SkyCity Adelaide

The Hon. F. PANGALLO (15:05): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking a question of the Attorney-General regarding the SkyCity Casino.

Leave granted.

The Hon. F. PANGALLO: It was reported last week that the Casino's operators were negotiating a $73 million penalty after admissions of serious corrupt activity, money laundering and other breaches of anti-terrorist laws following an investigation by AUSTRAC and subsequent civil action. It confirms what I have often said in this place: corruption is the mortar that holds up the walls of our society.

This is quite egregious conduct by the Casino and would, in any other jurisdiction or country, lead to severe penalties. My question to the Attorney-General is: will he now release the report, a separate, independent investigation, that was carried out by the Hon. Brian Martin, and will the government now consider stripping the Casino of its licence due to character grounds?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector) (15:06): I thank the honourable member for his question. I will refer it to Minister Andrea Michaels, who has ministerial responsibilities for these matters. I am aware of the media reports around AUSTRAC's involvement. I am not aware of any more than what the honourable member has outlined as being reported in the media, but I will certainly refer those questions to the minister in another place and bring back a reply.