Media Statements: Statements http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/Date Descending.aspx RSS feed for the Statements list. Department of the Premier and Cabinet Tue, 24 Nov 2009 01:29:33 GMT Windows SharePoint Services V3 RSS Generator 60 list Media Statements: Statements /_layouts/images/homepage.gif http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/Date Descending.aspx Race fields legislation delivers level playing fields http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132798 Content:

State Parliament has passed legislation requiring wagering operators across Australia and overseas to pay a fee for betting on Western Australian racing.

 

Racing and Gaming Minister Terry Waldron said the Legislative Council had passed the legislation without amendment and that the industry would soon benefit from this important revenue flow.

 

“The Western Australian TAB is currently paying fees to interstate racing industries for the right to bet on their racing product and these fees amount to about $18million per year,” Mr Waldron said.

 

“This legislation will allow the Western Australian racing industry to charge similar fees to wagering operators across Australia and overseas for betting on WA racing and thereby claw back up to $15million of lost revenue.”

 

The levy, to be retrospectively applicable from September 1, 2008, will be based on a betting operator’s turnover or gross revenue, and will be directed to the WA racing industry.

The Minister said regulations to set the fee and enable the process were currently being drafted and it was hoped that the in-flow of fees would start in the new year.

 

“Securing the financial benefit of our racing product for the local industry is crucial. Had we not acted, the industry faced the prospect of losing nearly $18million per year from the stakes base for metropolitan and country racing,” he said.

 

The legislation allowed all authorised Australian betting operators to use WA race fields, provided they continued paying the levy and complied with information requirements in relation to matters concerning the integrity and reputation of the racing industry.

 

Offshore betting operators would be required to apply to the Gaming and Wagering Commission for approval to use the race fields, and will also be subject to the same conditions as those operators licensed in Australia.

 

Mr Waldron said domestic operators could pay the levy based on a percentage of either turnover or gross revenue.

 

“Wagering betting operators will pay either 1.5 per cent of turnover, or the greater of 20 per cent of gross revenue or 0.2 per cent of turnover,” he said.

 

The introduction of the race fields legislation is in line with similar moves in the Eastern States.

 

Minister's office - 9213 7200
Date: 19/11/2009
Minister: Waldron
Portfolio: Racing and Gaming
Region: All
]]> Arbouin, Shane Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:43:55 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132798 Minister extends liquor ban at remote community http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132717 Content:

Racing and Gaming Minister Terry Waldron will extend by 12 months the ban on liquor at the remote Aboriginal community of Oombulgurri.

 

The ban, implemented under section 175(1a) of the Liquor Control Act 1988, was introduced 12 months ago and prohibits people from possessing and transporting liquor into the community.

 

“These restrictions, which are fully supported by WA Police and health authorities, have had a positive impact on the lives of people living in the community and, as a result, I will be extending them for a further year,” Mr Waldron said.

 

The Minister decided to extend the restrictions following discussions with the community chairperson Darryl Smith and local police at the community on Sunday.

 

The restrictions applied to the entire area of Oombulgurri and would be in place until at least November 2010.

 

Any person found in breach of the restrictions is liable for a fine up to $2,000.  This increases to $5,000 if the person is a licensee or an approved manager.

 

Minister's office - 9213 7200
Date: 2/11/2009
Minister: Waldron
Portfolio: Racing and Gaming
Region: Kimberley
Attachments: http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/Attachments/132717/Waldronoombulgurri.mp3
]]> Antartis, Jill Mon, 02 Nov 2009 02:36:49 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132717 Government extends measures to target Northbridge troublemakers http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132678 Content:

Northbridge troublemakers will soon find themselves banned from licensed premises for extended periods.

 

Racing and Gaming Minister Terry Waldron today said the State Government would be amending the Liquor Control Act to allow licensees to ban individuals from their premises and the Police Commissioner  to ban a person for up to 12 months from an individual licensed premise or multiple premises within a designated area.

 

“The fact is we have a level of antisocial behaviour in Northbridge, but why should the thousands of Western Australians and visitors to our great State who enjoy a night out in Northbridge responsibly be disadvantaged because of the actions of a handful of fools who spoil things for everyone else?” Mr Waldron said.

 

“What we are doing with these amendments is directly targeting those troublemakers.”

 

The Minister said the Police Commissioner currently has the ability to seek an order from the Director of Liquor Licensing banning a person from working in or attending licensed premises.

