❓ Mr. Barnett questions the Acting Premier about a proposed agreement to give Burswood Casino the right to an additional 200 gaming machines. Mr. Ripper defends the decision, citing employment and competition.
AnsweredQoN 177Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
I refer the Acting Premier to the announcement late yesterday of sweeping changes proposed by the Labor Government to the agreement covering Burswood International Resort Casino, and ask - (1) Can the Acting Premier confirm that, as part of the proposed changes, Burswood will be given the right to an additional 200 gaming machines from 2004? (2) Why is this exclusive right to an additional 200 gaming machines not mentioned in the Minister for Racing and Gaming’s detailed 10-page ministerial statement given in the Legislative Council yesterday, nor in his media statement? (3) What else is the Government trying to hide from the people of Western Australia about this secret deal? Mr E.S. RIPPER
AnswerView source ↗
(1)-(3) I am advised that the extra machines able to be introduced up to 2004 are subject to the approval of the Gaming Commission of Western Australia, having regard to harm minimisation, surveillance and security considerations. This is not an unconditional agreement on the number of gaming machines the Burswood International Resort Casino is allowed to have. The Government must be cognisant of the fact that the Burswood casino is one of the largest employers in the State. The people employed by the casino cannot, in many cases, easily transfer to other sorts of work. Mr C.J. Barnett: What are you on about? Mr E.S. RIPPER: For example, if the Burswood casino were to reduce the number of people managing the gaming tables, where else in Perth would those people get that line of work? That is an important issue. The second important issue is that, since the Burswood casino was established, there has been a significant change in the competitive environment in which it operates. It might have a monopoly on gaming machines in Western Australia, but it is in competition with casinos not only in Australia, but also in South East Asia. The competition experienced by Burswood casino has intensified considerably. The employees and the increased competition must be taken into account, as well as the fact that, as part of these arrangements, there will be additional revenue for the State through increases in tax rates. This is a balanced resolution of a number of issues. There will be more money for this State to spend on health, education, and law and order. The Government has not adopted the approach of other States, under which electronic gaming machines and poker machines have been spread right throughout the community, creating the sort of social harm about which the Opposition is concerned. The Government has nothing to hide on this matter. I have had a quick look through the media statement put out by the Minister for Racing and Gaming. I have not had a chance to study it in detail. That matter does not appear to be mentioned, but there is no reason for the Government to be ashamed about that issue. The Leader of the Opposition might stand accused of hypocrisy, because, after all, in 1998 the previous Government gave approval for an increase in the number of electronic gaming machines at Burswood.
(1) Can the Acting Premier confirm that, as part of the proposed changes, Burswood will be given the right to an additional 200 gaming machines from 2004? (2) Why is this exclusive right to an additional 200 gaming machines not mentioned in the Minister for Racing and Gaming’s detailed 10-page ministerial statement given in the Legislative Council yesterday, nor in his media statement? (3) What else is the Government trying to hide from the people of Western Australia about this secret deal? Mr E.S. RIPPER replied: (1)-(3) I am advised that the extra machines able to be introduced up to 2004 are subject to the approval of the Gaming Commission of Western Australia, having regard to harm minimisation, surveillance and security considerations. This is not an unconditional agreement on the number of gaming machines the Burswood International Resort Casino is allowed to have. The Government must be cognisant of the fact that the Burswood casino is one of the largest employers in the State. The people employed by the casino cannot, in many cases, easily transfer to other sorts of work. Mr C.J. Barnett: What are you on about? Mr E.S. RIPPER: For example, if the Burswood casino were to reduce the number of people managing the gaming tables, where else in Perth would those people get that line of work? That is an important issue. The second important issue is that, since the Burswood casino was established, there has been a significant change in the competitive environment in which it operates. It might have a monopoly on gaming machines in Western Australia, but it is in competition with casinos not only in Australia, but also in South East Asia. The competition experienced by Burswood casino has intensified considerably. The employees and the increased competition must be taken into account, as well as the fact that, as part of these arrangements, there will be additional revenue for the State through increases in tax rates. This is a balanced resolution of a number of issues. There will be more money for this State to spend on health, education, and law and order. The Government has not adopted the approach of other States, under which electronic gaming machines and poker machines have been spread right throughout the community, creating the sort of social harm about which the Opposition is concerned. The Government has nothing to hide on this matter. I have had a quick look through the media statement put out by the Minister for Racing and Gaming. I have not had a chance to study it in detail. That matter does not appear to be mentioned, but there is no reason for the Government to be ashamed about that issue. The Leader of the Opposition might stand accused of hypocrisy, because, after all, in 1998 the previous Government gave approval for an increase in the number of electronic gaming machines at Burswood.
