AUTHORISED BETTING OPERATIONS (TRADE PRACTICES EXEMPTION) AMENDMENT BILL

Second Reading

Adjourned debate on second reading.

(Continued from 8 April 2009. Page 1895.)

The Hon. T.J. STEPHENS (16:34): This is one of those rare occasions when I get to stand up and say, 'I told you so.' When this bill was introduced last year we gave it every bit of support we could but made very clear at the time that we thought the legislation was flawed. We actually made that point during the briefing and also during the debate. It is no surprise to us that this amendment bill has been brought back. What does make me a little concerned is that I think this will probably not be the end of it. As I said the last time I spoke, we are very concerned about the state of racing in this state, and we know that we cannot stand in the way of what is an important piece of legislation.

I still harp on and go back to the fact that I wish the New South Wales government, which introduced the legislation in haste that this bill seeks to make sure we address, had consulted with the other states and could have done it in a decent and meaningful way rather than putting up what I still think is flawed legislation. With those few words, we will support the government in its endeavours and hope we have speedy passage of this bill, but probably it will not be the last of it.

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for State/Local Government Relations, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Government Enterprises, Minister Assisting the Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Energy) (16:36): In making a few brief concluding remarks, I thank the Hon. Terry Stephens for his support for this bill. Nationally in recent times the wagering industry has been litigious. This led to a breakdown in the gentlemen's agreement, and that poses a serious risk to the South Australian racing industry.

The parliament acted quickly last year to amend the Authorised Betting Operations Act to give the tools to the South Australian racing industry to operate in the new national wagering environment arising from the Betfair High Court case. Those amendments have been successfully implemented, and I look forward to progressing this bill expeditiously through the committee stage and thank members for their support.

Bill read a second time.

Committee Stage

In committee.

Clause 1.

The Hon. T.J. STEPHENS: Can the minister give us an indication that there is no longer a risk of litigation by Northern Territory bookmakers and that this legislation will be enforceable and will hit the target that was originally intended?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO: I have been advised that this amendment decreases the risk of litigation. It cannot eliminate the risk of litigation completely, but it will significantly reduce the risk. It reduces the risk of litigation as it relates to the provisions of the commonwealth Trade Practices Act.

The Hon. T.J. STEPHENS: Minister, will the department continue to try to ensure that this legislation will tighten the provisions currently in force?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO: Obviously, the department will continue to review the operation of this legislation. As with all legislation, we will strive to improve the legislation wherever it is reasonably possible.

Clause passed.

Remaining clauses (2 to 4) and title passed.

Bill reported without amendment.

Third Reading

Bill read a third time and passed.