the Government’s performance in dealing with the bookmaking component of the racing industry. The Government collects nothing by way of turnover tax paid by bookmakers, apart from a small levy of 0.25 per cent of turnover, paid on sports betting. All of the levy paid by bookmakers on race betting goes directly to the host racing club. Western Australian bookmakers continue to enjoy a virtual goods and services tax-exempt status through the Government’s commitment to rebate all GST payable by bookmakers on their betting turnover, and this should be taken into account when comparing taxation systems in other States where taxation rates have been reduced to compensate for GST rather than pay GST rebates. For example, in States which have recently abolished bookmaker taxes to government - New South Wales and Victoria - those Governments have also discontinued GST rebates worth, I am advised, 0.5 per cent of turnover, whereas in Western Australia the government tax on race bookmakers is zero and the GST rebates are continuing. I can give a very detailed comparison of tax rates between Western Australia and other jurisdictions, and they vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, but my answer is as brief as possible because I would otherwise occupy most of question time in dealing with how the Government has dealt with what some see as a rather difficult issue. I have had a number of discussions with representatives from the WA Australian Bookmakers Association Inc. On 18 December last year, I met with a delegation from the bookmakers association. A number of matters were put to me and I was subsequently provided with a submission whereby they sought a reduction in levies and fees. Those levies and fees had been imposed on bookmakers by racing clubs. The submission by the bookmakers was to the effect that it would be in the interests of the clubs - in particular it was directed at the Western Australian Turf Club - if the WATC made adjustments. I noted that and wrote to the WATC pointing out the bookmakers’ submission and inviting it to consider its content. The bookmakers’ argument was: “It is commonsense; you do this for us and you will make money out of it.” The WATC did not see it that way and, as I recall, the turf club advised me on 20 February that it was not in a position to reduce bookmakers’ fees and betting levies. However, the WATC indicated also that it would work with the bookmakers association to see what, if anything, could be done to improve the bookmakers’ position. With regard to this Government’s commitment to this part of the racing industry, the Government introduced legislation last year to amend the Betting Control Act 1954 to provide for a bookmaker’s licence to be issued to a corporation or partnership and for more flexible trading times for bookmakers. I understand that that Bill is being given significant priority by the Government in the - Hon Barry House interjected. Hon N.D. GRIFFITHS: I wish the member would be quiet and listen to the answer for a change. I understand the Government has given significant authority to this Bill in the Legislative Assembly, and I am looking forward to the Bill arriving here sooner rather than later. I note an article in today’s The West Australian written by a very prominent racing journalist, Mr Robbie Edwards, in which he made reference to my good friend and colleague, Hon Rob Hulls, dealing with similar legislation in Victoria. My understanding is - Hon Norman Moore: I would not follow him too carefully. Hon N.D. GRIFFITHS: The Leader of the Opposition talks about his mate Jeff Kennett. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! We should not get into a debate; the minister is trying to conclude his answer. Hon N.D. GRIFFITHS: I can assure you, Mr President, that I would have concluded 30 seconds ago, but the Leader of the Opposition enjoys listening to my answers. He may have realised that I have my voice back today. My understanding is that the legislation has yet to be introduced into the Victorian Parliament. Members can note from what I have said that the Government is mindful of difficulties that bookmakers are experiencing, and it is giving those matters proper consideration.