(2) Why is this exclusive right to an additional 200 gaming machines not mentioned in the Minister for Racing and Gaming’s detailed 10-page ministerial statement given in the Legislative Council yesterday, nor in his media statement? (3) What else is the Government trying to hide from the people of Western Australia about this secret deal? Mr E.S. RIPPER replied: (1)-(3) I am advised that the extra machines able to be introduced up to 2004 are subject to the approval of the Gaming Commission of Western Australia, having regard to harm minimisation, surveillance and security considerations. This is not an unconditional agreement on the number of gaming machines the Burswood International Resort Casino is allowed to have. The Government must be cognisant of the fact that the Burswood casino is one of the largest employers in the State. The people employed by the casino cannot, in many cases, easily transfer to other sorts of work. Mr C.J. Barnett: What are you on about? Mr E.S. RIPPER: For example, if the Burswood casino were to reduce the number of people managing the gaming tables, where else in Perth would those people get that line of work? That is an important issue. The second important issue is that, since the Burswood casino was established, there has been a significant change in the competitive environment in which it operates. It might have a monopoly on gaming machines in Western Australia, but it is in competition with casinos not only in Australia, but also in South East Asia. The competition experienced by Burswood casino has intensified considerably. The employees and the increased competition must be taken into account, as well as the fact that, as part of these arrangements, there will be additional revenue for the State through increases in tax rates. This is a balanced resolution of a number of issues. There will be more money for this State to spend on health, education, and law and order. The Government has not adopted the approach of other States, under which electronic gaming machines and poker machines have been spread right throughout the community, creating the sort of social harm about which the Opposition is concerned. The Government has nothing to hide on this matter. I have had a quick look through the media statement put out by the Minister for Racing and Gaming. I have not had a chance to study it in detail. That matter does not appear to be mentioned, but there is no reason for the Government to be ashamed about that issue. The Leader of the Opposition might stand accused of hypocrisy, because, after all, in 1998 the previous Government gave approval for an increase in the number of electronic gaming machines at Burswood.
(3) What else is the Government trying to hide from the people of Western Australia about this secret deal? Mr E.S. RIPPER replied: (1)-(3) I am advised that the extra machines able to be introduced up to 2004 are subject to the approval of the Gaming Commission of Western Australia, having regard to harm minimisation, surveillance and security considerations. This is not an unconditional agreement on the number of gaming machines the Burswood International Resort Casino is allowed to have. The Government must be cognisant of the fact that the Burswood casino is one of the largest employers in the State. The people employed by the casino cannot, in many cases, easily transfer to other sorts of work. Mr C.J. Barnett: What are you on about? Mr E.S. RIPPER: For example, if the Burswood casino were to reduce the number of people managing the gaming tables, where else in Perth would those people get that line of work? That is an important issue. The second important issue is that, since the Burswood casino was established, there has been a significant change in the competitive environment in which it operates. It might have a monopoly on gaming machines in Western Australia, but it is in competition with casinos not only in Australia, but also in South East Asia. The competition experienced by Burswood casino has intensified considerably. The employees and the increased competition must be taken into account, as well as the fact that, as part of these arrangements, there will be additional revenue for the State through increases in tax rates. This is a balanced resolution of a number of issues. There will be more money for this State to spend on health, education, and law and order. The Government has not adopted the approach of other States, under which electronic gaming machines and poker machines have been spread right throughout the community, creating the sort of social harm about which the Opposition is concerned. The Government has nothing to hide on this matter. I have had a quick look through the media statement put out by the Minister for Racing and Gaming. I have not had a chance to study it in detail. That matter does not appear to be mentioned, but there is no reason for the Government to be ashamed about that issue. The Leader of the Opposition might stand accused of hypocrisy, because, after all, in 1998 the previous Government gave approval for an increase in the number of electronic gaming machines at Burswood.
