SA LOTTERIES

The Hon. I.F. EVANS (Davenport) (14:58): I have a supplementary question. In his answer the minister referred to the livelihood of newsagents. Can the minister advise the house of the impact of the new provision allowing online purchases of lotteries? What is the impact on newsagents and employment in that sector?

The Hon. J.J. SNELLING (Playford—Treasurer, Minister for Workers Rehabilitation, Minister for Defence Industries, Minister for Veterans' Affairs) (14:59): I do not think that is a supplementary question—

The SPEAKER: That is not a supplementary question, even though it relates to the previous one.

The Hon. J.J. SNELLING: Nonetheless, I am more than happy to take it, Madam Speaker.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! You have asked a question; you will listen to the Treasurer.

The Hon. J.J. SNELLING: The fact is SA Lotteries were entering into online arrangements, regardless of whether there was this transaction with Tatts, in any case. My advice is that it is not expected that online sale of products is going to have a great impact because there is not a huge market online for the lottery-type products which Tatts sell.

Most online gambling is online wagering. It is not these sorts of products. We don't expect it to have any impact, or a very, very minor impact. The simple fact is that, regardless of whether we entered into this arrangement with the Tatts Group, SA Lotteries were entering into the online area anyway. The board were in the process of developing that. In fact, I think—the Minister for Finance might remind me—as of about two months ago, I understand SA Lotteries have started selling their products online.