Hon N.D. GRIFFITHS replied: I thank the member for the opportunity to put some matters on the record about the Government’s performance in dealing with the bookmaking component of the racing industry. The Government collects nothing by way of turnover tax paid by bookmakers, apart from a small levy of 0.25 per cent of turnover, paid on sports betting. All of the levy paid by bookmakers on race betting goes directly to the host racing club. Western Australian bookmakers continue to enjoy a virtual goods and services tax-exempt status through the Government’s commitment to rebate all GST payable by bookmakers on their betting turnover, and this should be taken into account when comparing taxation systems in other States where taxation rates have been reduced to compensate for GST rather than pay GST rebates. For example, in States which have recently abolished bookmaker taxes to government - New South Wales and Victoria - those Governments have also discontinued GST rebates worth, I am advised, 0.5 per cent of turnover, whereas in Western Australia the government tax on race bookmakers is zero and the GST rebates are continuing. I can give a very detailed comparison of tax rates between Western Australia and other jurisdictions, and they vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, but my answer is as brief as possible because I would otherwise occupy most of question time in dealing with how the Government has dealt with what some see as a rather difficult issue. I have had a number of discussions with representatives from the WA Australian Bookmakers Association Inc. On 18 December last year, I met with a delegation from the bookmakers association. A number of matters were put to me and I was subsequently provided with a submission whereby they sought a reduction in levies and fees. Those levies and fees had been imposed on bookmakers by racing clubs. The submission by the bookmakers was to the effect that it would be in the interests of the clubs - in particular it was directed at the Western Australian Turf Club - if the WATC made adjustments. I noted that and wrote to the WATC pointing out the bookmakers’ submission and inviting it to consider its content. The bookmakers’ argument was: “It is commonsense; you do this for us and you will make money out of it.” The WATC did not see it that way and, as I recall, the turf club advised me on 20 February that it was not in a position to reduce bookmakers’ fees and betting levies. However, the WATC indicated also that it would work with the bookmakers association to see what, if anything, could be done to improve the bookmakers’ position. With regard to this Government’s commitment to this part of the racing industry, the Government introduced legislation last year to amend the Betting Control Act 1954 to provide for a bookmaker’s licence to be issued to a corporation or partnership and for more flexible trading times for bookmakers. I understand that that Bill is being given significant priority by the Government in the - Hon Barry House interjected. Hon N.D. GRIFFITHS: I wish the member would be quiet and listen to the answer for a change. I understand the Government has given significant authority to this Bill in the Legislative Assembly, and I am looking forward to the Bill arriving here sooner rather than later. I note an article in today’s The West Australian written by a very prominent racing journalist, Mr Robbie Edwards, in which he made reference to my good friend and colleague, Hon Rob Hulls, dealing with similar legislation in Victoria. My understanding is - Hon Norman Moore: I would not follow him too carefully. Hon N.D. GRIFFITHS: The Leader of the Opposition talks about his mate Jeff Kennett. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! We should not get into a debate; the minister is trying to conclude his answer. Hon N.D. GRIFFITHS: I can assure you, Mr President, that I would have concluded 30 seconds ago, but the Leader of the Opposition enjoys listening to my answers. He may have realised that I have my voice back today. My understanding is that the legislation has yet to be introduced into the Victorian Parliament. Members can note from what I have said that the Government is mindful of difficulties that bookmakers are experiencing, and it is giving those matters proper consideration.
I thank the member for the opportunity to put some matters on the record about the Government’s performance in dealing with the bookmaking component of the racing industry. The Government collects nothing by way of turnover tax paid by bookmakers, apart from a small levy of 0.25 per cent of turnover, paid on sports betting. All of the levy paid by bookmakers on race betting goes directly to the host racing club. Western Australian bookmakers continue to enjoy a virtual goods and services tax-exempt status through the Government’s commitment to rebate all GST payable by bookmakers on their betting turnover, and this should be taken into account when comparing taxation systems in other States where taxation rates have been reduced to compensate for GST rather than pay GST rebates. For example, in States which have recently abolished bookmaker taxes to government - New South Wales and Victoria - those Governments have also discontinued GST rebates worth, I am advised, 0.5 per cent of turnover, whereas in Western Australia the government tax on race bookmakers is zero and the GST rebates are continuing. I can give a very detailed comparison of tax rates between Western Australia and other jurisdictions, and they vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, but my answer is as brief as possible because I would otherwise occupy most of question time in dealing with how the Government has dealt with what some see as a rather difficult issue. I have had a number of discussions with representatives from the WA Australian Bookmakers Association Inc. On 18 December