Mr E.S. RIPPER replied: (1)-(3) I am advised that the extra machines able to be introduced up to 2004 are subject to the approval of the Gaming Commission of Western Australia, having regard to harm minimisation, surveillance and security considerations. This is not an unconditional agreement on the number of gaming machines the Burswood International Resort Casino is allowed to have. The Government must be cognisant of the fact that the Burswood casino is one of the largest employers in the State. The people employed by the casino cannot, in many cases, easily transfer to other sorts of work. Mr C.J. Barnett: What are you on about? Mr E.S. RIPPER: For example, if the Burswood casino were to reduce the number of people managing the gaming tables, where else in Perth would those people get that line of work? That is an important issue. The second important issue is that, since the Burswood casino was established, there has been a significant change in the competitive environment in which it operates. It might have a monopoly on gaming machines in Western Australia, but it is in competition with casinos not only in Australia, but also in South East Asia. The competition experienced by Burswood casino has intensified considerably. The employees and the increased competition must be taken into account, as well as the fact that, as part of these arrangements, there will be additional revenue for the State through increases in tax rates. This is a balanced resolution of a number of issues. There will be more money for this State to spend on health, education, and law and order. The Government has not adopted the approach of other States, under which electronic gaming machines and poker machines have been spread right throughout the community, creating the sort of social harm about which the Opposition is concerned. The Government has nothing to hide on this matter. I have had a quick look through the media statement put out by the Minister for Racing and Gaming. I have not had a chance to study it in detail. That matter does not appear to be mentioned, but there is no reason for the Government to be ashamed about that issue. The Leader of the Opposition might stand accused of hypocrisy, because, after all, in 1998 the previous Government gave approval for an increase in the number of electronic gaming machines at Burswood.
(1)-(3) I am advised that the extra machines able to be introduced up to 2004 are subject to the approval of the Gaming Commission of Western Australia, having regard to harm minimisation, surveillance and security considerations. This is not an unconditional agreement on the number of gaming machines the Burswood International Resort Casino is allowed to have. The Government must be cognisant of the fact that the Burswood casino is one of the largest employers in the State. The people employed by the casino cannot, in many cases, easily transfer to other sorts of work. Mr C.J. Barnett: What are you on about? Mr E.S. RIPPER: For example, if the Burswood casino were to reduce the number of people managing the gaming tables, where else in Perth would those people get that line of work? That is an important issue. The second important issue is that, since the Burswood casino was established, there has been a significant change in the competitive environment in which it operates. It might have a monopoly on gaming machines in Western Australia, but it is in competition with casinos not only in Australia, but also in South East Asia. The competition experienced by Burswood casino has intensified considerably. The employees and the increased competition must be taken into account, as well as the fact that, as part of these arrangements, there will be additional revenue for the State through increases in tax rates. This is a balanced resolution of a number of issues. There will be more money for this State to spend on health, education, and law and order. The Government has not adopted the approach of other States, under which electronic gaming machines and poker machines have been spread right throughout the community, creating the sort of social harm about which the Opposition is concerned. The Government has nothing to hide on this matter. I have had a quick look through the media statement put out by the Minister for Racing and Gaming. I have not had a chance to study it in detail. That matter does not appear to be mentioned, but there is no reason for the Government to be ashamed about that issue. The Leader of the Opposition might stand accused of hypocrisy, because, after all, in 1998 the previous Government gave approval for an increase in the number of electronic gaming machines at Burswood.
Mr C.J. Barnett: What are you on about? Mr E.S. RIPPER: For example, if the Burswood casino were to reduce the number of people managing the gaming tables, where else in Perth would those people get that line of work? That is an important issue. The second important issue is that, since the Burswood casino was established, there has been a significant change in the competitive environment in which it operates. It might have a monopoly on gaming machines in Western Australia, but it is in competition with casinos not only in Australia, but also in South East Asia. The competition experienced by Burswood casino has intensified considerably. The employees and the increased competition must be taken into account, as well as the fact that, as part of these arrangements, there will be additional revenue for the State through increases in tax rates. This is a balanced resolution of a number of issues. There will be more money for this State to spend on health, education, and law and order. The Government has not adopted the approach of other States, under which electronic gaming machines and poker machines have been spread right throughout the community, creating the sort of social harm about which the Opposition is concerned. The Government has nothing to hide on this matter. I have had a quick look through the media statement put out by the Minister for Racing and Gaming. I have not had a chance to study it in detail. That matter does not appear to be mentioned, but there is no reason for the Government to be ashamed about that issue. The Leader of the Opposition might stand accused of hypocrisy, because, after all, in 1998 the previous Government gave approval for an increase in the number of electronic gaming machines at Burswood.
