KERSBROOK TAVERN GAMING MACHINE LICENCE

Mr KENYON (Newland) (15:57): Madam Speaker, congratulations by the way.

The SPEAKER: Thank you.

Mr KENYON: My question is to the Minister for Gambling. Can the minister advise the house about the decision of the Liquor and Gambling Commissioner to suspend the gaming machine licence at the Kersbrook Tavern?

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS (West Torrens—Minister for Industry and Trade, Minister for Small Business, Minister for Correctional Services, Minister for Gambling) (15:57): Thank you, Madam Speaker, and congratulations on your elevation to high office.

The SPEAKER: Thank you.

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: It is long overdue and well deserved. The Office of the Liquor and Gambling Commissioner conducts inspections of gaming venues, SA TAB outlets and bookmaker betting operations at racing events. These are made on an ongoing basis to ensure compliance with the act, regulations, codes and practice. On 9 March 2010 a gaming inspection was undertaken at the Kersbrook Tavern. Ivan, pay attention; it's about your electorate. The inspection identified numerous areas of noncompliance, such as gaming machine licences not being properly displayed, a responsible gaming code of practice document not being made available on request, signage not prominently displayed, barring notices not maintained and a copy of the training certificate not on file.

On 10 March 2010 our state's Liquor and Gambling Commissioner, Mr Paul White, wrote to the Kersbrook Tavern advising of his intention to hold an inquiry to determine if there was cause for disciplinary action under section 36B of the Gaming Machines Act. As a result of this inquiry, Commissioner White was satisfied there was proper cause for action against the licensees of the Kersbrook Tavern.

Beginning at 12:01 this morning until midnight Thursday 13 May 2010 the Kersbrook Tavern's gaming machines licence has been suspended. Under instruction of the commissioner, the Independent Gambling Corporation has disabled eight of their machines for a stated period. The licensees of the Kersbrook Tavern have not taken their responsibility seriously, and it is important to note that this venue received a reprimand for identical matters of noncompliance on 26 August 2009. I am advised that never before has a gaming venue in South Australia had its gaming machines switched off for noncompliance with codes of practice and conditions of licence.

I fully support Commissioner White in the way he has handled this matter. I believe this move by the commissioner sends a strong message to licensees who do not take their responsibilities to operate gaming machines seriously. All gaming venues around the state should take note of this action. The Rann government is right behind this tough approach.

Legislation and regulations make it clear that licensees have a responsibility to encourage responsible gambling and to reduce problem gambling in South Australia. I will continue to support the actions of the Liquor and Gambling Commissioner as he continues to monitor compliance and the regulation of the industry to ensure high standards of compliance.