last year, I met with a delegation from the bookmakers association. A number of matters were put to me and I was subsequently provided with a submission whereby they sought a reduction in levies and fees. Those levies and fees had been imposed on bookmakers by racing clubs. The submission by the bookmakers was to the effect that it would be in the interests of the clubs - in particular it was directed at the Western Australian Turf Club - if the WATC made adjustments. I noted that and wrote to the WATC pointing out the bookmakers’ submission and inviting it to consider its content. The bookmakers’ argument was: “It is commonsense; you do this for us and you will make money out of it.” The WATC did not see it that way and, as I recall, the turf club advised me on 20 February that it was not in a position to reduce bookmakers’ fees and betting levies. However, the WATC indicated also that it would work with the bookmakers association to see what, if anything, could be done to improve the bookmakers’ position. With regard to this Government’s commitment to this part of the racing industry, the Government introduced legislation last year to amend the Betting Control Act 1954 to provide for a bookmaker’s licence to be issued to a corporation or partnership and for more flexible trading times for bookmakers. I understand that that Bill is being given significant priority by the Government in the - Hon Barry House interjected. Hon N.D. GRIFFITHS: I wish the member would be quiet and listen to the answer for a change. I understand the Government has given significant authority to this Bill in the Legislative Assembly, and I am looking forward to the Bill arriving here sooner rather than later. I note an article in today’s The West Australian written by a very prominent racing journalist, Mr Robbie Edwards, in which he made reference to my good friend and colleague, Hon Rob Hulls, dealing with similar legislation in Victoria. My understanding is - Hon Norman Moore: I would not follow him too carefully. Hon N.D. GRIFFITHS: The Leader of the Opposition talks about his mate Jeff Kennett. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! We should not get into a debate; the minister is trying to conclude his answer. Hon N.D. GRIFFITHS: I can assure you, Mr President, that I would have concluded 30 seconds ago, but the Leader of the Opposition enjoys listening to my answers. He may have realised that I have my voice back today. My understanding is that the legislation has yet to be introduced into the Victorian Parliament. Members can note from what I have said that the Government is mindful of difficulties that bookmakers are experiencing, and it is giving those matters proper consideration.
I can give a very detailed comparison of tax rates between Western Australia and other jurisdictions, and they vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, but my answer is as brief as possible because I would otherwise occupy most of question time in dealing with how the Government has dealt with what some see as a rather difficult issue. I have had a number of discussions with representatives from the WA Australian Bookmakers Association Inc. On 18 December last year, I met with a delegation from the bookmakers association. A number of matters were put to me and I was subsequently provided with a submission whereby they sought a reduction in levies and fees. Those levies and fees had been imposed on bookmakers by racing clubs. The submission by the bookmakers was to the effect that it would be in the interests of the clubs - in particular it was directed at the Western Australian Turf Club - if the WATC made adjustments. I noted that and wrote to the WATC pointing out the bookmakers’ submission and inviting it to consider its content. The bookmakers’ argument was: “It is commonsense; you do this for us and you will make money out of it.” The WATC did not see it that way and, as I recall, the turf club advised me on 20 February that it was not in a position to reduce bookmakers’ fees and betting levies. However, the WATC indicated also that it would work with the bookmakers association to see what, if anything, could be done to improve the bookmakers’ position. With regard to this Government’s commitment to this part of the racing industry, the Government introduced legislation last year to amend the Betting Control Act 1954 to provide for a bookmaker’s licence to be issued to a corporation or partnership and for more flexible trading times for bookmakers. I understand that that Bill is being given significant priority by the Government in the - Hon Barry House interjected. Hon N.D. GRIFFITHS: I wish the member would be quiet and listen to the answer for a change. I understand the Government has given significant authority to this Bill in the Legislative Assembly, and I am looking forward to the Bill arriving here sooner rather than later. I note an article in today’s The West Australian written by a very prominent racing journalist, Mr Robbie Edwards, in which he made reference to my good friend and colleague, Hon Rob Hulls, dealing with similar legislation in Victoria. My understanding is - Hon Norman Moore: I would not follow him too carefully. Hon N.D. GRIFFITHS: The Leader of the Opposition talks about his mate Jeff Kennett. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! We should not get into a debate; the minister is trying to conclude his answer. Hon N.D. GRIFFITHS: I can assure you, Mr President, that I would have concluded 30 seconds ago, but the Leader of the Opposition enjoys listening to my answers. He may have realised that I have my voice back today. My understanding is that the legislation has yet to be introduced into the Victorian Parliament. Members can note from what I have said that the Government is mindful of difficulties that bookmakers are experiencing, and it is giving those matters proper consideration.