 

However, these provisions are aimed at providing the means by which long term or life bans can be imposed on the worst offenders and therefore involve extensive legal proceedings.

 

“At the other end of the scale, licensees and police can summarily impose 24-hour bans on troublemakers but are constrained in their ability to enforce bans for longer periods,” Mr Waldron said.

 

“These amendments will effectively enable police and licensees to give lower level troublemakers a few weeks or months on the bench where they can contemplate the consequences of their actions.”

 

While a barring issued by the licensee will not be subject to review, a person subject to a barring notice issued by the Police Commissioner for a period in excess of three months may seek a review by the Liquor Commission.

 

It will be an offence for a person who is barred from a licensed premises or designated area to enter, or attempt to enter, a licensed premises or designated area to which that the barring relates.

 

The Minister said the Government welcomed the electronic ID scanning systems being introduced by some Northbridge licensees on a voluntary basis as a proactive move to address the issue of unsociable behaviour.

 

“This is the sort of initiative that shows the licensees in the area are prepared to do what they can to help isolate and identify troublemakers and keep them out of licensed premises and stop them impacting on others using our premier entertainment precinct,” he said.

 

“This will link well with the mid-term barring orders we will be introducing.

 

“This is part of the Liberal-National Government’s plan to reclaim Northbridge for the safety and enjoyment of Western Australians.”

 

Minister's office  - 9213 7200
Date: 24/10/2009
Minister: Waldron
Portfolio: Racing and Gaming
Region: All
]]> Antartis, Jill Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:40:25 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132678 Government throws lifeline to Leeuwin II http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132568 Content:

The State Government has provided a $500,000 financial lifeline to help keep the Leeuwin Ocean Adventure Foundation afloat.

 

Racing and Gaming Minister Terry Waldron and Youth Minster Donna Faragher made the announcement in Fremantle today.

 

Mr Waldron said the money, to come from the Gaming Community Trust, would be administered by the Department for Communities Office for Youth on behalf of the Leeuwin Ocean Adventure Foundation.

 

A consulting group funded by the Office for Youth and Lotterywest was appointed in August to undertake an independent review of the foundation’s viability and social benefits.

 

Mr Waldron said the Gaming Community Trust funds would be used to implement the recommendations of the report, primarily retiring the Leeuwin’s outstanding debts. 

 

“The Gaming Community Trust is funded by unclaimed winnings from authorised gaming events,” he said.

 

Mrs Faragher said the two-decade old Leeuwin had been an institution that has provided thousands of young Western Australians with an opportunity to test and develop themselves in a unique environment.

 

“The Office for Youth will continue to work closely with the Leeuwin and will receive regular reports on the foundation’s progress in implementing the financial consultants recommendations,” Mrs Faragher said.

 

“Since its inception in 1986, more than 23,000 young people have participated in the program which gives them invaluable experience in improving their self-confidence through learning, teamwork, leadership and social skills.”

 

Racing and Gaming Minister’s office - 9213 7200

Youth Minister’s office - 9213 7250

Date: 4/10/2009
Minister: Waldron;Faragher
Portfolio: Racing and Gaming;Youth
Region: All
]]> Antartis, Jill Mon, 05 Oct 2009 01:13:10 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132568 Race field legislation to provide even field http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132525 Content:

Racing and Gaming Minister Terry Waldron has announced the introduction of legislation requiring licensed betting operators to pay a fee for using Western Australian race fields.

 

He said three Bills introduced into Parliament today provided the framework authorising the collection and disbursement of a levy payable by domestic and offshore betting operators.

 

“The levy, to be retrospectively applicable from September 1, 2008, will be based on a betting operator’s turnover or gross revenue, and will be directed to the WA racing industry,” Mr Waldron said.

 

“Securing the financial benefit of our racing product for the local industry is crucial, if we had not acted the industry faced the prospect of losing around $18million per year from the stake base.”

 

He said the legislation allowed all authorised Australian betting operators to use Western Australian race fields, provided they continued paying the levy and complied with information requirements in relation to matters concerning the integrity and reputation of the racing industry.

 

Offshore betting operators will be required to apply to the Gaming and Wagering Commission for approval to use the race fields, and will also be subject to the same conditions as those operators licensed in Australia.

 

The Minister said domestic operators could pay the levy based on a percentage of either turnover or gross revenue.

 

“Domestic betting operators will pay either 1.5 per cent of turnover, or the greater of 20 per cent of gross revenue or 0.2 per cent of turnover,” he said.

