Question Time

SOUTH AUSTRALIAN JOCKEY CLUB

Mr HAMILTON-SMITH (Waite—Leader of the Opposition) (14:20): When was the Premier first informed of concerns relating to memberships, financial dealings and commercial relationships involving the South Australian Jockey Club, and by whom was he informed? What discussion has he had with Mr Philip Bentley relating to these matters?

The Hon. M.D. RANN (Ramsay—Premier, Minister for Economic Development, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister for the Arts, Minister for Sustainability and Climate Change) (14:21): A number of things have been said which have not been true. People have said that Mr Bentley was appointed by the government to this position. He was elected by the horse racing industry to this position. People would well know that my knowledge of horse racing has not been as renowned as in other areas of public policy.

An honourable member interjecting:

The Hon. M.D. RANN: What did you say?

An honourable member interjecting:

The Hon. M.D. RANN: If people are talking about vote stacking then no-one could go further than the Christopher Pyne faction of the South Australian Liberal Party. Thoroughbred Racing South Australia is the controlling body of thoroughbred horse racing in this state but, as we know, the Leader of the Opposition has a distinguished record as a lieutenant-colonel in the Australian Army, but we all know that the Deputy Leader of the Opposition believes that she has a field marshal's baton in her handbag.

The board of TRSA is drawn from and appointed by the metropolitan, regional and country horse racing clubs from around the state. The board is not appointed by the government. The board of TRSA appoints its own chair. The chair is currently Mr Philip Bentley, who has had extensive direct experience in the horse racing industry.

Decisions by the TRSA about the handling of complaints and allegations arising from elections held for the board of the South Australia Jockey Club in 2008 and other governance issues were matters for the TRSA chair and board. The government has a real interest in the matter being conducted properly because, amongst other things, the TRSA holds certain licences under the Authorised Betting Operations Act. However, the government has not intervened in the way in which these matters have been resolved, other than to ensure that the matter was referred to the South Australian police.

The Independent Gambling Authority (IGA), which has been given powers akin to a royal commission by this parliament, has the direct oversight of the activities of the TRSA and the SAJC in connection with their licences to conduct betting operations. Of course, the police ultimately have the power to investigate and act on any matters requiring criminal investigation. The matters are also subject to investigation by the Office of Consumer and Business Affairs (OCBA).

In relation to the allegations that have been made against Mr Bentley by the former chief executive of the SAJC, I understand that they were disclosed to the TRSA board and to the Independent Gambling Authority, which has powers akin to a royal commission. If there is anything in the allegation that warrants further investigation or action I am confident that the Independent Gambling Authority and the police will do their duty.

It had been suggested that I had read the report by this company, which I think is called Lipman Karas, but when I said that I had not—because I had not—I was criticised for not doing so. When the minister received this report he did exactly the right and proper thing, which was immediately to refer it to the South Australia Police and the Independent Gambling Authority. I have no interest in reading this report.

Mr Pengilly interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order, the member for Finniss!

The Hon. M.D. RANN: If there is wrongdoing by others, then let it be exposed. Can I just say this—

Ms Chapman: When did you know?

The SPEAKER: Order, the deputy leader!

The Hon. M.D. RANN: When did I know? I have been reading about it in the paper. I reckon a lot of people are not that much interested—except those who practise vote stacking on the other side of this parliament. We know about it. You know what to believe. If someone wants to change their own name, how can you believe them when they come to seven different sites and three different designs for a hospital?