Hon Barry House interjected. Hon N.D. GRIFFITHS: I wish the member would be quiet and listen to the answer for a change. I understand the Government has given significant authority to this Bill in the Legislative Assembly, and I am looking forward to the Bill arriving here sooner rather than later. I note an article in today’s The West Australian written by a very prominent racing journalist, Mr Robbie Edwards, in which he made reference to my good friend and colleague, Hon Rob Hulls, dealing with similar legislation in Victoria. My understanding is - Hon Norman Moore: I would not follow him too carefully. Hon N.D. GRIFFITHS: The Leader of the Opposition talks about his mate Jeff Kennett. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! We should not get into a debate; the minister is trying to conclude his answer. Hon N.D. GRIFFITHS: I can assure you, Mr President, that I would have concluded 30 seconds ago, but the Leader of the Opposition enjoys listening to my answers. He may have realised that I have my voice back today. My understanding is that the legislation has yet to be introduced into the Victorian Parliament. Members can note from what I have said that the Government is mindful of difficulties that bookmakers are experiencing, and it is giving those matters proper consideration.
Hon N.D. GRIFFITHS: I wish the member would be quiet and listen to the answer for a change. I understand the Government has given significant authority to this Bill in the Legislative Assembly, and I am looking forward to the Bill arriving here sooner rather than later. I note an article in today’s The West Australian written by a very prominent racing journalist, Mr Robbie Edwards, in which he made reference to my good friend and colleague, Hon Rob Hulls, dealing with similar legislation in Victoria. My understanding is - Hon Norman Moore: I would not follow him too carefully. Hon N.D. GRIFFITHS: The Leader of the Opposition talks about his mate Jeff Kennett. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! We should not get into a debate; the minister is trying to conclude his answer. Hon N.D. GRIFFITHS: I can assure you, Mr President, that I would have concluded 30 seconds ago, but the Leader of the Opposition enjoys listening to my answers. He may have realised that I have my voice back today. My understanding is that the legislation has yet to be introduced into the Victorian Parliament. Members can note from what I have said that the Government is mindful of difficulties that bookmakers are experiencing, and it is giving those matters proper consideration.
I note an article in today’s The West Australian written by a very prominent racing journalist, Mr Robbie Edwards, in which he made reference to my good friend and colleague, Hon Rob Hulls, dealing with similar legislation in Victoria. My understanding is - Hon Norman Moore: I would not follow him too carefully. Hon N.D. GRIFFITHS: The Leader of the Opposition talks about his mate Jeff Kennett. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! We should not get into a debate; the minister is trying to conclude his answer. Hon N.D. GRIFFITHS: I can assure you, Mr President, that I would have concluded 30 seconds ago, but the Leader of the Opposition enjoys listening to my answers. He may have realised that I have my voice back today. My understanding is that the legislation has yet to be introduced into the Victorian Parliament. Members can note from what I have said that the Government is mindful of difficulties that bookmakers are experiencing, and it is giving those matters proper consideration.
Hon Norman Moore: I would not follow him too carefully. Hon N.D. GRIFFITHS: The Leader of the Opposition talks about his mate Jeff Kennett. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! We should not get into a debate; the minister is trying to conclude his answer. Hon N.D. GRIFFITHS: I can assure you, Mr President, that I would have concluded 30 seconds ago, but the Leader of the Opposition enjoys listening to my answers. He may have realised that I have my voice back today. My understanding is that the legislation has yet to be introduced into the Victorian Parliament. Members can note from what I have said that the Government is mindful of difficulties that bookmakers are experiencing, and it is giving those matters proper consideration.
