ECONOMIC STIMULUS PACKAGE

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK (14:41): I have a supplementary question. Is Mark Henley incorrect in saying that people are more likely to gamble in tough economic times?

The Hon. CARMEL ZOLLO (Minister for Correctional Services, Minister for Road Safety, Minister for Gambling, Minister Assisting the Minister for Multicultural Affairs) (14:41): I do not have the expertise to know why people do or do not gamble. As I have said, Mark Henley is a very respected person within the concern sector. He is part of the responsible gambling working party. As the honourable member has already received a briefing, I am sure she would know all the regulations and codes of practice that we have in place to ensure that we have a responsible gambling industry. We also have Club Safe and Gaming Care, and we have procedures and policies in place to ensure that, as much as possible, people gamble in a responsible manner.

I have also spoken in this place about the precommitment trial. As members would know, legislation will be introduced on the floor of this parliament to remove the $50,000 cap, which will stimulate the market and help to reduce the number of poker machines in this state. This government has undertaken endless initiatives, including education at the school level and research. One does not know where to stop and where to start. So, for members opposite to suggest that this government does not care about seeing responsible gambling in this state really is a nonsense.