Legislative Council Fifty-Second Parliament, First Session (52-1) 52 1 Parliament of South Australia Legislative Council published Ministerial Statement Ministerial Statement Adelaide Casino ADELAIDE CASINO The Hon. B.V. FINNIGAN Legislative Council Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for State/Local Government Relations, Minister for Gambling The Hon. B.V. FINNIGAN (Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for State/Local Government Relations, Minister for Gambling) (14:17): I seek leave to make a ministerial statement. Leave granted. The Hon. B.V. FINNIGAN Legislative Council The Hon. B.V. FINNIGAN: In recent days it has become apparent that SKYCITY Adelaide, the licensee of the Adelaide Casino, has been operating gaming machines in the southern atrium or Oasis, an open area located within the licensed casino area. I understand that the southern atrium is primarily used as a bar area. The casino allows smoking on the basis that the area complies with the requirements of the Tobacco Products Regulations Act 1997. I asked the Liquor and Gambling Commissioner, Mr Paul White, to investigate this matter after it was raised with me on Wednesday, 9 March. Earlier today I spoke to the commissioner and he has advised me that, following a visit from his inspectors, the gaming machines in the outdoor area at the Adelaide Casino have been disabled. The commissioner's inspectorate will continue to monitor the area to ensure that the machines remain disabled. As members would be aware, a full smoking ban in enclosed areas in clubs, hotels and the casino commenced on 1 November 2007. The Rann government has had a policy of smoke-free gaming areas since 2008. Last year the Gaming Machines Act 1992 was amended to reflect this policy position, and these amendments will take effect as of 1 July 2011. The Gaming Machines Act 1992 does not apply to the casino; nevertheless, I understand that the casino is required to have approval from the commissioner to install poker machines outdoors. I am advised by the Office of the Liquor and Gambling Commissioner that this approval has not been formally sought. I am advised that approximately two years ago the casino approached the Office of the Liquor and Gambling Commissioner to seek approval for gaming machines in an outdoor area but approval was not granted. I am not aware of any other gaming venues where a patron can smoke next to or whilst playing a gaming machine. I am disappointed that the casino has taken this action given the clear, smoke-free gaming policy of the government, a policy that is broadly supported by the community. I am seeking further advice on the steps necessary to ensure that casino gaming areas remain non-smoking. If this requires an amendment to the Casino Act 1997, then that is what we will do.