Hon N.D. GRIFFITHS: The Leader of the Opposition talks about his mate Jeff Kennett. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! We should not get into a debate; the minister is trying to conclude his answer. Hon N.D. GRIFFITHS: I can assure you, Mr President, that I would have concluded 30 seconds ago, but the Leader of the Opposition enjoys listening to my answers. He may have realised that I have my voice back today. My understanding is that the legislation has yet to be introduced into the Victorian Parliament. Members can note from what I have said that the Government is mindful of difficulties that bookmakers are experiencing, and it is giving those matters proper consideration.
The PRESIDENT: Order, members! We should not get into a debate; the minister is trying to conclude his answer. Hon N.D. GRIFFITHS: I can assure you, Mr President, that I would have concluded 30 seconds ago, but the Leader of the Opposition enjoys listening to my answers. He may have realised that I have my voice back today. My understanding is that the legislation has yet to be introduced into the Victorian Parliament. Members can note from what I have said that the Government is mindful of difficulties that bookmakers are experiencing, and it is giving those matters proper consideration.
Hon N.D. GRIFFITHS: I can assure you, Mr President, that I would have concluded 30 seconds ago, but the Leader of the Opposition enjoys listening to my answers. He may have realised that I have my voice back today. My understanding is that the legislation has yet to be introduced into the Victorian Parliament. Members can note from what I have said that the Government is mindful of difficulties that bookmakers are experiencing, and it is giving those matters proper consideration.
My understanding is that the legislation has yet to be introduced into the Victorian Parliament. Members can note from what I have said that the Government is mindful of difficulties that bookmakers are experiencing, and it is giving those matters proper consideration.
Hon N.D. GRIFFITHS replied: I thank the member for the opportunity to put some matters on the record about the Government’s performance in dealing with the bookmaking component of the racing industry. The Government collects nothing by way of turnover tax paid by bookmakers, apart from a small levy of 0.25 per cent of turnover, paid on sports betting. All of the levy paid by bookmakers on race betting goes directly to the host racing club. Western Australian bookmakers continue to enjoy a virtual goods and services tax-exempt status through the Government’s commitment to rebate all GST payable by bookmakers on their betting turnover, and this should be taken into account when comparing taxation systems in other States where taxation rates have been reduced to compensate for GST rather than pay GST rebates. For example, in States which have recently abolished bookmaker taxes to government - New South Wales and Victoria - those Governments have also discontinued GST rebates worth, I am advised, 0.5 per cent of turnover, whereas in Western Australia the government tax on race bookmakers is zero and the GST rebates are continuing. I can give a very detailed comparison of tax rates between Western Australia and other jurisdictions, and they vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, but my answer is as brief as possible because I would otherwise occupy most of question time in dealing with how the Government has dealt with what some see as a rather difficult issue. I have had a number of discussions with representatives from the WA Australian Bookmakers Association Inc. On 18 December last year, I met with a delegation from the bookmakers association. A number of matters were put to me and I was subsequently provided with a submission whereby they sought a reduction in levies and fees. Those levies and fees had been imposed on bookmakers by racing clubs. The submission by the bookmakers was to the effect that it would be in the interests of the clubs - in particular it was directed at the Western Australian Turf Club - if the WATC made adjustments. I noted that and wrote to the WATC pointing out the bookmakers’ submission and inviting it to consider its content. The bookmakers’ argument was: “It is commonsense; you do this for us and you will make money out of it.” The WATC did not see it that way and, as I recall, the turf club advised me on 20 February that it was not in a position to reduce bookmakers’ fees and betting levies. However, the WATC indicated also that it would work with the bookmakers association to see what, if anything, could be done to improve the bookmakers’ position. With regard to this Government’s commitment to this part of the racing industry, the Government introduced legislation last year to amend the Betting Control Act 1954 to provide for a bookmaker’s licence to be issued to a corporation or partnership and for more flexible trading times for bookmakers. I understand that that Bill is being given significant priority by the Government in the - Hon Barry House interjected. Hon N.D. GRIFFITHS: I wish the member would be quiet and listen to the answer for a change. I understand the Government has given significant authority to this Bill in the Legislative Assembly, and I am looking forward to the Bill arriving here sooner rather than later. I note an article in today’s The West Australian written by a very prominent racing journalist, Mr Robbie Edwards, in which he made reference to my good friend and colleague, Hon Rob Hulls, dealing with similar legislation in Victoria. My understanding is - Hon Norman Moore: I would not follow him too carefully. Hon N.D. GRIFFITHS: The Leader of the Opposition talks about his mate Jeff Kennett. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! We should not get into a debate; the minister is trying to conclude his answer. Hon N.D. GRIFFITHS: I can assure you, Mr President, that I would have concluded 30 seconds ago, but the Leader of the Opposition enjoys listening to my answers. He may have realised that I have my voice back today. My understanding is that the legislation has yet to be introduced into the Victorian Parliament. Members can note from what I have said that the Government is mindful of difficulties that bookmakers are experiencing, and it is giving those matters proper consideration.