Mr E.S. RIPPER: For example, if the Burswood casino were to reduce the number of people managing the gaming tables, where else in Perth would those people get that line of work? That is an important issue. The second important issue is that, since the Burswood casino was established, there has been a significant change in the competitive environment in which it operates. It might have a monopoly on gaming machines in Western Australia, but it is in competition with casinos not only in Australia, but also in South East Asia. The competition experienced by Burswood casino has intensified considerably. The employees and the increased competition must be taken into account, as well as the fact that, as part of these arrangements, there will be additional revenue for the State through increases in tax rates. This is a balanced resolution of a number of issues. There will be more money for this State to spend on health, education, and law and order. The Government has not adopted the approach of other States, under which electronic gaming machines and poker machines have been spread right throughout the community, creating the sort of social harm about which the Opposition is concerned. The Government has nothing to hide on this matter. I have had a quick look through the media statement put out by the Minister for Racing and Gaming. I have not had a chance to study it in detail. That matter does not appear to be mentioned, but there is no reason for the Government to be ashamed about that issue. The Leader of the Opposition might stand accused of hypocrisy, because, after all, in 1998 the previous Government gave approval for an increase in the number of electronic gaming machines at Burswood.
The second important issue is that, since the Burswood casino was established, there has been a significant change in the competitive environment in which it operates. It might have a monopoly on gaming machines in Western Australia, but it is in competition with casinos not only in Australia, but also in South East Asia. The competition experienced by Burswood casino has intensified considerably. The employees and the increased competition must be taken into account, as well as the fact that, as part of these arrangements, there will be additional revenue for the State through increases in tax rates. This is a balanced resolution of a number of issues. There will be more money for this State to spend on health, education, and law and order. The Government has not adopted the approach of other States, under which electronic gaming machines and poker machines have been spread right throughout the community, creating the sort of social harm about which the Opposition is concerned. The Government has nothing to hide on this matter. I have had a quick look through the media statement put out by the Minister for Racing and Gaming. I have not had a chance to study it in detail. That matter does not appear to be mentioned, but there is no reason for the Government to be ashamed about that issue. The Leader of the Opposition might stand accused of hypocrisy, because, after all, in 1998 the previous Government gave approval for an increase in the number of electronic gaming machines at Burswood.
This is a balanced resolution of a number of issues. There will be more money for this State to spend on health, education, and law and order. The Government has not adopted the approach of other States, under which electronic gaming machines and poker machines have been spread right throughout the community, creating the sort of social harm about which the Opposition is concerned. The Government has nothing to hide on this matter. I have had a quick look through the media statement put out by the Minister for Racing and Gaming. I have not had a chance to study it in detail. That matter does not appear to be mentioned, but there is no reason for the Government to be ashamed about that issue. The Leader of the Opposition might stand accused of hypocrisy, because, after all, in 1998 the previous Government gave approval for an increase in the number of electronic gaming machines at Burswood.
The Government has nothing to hide on this matter. I have had a quick look through the media statement put out by the Minister for Racing and Gaming. I have not had a chance to study it in detail. That matter does not appear to be mentioned, but there is no reason for the Government to be ashamed about that issue. The Leader of the Opposition might stand accused of hypocrisy, because, after all, in 1998 the previous Government gave approval for an increase in the number of electronic gaming machines at Burswood.
