Bookmakers Tax

The Hon. R. T. M. BULL: I address my question to the Treasurer, Minister for State Development, and Vice-President of the Executive Council. Will the Government abolish bookmakers tax at the time of the introduction of the goods and services tax [GST]? Will the Government allow bookmakers to be double taxed?

The Hon. M. R. EGAN: I do not know how the GST will affect bookmakers. The honourable member has asked an interesting question. To offset the GST State governments have agreed to reduce their gambling taxes in respect of most forms of gambling, so there will not be a double tax. In respect of bookmakers, the State tax is so low I am not sure what impact the GST will have.

The Hon. R. T. M. Bull: It is 0.6 per cent.

The Hon. M. R. EGAN: That is the impact of the GST?

The Hon. R. T. M. Bull: Yes.

The Hon. M. R. EGAN: I will take that question on notice and get back to the member. It is a good question. That is the first time the Opposition has asked me a question relating to my portfolio to which I do not know the complete answer, and I congratulate the honourable member on asking it. It is a remarkable achievement in 14-odd years. In the past I have told the House that I thought the Hon. D. F. Moppett and the Hon. Jennifer Gardiner were two of only six National Party politicians in the history of politics, State and Federal, in this country
Page 1473
that I would regard as intelligent National Party members. I have had to reconsider that assessment. In fact, in the last few weeks the Hon. D. F. Moppett and the Hon. Jennifer Gardiner have been well and truly dumped and their places have been taken by the Hon. R. T. M. Bull and the Hon. D. J. Gay.