I thank the member for the opportunity to put some matters on the record about the Government’s performance in dealing with the bookmaking component of the racing industry. The Government collects nothing by way of turnover tax paid by bookmakers, apart from a small levy of 0.25 per cent of turnover, paid on sports betting. All of the levy paid by bookmakers on race betting goes directly to the host racing club. Western Australian bookmakers continue to enjoy a virtual goods and services tax-exempt status through the Government’s commitment to rebate all GST payable by bookmakers on their betting turnover, and this should be taken into account when comparing taxation systems in other States where taxation rates have been reduced to compensate for GST rather than pay GST rebates. For example, in States which have recently abolished bookmaker taxes to government - New South Wales and Victoria - those Governments have also discontinued GST rebates worth, I am advised, 0.5 per cent of turnover, whereas in Western Australia the government tax on race bookmakers is zero and the GST rebates are continuing. I can give a very detailed comparison of tax rates between Western Australia and other jurisdictions, and they vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, but my answer is as brief as possible because I would otherwise occupy most of question time in dealing with how the Government has dealt with what some see as a rather difficult issue. I have had a number of discussions with representatives from the WA Australian Bookmakers Association Inc. On 18 December last year, I met with a delegation from the bookmakers association. A number of matters were put to me and I was subsequently provided with a submission whereby they sought a reduction in levies and fees. Those levies and fees had been imposed on bookmakers by racing clubs. The submission by the bookmakers was to the effect that it would be in the interests of the clubs - in particular it was directed at the Western Australian Turf Club - if the WATC made adjustments. I noted that and wrote to the WATC pointing out the bookmakers’ submission and inviting it to consider its content. The bookmakers’ argument was: “It is commonsense; you do this for us and you will make money out of it.” The WATC did not see it that way and, as I recall, the turf club advised me on 20 February that it was not in a position to reduce bookmakers’ fees and betting levies. However, the WATC indicated also that it would work with the bookmakers association to see what, if anything, could be done to improve the bookmakers’ position. With regard to this Government’s commitment to this part of the racing industry, the Government introduced legislation last year to amend the Betting Control Act 1954 to provide for a bookmaker’s licence to be issued to a corporation or partnership and for more flexible trading times for bookmakers. I understand that that Bill is being given significant priority by the Government in the - Hon Barry House interjected. Hon N.D. GRIFFITHS: I wish the member would be quiet and listen to the answer for a change. I understand the Government has given significant authority to this Bill in the Legislative Assembly, and I am looking forward to the Bill arriving here sooner rather than later. I note an article in today’s The West Australian written by a very prominent racing journalist, Mr Robbie Edwards, in which he made reference to my good friend and colleague, Hon Rob Hulls, dealing with similar legislation in Victoria. My understanding is - Hon Norman Moore: I would not follow him too carefully. Hon N.D. GRIFFITHS: The Leader of the Opposition talks about his mate Jeff Kennett. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! We should not get into a debate; the minister is trying to conclude his answer. Hon N.D. GRIFFITHS: I can assure you, Mr President, that I would have concluded 30 seconds ago, but the Leader of the Opposition enjoys listening to my answers. He may have realised that I have my voice back today. My understanding is that the legislation has yet to be introduced into the Victorian Parliament. Members can note from what I have said that the Government is mindful of difficulties that bookmakers are experiencing, and it is giving those matters proper consideration.