(1) Can the Acting Premier confirm that, as part of the proposed changes, Burswood will be given the right to an additional 200 gaming machines from 2004? (2) Why is this exclusive right to an additional 200 gaming machines not mentioned in the Minister for Racing and Gaming’s detailed 10-page ministerial statement given in the Legislative Council yesterday, nor in his media statement? (3) What else is the Government trying to hide from the people of Western Australia about this secret deal? Mr E.S. RIPPER replied: (1)-(3) I am advised that the extra machines able to be introduced up to 2004 are subject to the approval of the Gaming Commission of Western Australia, having regard to harm minimisation, surveillance and security considerations. This is not an unconditional agreement on the number of gaming machines the Burswood International Resort Casino is allowed to have. The Government must be cognisant of the fact that the Burswood casino is one of the largest employers in the State. The people employed by the casino cannot, in many cases, easily transfer to other sorts of work. Mr C.J. Barnett: What are you on about? Mr E.S. RIPPER: For example, if the Burswood casino were to reduce the number of people managing the gaming tables, where else in Perth would those people get that line of work? That is an important issue. The second important issue is that, since the Burswood casino was established, there has been a significant change in the competitive environment in which it operates. It might have a monopoly on gaming machines in Western Australia, but it is in competition with casinos not only in Australia, but also in South East Asia. The competition experienced by Burswood casino has intensified considerably. The employees and the increased competition must be taken into account, as well as the fact that, as part of these arrangements, there will be additional revenue for the State through increases in tax rates. This is a balanced resolution of a number of issues. There will be more money for this State to spend on health, education, and law and order. The Government has not adopted the approach of other States, under which electronic gaming machines and poker machines have been spread right throughout the community, creating the sort of social harm about which the Opposition is concerned. The Government has nothing to hide on this matter. I have had a quick look through the media statement put out by the Minister for Racing and Gaming. I have not had a chance to study it in detail. That matter does not appear to be mentioned, but there is no reason for the Government to be ashamed about that issue. The Leader of the Opposition might stand accused of hypocrisy, because, after all, in 1998 the previous Government gave approval for an increase in the number of electronic gaming machines at Burswood.
(2) Why is this exclusive right to an additional 200 gaming machines not mentioned in the Minister for Racing and Gaming’s detailed 10-page ministerial statement given in the Legislative Council yesterday, nor in his media statement? (3) What else is the Government trying to hide from the people of Western Australia about this secret deal? Mr E.S. RIPPER replied: (1)-(3) I am advised that the extra machines able to be introduced up to 2004 are subject to the approval of the Gaming Commission of Western Australia, having regard to harm minimisation, surveillance and security considerations. This is not an unconditional agreement on the number of gaming machines the Burswood International Resort Casino is allowed to have. The Government must be cognisant of the fact that the Burswood casino is one of the largest employers in the State. The people employed by the casino cannot, in many cases, easily transfer to other sorts of work. Mr C.J. Barnett: What are you on about? Mr E.S. RIPPER: For example, if the Burswood casino were to reduce the number of people managing the gaming tables, where else in Perth would those people get that line of work? That is an important issue. The second important issue is that, since the Burswood casino was established, there has been a significant change in the competitive environment in which it operates. It might have a monopoly on gaming machines in Western Australia, but it is in competition with casinos not only in Australia, but also in South East Asia. The competition experienced by Burswood casino has intensified considerably. The employees and the increased competition must be taken into account, as well as the fact that, as part of these arrangements, there will be additional revenue for the State through increases in tax rates. This is a balanced resolution of a number of issues. There will be more money for this State to spend on health, education, and law and order. The Government has not adopted the approach of other States, under which electronic gaming machines and poker machines have been spread right throughout the community, creating the sort of social harm about which the Opposition is concerned. The Government has nothing to hide on this matter. I have had a quick look through the media statement put out by the Minister for Racing and Gaming. I have not had a chance to study it in detail. That matter does not appear to be mentioned, but there is no reason for the Government to be ashamed about that issue. The Leader of the Opposition might stand accused of hypocrisy, because, after all, in 1998 the previous Government gave approval for an increase in the number of electronic gaming machines at Burswood.
(3) What else is the Government trying to hide from the people of Western Australia about this secret deal? Mr E.S. RIPPER replied: (1)-(3) I am advised that the extra machines able to be introduced up to 2004 are subject to the approval of the Gaming Commission of Western Australia, having regard to harm minimisation, surveillance and security considerations. This is not an unconditional agreement on the number of gaming machines the Burswood International Resort Casino is allowed to have. The Government must be cognisant of the fact that the Burswood casino is one of the largest employers in the State. The people employed by the casino cannot, in many cases, easily transfer to other sorts of work. Mr C.J. Barnett: What are you on about? Mr E.S. RIPPER: For example, if the Burswood casino were to reduce the number of people managing the gaming tables, where else in Perth would those people get that line of work? That is an important issue. The second important issue is that, since the Burswood casino was established, there has been a significant change in the competitive environment in which it operates. It might have a monopoly on gaming machines in Western Australia, but it is in competition with casinos not only in Australia, but also in South East Asia. The competition experienced by Burswood casino has intensified considerably. The employees and the increased competition must be taken into account, as well as the fact that, as part of these arrangements, there will be additional revenue for the State through increases in tax rates. This is a balanced resolution of a number of issues. There will be more money for this State to spend on health, education, and law and order. The Government has not adopted the approach of other States, under which electronic gaming machines and poker machines have been spread right throughout the community, creating the sort of social harm about which the Opposition is concerned. The Government has nothing to hide on this matter. I have had a quick look through the media statement put out by the Minister for Racing and Gaming. I have not had a chance to study it in detail. That matter does not appear to be mentioned, but there is no reason for the Government to be ashamed about that issue. The Leader of the Opposition might stand accused of hypocrisy, because, after all, in 1998 the previous Government gave approval for an increase in the number of electronic gaming machines at Burswood.
