Sydney Casino Licence

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Speakers - Nile Reverend The Hon Fred; Chadwick The Hon Virginia
Business - Questions Without Notice

SYDNEY CASINO LICENCE

Reverend the Hon. F. J. NILE: My question without notice is directed to the Minister for Education, Training and Youth Affairs, Minister for Tourism and Minister Assisting the Premier, representing the Chief Secretary and Minister for Administrative Services. Has the licence for the Sydney casino been approved? Which company won the Sydney casino licence? What were the main reasons for selecting the company? What overseas police investigations have been undertaken concerning the United States Showboat consortium, which apparently is an important part of the successful application?

The Hon. VIRGINIA CHADWICK: The answer to the question asked by Reverend the Hon. F. J. Nile clearly is yes. While the views of Reverend the Hon. F. J. Nile about gambling are well known - whether or not one agrees with or disagrees with those views - in the many years that we have
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worked together in this place the honourable member has been consistent in his views about gambling and in particular about casinos. While I do not necessarily agree with his views I certainly respect the consistency of his views and his right to hold and promote those views. The Government spent some time debating whether or not to move to allow the establishment of a casino in New South Wales.

Over the last two years the Government has gone to extraordinary lengths to ensure that every possible area was considered in relation to the siting of the casino, the method of tendering and property issues. It ensured that all Government members stood back from the process so that no accusation could be levelled at them for involvement in or manipulation of the process. We all know of legitimate concerns in the past concerning the development of some casinos. It was thought that people who were involved might have had connections in other areas. That compounded some of the social and legal problems associated with the operation of the casino.

None of us, given we are human, would be so bold as to believe that one could give an iron-clad guarantee that there would never be any difficulty. The Government has gone to extreme lengths to investigate all those who expressed an interest in the project, including the successful tenderers for the casino licence. There is a real commitment by the Government to ensure that those who now will be entrusted with the development of a casino in Sydney will be people of honesty and integrity and that there is no improper influence imposed upon or element associated with that casino.

The vision of the winning tenderers is more related to adult environment than a mix of family environments alongside a casino. I do not express an opinion one way or another on that. The proposal includes a new five-star hotel, more conference facilities, a lyric theatre and additional performing space for 800 people, and these will be of tremendous value to the people of Sydney. In addition, some of the revenue generated from the casino will assist with funding our hospitals and the health system. Though I have concentrated on the enhancements that will accrue to the community, I in no way ignore the legitimate social concerns that have been consistently expressed by the honourable member.

The Hon. J. P. HANNAFORD: In view of the hour, may I suggest that any further interesting questions be placed on notice.

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