I can give a very detailed comparison of tax rates between Western Australia and other jurisdictions, and they vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, but my answer is as brief as possible because I would otherwise occupy most of question time in dealing with how the Government has dealt with what some see as a rather difficult issue. I have had a number of discussions with representatives from the WA Australian Bookmakers Association Inc. On 18 December last year, I met with a delegation from the bookmakers association. A number of matters were put to me and I was subsequently provided with a submission whereby they sought a reduction in levies and fees. Those levies and fees had been imposed on bookmakers by racing clubs. The submission by the bookmakers was to the effect that it would be in the interests of the clubs - in particular it was directed at the Western Australian Turf Club - if the WATC made adjustments. I noted that and wrote to the WATC pointing out the bookmakers’ submission and inviting it to consider its content. The bookmakers’ argument was: “It is commonsense; you do this for us and you will make money out of it.” The WATC did not see it that way and, as I recall, the turf club advised me on 20 February that it was not in a position to reduce bookmakers’ fees and betting levies. However, the WATC indicated also that it would work with the bookmakers association to see what, if anything, could be done to improve the bookmakers’ position. With regard to this Government’s commitment to this part of the racing industry, the Government introduced legislation last year to amend the Betting Control Act 1954 to provide for a bookmaker’s licence to be issued to a corporation or partnership and for more flexible trading times for bookmakers. I understand that that Bill is being given significant priority by the Government in the - Hon Barry House interjected. Hon N.D. GRIFFITHS: I wish the member would be quiet and listen to the answer for a change. I understand the Government has given significant authority to this Bill in the Legislative Assembly, and I am looking forward to the Bill arriving here sooner rather than later. I note an article in today’s The West Australian written by a very prominent racing journalist, Mr Robbie Edwards, in which he made reference to my good friend and colleague, Hon Rob Hulls, dealing with similar legislation in Victoria. My understanding is - Hon Norman Moore: I would not follow him too carefully. Hon N.D. GRIFFITHS: The Leader of the Opposition talks about his mate Jeff Kennett. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! We should not get into a debate; the minister is trying to conclude his answer. Hon N.D. GRIFFITHS: I can assure you, Mr President, that I would have concluded 30 seconds ago, but the Leader of the Opposition enjoys listening to my answers. He may have realised that I have my voice back today. My understanding is that the legislation has yet to be introduced into the Victorian Parliament. Members can note from what I have said that the Government is mindful of difficulties that bookmakers are experiencing, and it is giving those matters proper consideration.
Hon Barry House interjected. Hon N.D. GRIFFITHS: I wish the member would be quiet and listen to the answer for a change. I understand the Government has given significant authority to this Bill in the Legislative Assembly, and I am looking forward to the Bill arriving here sooner rather than later. I note an article in today’s The West Australian written by a very prominent racing journalist, Mr Robbie Edwards, in which he made reference to my good friend and colleague, Hon Rob Hulls, dealing with similar legislation in Victoria. My understanding is - Hon Norman Moore: I would not follow him too carefully. Hon N.D. GRIFFITHS: The Leader of the Opposition talks about his mate Jeff Kennett. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! We should not get into a debate; the minister is trying to conclude his answer. Hon N.D. GRIFFITHS: I can assure you, Mr President, that I would have concluded 30 seconds ago, but the Leader of the Opposition enjoys listening to my answers. He may have realised that I have my voice back today. My understanding is that the legislation has yet to be introduced into the Victorian Parliament. Members can note from what I have said that the Government is mindful of difficulties that bookmakers are experiencing, and it is giving those matters proper consideration.