Mr E.S. RIPPER replied: (1)-(3) I am advised that the extra machines able to be introduced up to 2004 are subject to the approval of the Gaming Commission of Western Australia, having regard to harm minimisation, surveillance and security considerations. This is not an unconditional agreement on the number of gaming machines the Burswood International Resort Casino is allowed to have. The Government must be cognisant of the fact that the Burswood casino is one of the largest employers in the State. The people employed by the casino cannot, in many cases, easily transfer to other sorts of work. Mr C.J. Barnett: What are you on about? Mr E.S. RIPPER: For example, if the Burswood casino were to reduce the number of people managing the gaming tables, where else in Perth would those people get that line of work? That is an important issue. The second important issue is that, since the Burswood casino was established, there has been a significant change in the competitive environment in which it operates. It might have a monopoly on gaming machines in Western Australia, but it is in competition with casinos not only in Australia, but also in South East Asia. The competition experienced by Burswood casino has intensified considerably. The employees and the increased competition must be taken into account, as well as the fact that, as part of these arrangements, there will be additional revenue for the State through increases in tax rates. This is a balanced resolution of a number of issues. There will be more money for this State to spend on health, education, and law and order. The Government has not adopted the approach of other States, under which electronic gaming machines and poker machines have been spread right throughout the community, creating the sort of social harm about which the Opposition is concerned. The Government has nothing to hide on this matter. I have had a quick look through the media statement put out by the Minister for Racing and Gaming. I have not had a chance to study it in detail. That matter does not appear to be mentioned, but there is no reason for the Government to be ashamed about that issue. The Leader of the Opposition might stand accused of hypocrisy, because, after all, in 1998 the previous Government gave approval for an increase in the number of electronic gaming machines at Burswood.
(1)-(3) I am advised that the extra machines able to be introduced up to 2004 are subject to the approval of the Gaming Commission of Western Australia, having regard to harm minimisation, surveillance and security considerations. This is not an unconditional agreement on the number of gaming machines the Burswood International Resort Casino is allowed to have. The Government must be cognisant of the fact that the Burswood casino is one of the largest employers in the State. The people employed by the casino cannot, in many cases, easily transfer to other sorts of work. Mr C.J. Barnett: What are you on about? Mr E.S. RIPPER: For example, if the Burswood casino were to reduce the number of people managing the gaming tables, where else in Perth would those people get that line of work? That is an important issue. The second important issue is that, since the Burswood casino was established, there has been a significant change in the competitive environment in which it operates. It might have a monopoly on gaming machines in Western Australia, but it is in competition with casinos not only in Australia, but also in South East Asia. The competition experienced by Burswood casino has intensified considerably. The employees and the increased competition must be taken into account, as well as the fact that, as part of these arrangements, there will be additional revenue for the State through increases in tax rates. This is a balanced resolution of a number of issues. There will be more money for this State to spend on health, education, and law and order. The Government has not adopted the approach of other States, under which electronic gaming machines and poker machines have been spread right throughout the community, creating the sort of social harm about which the Opposition is concerned. The Government has nothing to hide on this matter. I have had a quick look through the media statement put out by the Minister for Racing and Gaming. I have not had a chance to study it in detail. That matter does not appear to be mentioned, but there is no reason for the Government to be ashamed about that issue. The Leader of the Opposition might stand accused of hypocrisy, because, after all, in 1998 the previous Government gave approval for an increase in the number of electronic gaming machines at Burswood.
