SkyCity Adelaide

The Hon. C. BONAROS (14:56): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Attorney, representing the Minister for Consumer and Business Affairs in another place, a question regarding SkyCity casino.

Leave granted.

The Hon. C. BONAROS: The High Court today ruled on its interpretation of how South Australia's casino pays taxes to the state government, with SkyCity now being required to pay additional casino duty in the order of about $13 million. According to media reports and other commentary, the casino could also be forced to pay a further $25.3 million in interest on top of that tax liability. In a nutshell, and as highlighted by SkyCity today, the High Court has confirmed the Court of Appeal's interpretation of the agreement findings that credits on gaming machines arise from the conversion of loyalty points when played by customers, and these are to be included in gaming revenue for the purposes of calculating casino duty at the casino.

The media reports by the Treasurer confirm this as well, saying that today's decision confirms that SkyCity must meet its tax obligations to South Australians and that its loyalty points are to be treated as gambling revenue under the casino duty agreement. My questions to the minister are:

1. Now that this issue has finally been resolved, what proportion of the additional revenue can we expect to go towards much needed gambling support services, specifically the Gambler's Rehabilitation Fund?

2. Will the government commit to increasing its contribution to the GRF from the additional tax revenue?

3. What, if any, discussions have taken place or are taking place with casino operators in South Australia in terms of negotiating a higher proportion of funding towards the GRF specifically by the casino?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector) (14:58): I thank the honourable member for her questions and I will certainly pass them on to the relevant minister in the other place and make sure a reply is supplied to her.