Hon N.D. GRIFFITHS: I wish the member would be quiet and listen to the answer for a change. I understand the Government has given significant authority to this Bill in the Legislative Assembly, and I am looking forward to the Bill arriving here sooner rather than later. I note an article in today’s The West Australian written by a very prominent racing journalist, Mr Robbie Edwards, in which he made reference to my good friend and colleague, Hon Rob Hulls, dealing with similar legislation in Victoria. My understanding is - Hon Norman Moore: I would not follow him too carefully. Hon N.D. GRIFFITHS: The Leader of the Opposition talks about his mate Jeff Kennett. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! We should not get into a debate; the minister is trying to conclude his answer. Hon N.D. GRIFFITHS: I can assure you, Mr President, that I would have concluded 30 seconds ago, but the Leader of the Opposition enjoys listening to my answers. He may have realised that I have my voice back today. My understanding is that the legislation has yet to be introduced into the Victorian Parliament. Members can note from what I have said that the Government is mindful of difficulties that bookmakers are experiencing, and it is giving those matters proper consideration.
I note an article in today’s The West Australian written by a very prominent racing journalist, Mr Robbie Edwards, in which he made reference to my good friend and colleague, Hon Rob Hulls, dealing with similar legislation in Victoria. My understanding is - Hon Norman Moore: I would not follow him too carefully. Hon N.D. GRIFFITHS: The Leader of the Opposition talks about his mate Jeff Kennett. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! We should not get into a debate; the minister is trying to conclude his answer. Hon N.D. GRIFFITHS: I can assure you, Mr President, that I would have concluded 30 seconds ago, but the Leader of the Opposition enjoys listening to my answers. He may have realised that I have my voice back today. My understanding is that the legislation has yet to be introduced into the Victorian Parliament. Members can note from what I have said that the Government is mindful of difficulties that bookmakers are experiencing, and it is giving those matters proper consideration.
Hon Norman Moore: I would not follow him too carefully. Hon N.D. GRIFFITHS: The Leader of the Opposition talks about his mate Jeff Kennett. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! We should not get into a debate; the minister is trying to conclude his answer. Hon N.D. GRIFFITHS: I can assure you, Mr President, that I would have concluded 30 seconds ago, but the Leader of the Opposition enjoys listening to my answers. He may have realised that I have my voice back today. My understanding is that the legislation has yet to be introduced into the Victorian Parliament. Members can note from what I have said that the Government is mindful of difficulties that bookmakers are experiencing, and it is giving those matters proper consideration.
Hon N.D. GRIFFITHS: The Leader of the Opposition talks about his mate Jeff Kennett. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! We should not get into a debate; the minister is trying to conclude his answer. Hon N.D. GRIFFITHS: I can assure you, Mr President, that I would have concluded 30 seconds ago, but the Leader of the Opposition enjoys listening to my answers. He may have realised that I have my voice back today. My understanding is that the legislation has yet to be introduced into the Victorian Parliament. Members can note from what I have said that the Government is mindful of difficulties that bookmakers are experiencing, and it is giving those matters proper consideration.
The PRESIDENT: Order, members! We should not get into a debate; the minister is trying to conclude his answer. Hon N.D. GRIFFITHS: I can assure you, Mr President, that I would have concluded 30 seconds ago, but the Leader of the Opposition enjoys listening to my answers. He may have realised that I have my voice back today. My understanding is that the legislation has yet to be introduced into the Victorian Parliament. Members can note from what I have said that the Government is mindful of difficulties that bookmakers are experiencing, and it is giving those matters proper consideration.
Hon N.D. GRIFFITHS: I can assure you, Mr President, that I would have concluded 30 seconds ago, but the Leader of the Opposition enjoys listening to my answers. He may have realised that I have my voice back today. My understanding is that the legislation has yet to be introduced into the Victorian Parliament. Members can note from what I have said that the Government is mindful of difficulties that bookmakers are experiencing, and it is giving those matters proper consideration.
My understanding is that the legislation has yet to be introduced into the Victorian Parliament. Members can note from what I have said that the Government is mindful of difficulties that bookmakers are experiencing, and it is giving those matters proper consideration.
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