Mr C.J. Barnett: What are you on about? Mr E.S. RIPPER: For example, if the Burswood casino were to reduce the number of people managing the gaming tables, where else in Perth would those people get that line of work? That is an important issue. The second important issue is that, since the Burswood casino was established, there has been a significant change in the competitive environment in which it operates. It might have a monopoly on gaming machines in Western Australia, but it is in competition with casinos not only in Australia, but also in South East Asia. The competition experienced by Burswood casino has intensified considerably. The employees and the increased competition must be taken into account, as well as the fact that, as part of these arrangements, there will be additional revenue for the State through increases in tax rates. This is a balanced resolution of a number of issues. There will be more money for this State to spend on health, education, and law and order. The Government has not adopted the approach of other States, under which electronic gaming machines and poker machines have been spread right throughout the community, creating the sort of social harm about which the Opposition is concerned. The Government has nothing to hide on this matter. I have had a quick look through the media statement put out by the Minister for Racing and Gaming. I have not had a chance to study it in detail. That matter does not appear to be mentioned, but there is no reason for the Government to be ashamed about that issue. The Leader of the Opposition might stand accused of hypocrisy, because, after all, in 1998 the previous Government gave approval for an increase in the number of electronic gaming machines at Burswood.
Mr E.S. RIPPER: For example, if the Burswood casino were to reduce the number of people managing the gaming tables, where else in Perth would those people get that line of work? That is an important issue. The second important issue is that, since the Burswood casino was established, there has been a significant change in the competitive environment in which it operates. It might have a monopoly on gaming machines in Western Australia, but it is in competition with casinos not only in Australia, but also in South East Asia. The competition experienced by Burswood casino has intensified considerably. The employees and the increased competition must be taken into account, as well as the fact that, as part of these arrangements, there will be additional revenue for the State through increases in tax rates. This is a balanced resolution of a number of issues. There will be more money for this State to spend on health, education, and law and order. The Government has not adopted the approach of other States, under which electronic gaming machines and poker machines have been spread right throughout the community, creating the sort of social harm about which the Opposition is concerned. The Government has nothing to hide on this matter. I have had a quick look through the media statement put out by the Minister for Racing and Gaming. I have not had a chance to study it in detail. That matter does not appear to be mentioned, but there is no reason for the Government to be ashamed about that issue. The Leader of the Opposition might stand accused of hypocrisy, because, after all, in 1998 the previous Government gave approval for an increase in the number of electronic gaming machines at Burswood.
The second important issue is that, since the Burswood casino was established, there has been a significant change in the competitive environment in which it operates. It might have a monopoly on gaming machines in Western Australia, but it is in competition with casinos not only in Australia, but also in South East Asia. The competition experienced by Burswood casino has intensified considerably. The employees and the increased competition must be taken into account, as well as the fact that, as part of these arrangements, there will be additional revenue for the State through increases in tax rates. This is a balanced resolution of a number of issues. There will be more money for this State to spend on health, education, and law and order. The Government has not adopted the approach of other States, under which electronic gaming machines and poker machines have been spread right throughout the community, creating the sort of social harm about which the Opposition is concerned. The Government has nothing to hide on this matter. I have had a quick look through the media statement put out by the Minister for Racing and Gaming. I have not had a chance to study it in detail. That matter does not appear to be mentioned, but there is no reason for the Government to be ashamed about that issue. The Leader of the Opposition might stand accused of hypocrisy, because, after all, in 1998 the previous Government gave approval for an increase in the number of electronic gaming machines at Burswood.
This is a balanced resolution of a number of issues. There will be more money for this State to spend on health, education, and law and order. The Government has not adopted the approach of other States, under which electronic gaming machines and poker machines have been spread right throughout the community, creating the sort of social harm about which the Opposition is concerned. The Government has nothing to hide on this matter. I have had a quick look through the media statement put out by the Minister for Racing and Gaming. I have not had a chance to study it in detail. That matter does not appear to be mentioned, but there is no reason for the Government to be ashamed about that issue. The Leader of the Opposition might stand accused of hypocrisy, because, after all, in 1998 the previous Government gave approval for an increase in the number of electronic gaming machines at Burswood.
The Government has nothing to hide on this matter. I have had a quick look through the media statement put out by the Minister for Racing and Gaming. I have not had a chance to study it in detail. That matter does not appear to be mentioned, but there is no reason for the Government to be ashamed about that issue. The Leader of the Opposition might stand accused of hypocrisy, because, after all, in 1998 the previous Government gave approval for an increase in the number of electronic gaming machines at Burswood.
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