 

“However, offshore operators will not have this option and will be required to pay 1.5 per cent of their turnover.”

 

The introduction of the race fields legislation follows similar moves in the Eastern States which require betting operators, who accept bets on race fields in those States, to pay a fee.

 

Minister's office: 9213 7200
Date: 23/09/2009
Minister: Waldron
Portfolio: Racing and Gaming
Region: All
]]> Arbouin, Shane Wed, 23 Sep 2009 08:25:17 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132525 Minister congratulates RWWA on country harness stake strategy http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132237 Content:

Racing and Gaming Minister Terry Waldron has welcomed today’s announcement by Racing and Wagering Western Australia (RWWA) to extend country harness stake money to sixth placegetters and increase stakes per race for the 2009-10 racing year.

 

“RWWA has done a fantastic job of managing the additional pooling costs forced upon it by the change to its pooling arrangement with Tabcorp,” Mr Waldron said.

 

“To absorb additional costs of up to $21million per year without reducing stake money levels is a remarkable result.”

 

The Minister said the good work done by RWWA to maintain stakemoney levels was well recognised by country clubs and the latest decision would allay concerns over the suspension of the Owners’ Incentive Payments (OIP) Scheme.

 

“In my discussions with these clubs they have expressed concern that the loss of the Owners’ Incentive Payments may impact on nominations for the coming season,” he said.

 

“I passed these concerns onto RWWA and I am very pleased at today’s announcement.

 

Mr Waldron said splitting the stakes down to sixth place would provide greater opportunities for trainers and owners to receive a return and the additional funding per race would add further incentive.

 

“This was a well considered response by RWWA as governing body and demonstrates the robustness and effectiveness of the consultative process it recently conducted on the issue,” he said.

 

“I think it is worth noting that this positive outcome has occurred despite the misinformation that has continued to be spread by the Opposition spokesman.”

 

The Minister said the decision to suspend the OIP scheme was the right one, not only because of the additional costs that needed to be absorbed, but also because the nature of the scheme left it open to exploitation.

 

RWWA has committed to introducing a replacement scheme in 2010-11 to better meet the need for a travel subsidy to support outlying clubs that rely on trainers to travel with their teams.

 

Minister's office - 9213 7000
Date: 22/07/2009
Minister: Waldron
Portfolio: Racing and Gaming
Region: Eastern Metropolitan;Gascoyne;Goldfields/Esperance;Great Southern;Kimberley;Mid West;Northern Metro & Perth CBD;Peel;Pilbara;South Eastern Suburbs;South West;South Western Suburbs;Western Suburbs;Wheatbelt
]]> Antartis, Jill Wed, 22 Jul 2009 06:32:30 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132237 Liquor bans implemented for two Kimberley communities http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132216 Content:

The Aboriginal communities of Noonkanbah in the Shire of Derby-West Kimberley and Juwurlinji in the Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley will be declared restricted areas under section 175 of the Liquor Control Act 1988.

 

Racing and Gaming Minister Terry Waldron said from Saturday July 25 it will be an offence to sell/supply; possess or bring liquor into either community.

 

“Last year, the Yungngora Association wrote to me asking for the introduction of regulations under section 175 of the Act to restrict alcohol in the Noonkanbah community,” Mr Waldron said.

 

“This was because the existing by-laws did not apply to the whole community and were therefore not the most effective way of reducing the amount of alcohol-related harm and ill-health in the community.”

 

The Minister said Juwurlinji, which is also known as the Bow River Station, had no by-laws to help control access to liquor.

 

“This was causing considerable concern to the Juwulinypany Community Aboriginal Corporation which prompted it to contact my office to request a section 175 be implemented,” he said.

 

“The State Government takes such requests seriously as it shows that people within the community are determined to tackle the harm and ill-health issues connected with excessive alcohol consumption.”

 

Liquor licensees breaching the restrictions will be liable to a $5,000 fine, while all other people in breach of the restrictions will face a $2,000 fine.

 

The restrictions give WA Police the power to seize and dispose of opened or unopened liquor containers throughout the community.

 

Following extensive consultation with the communities and local authorities both proposals were supported by the police and the shires of Derby-West Kimberley and Wyndham East Kimberley.

 

Minister's office: 9213 7200
Date: 17/07/2009
Minister: Waldron
Portfolio: Racing and Gaming
Region: Kimberley
]]> Arbouin, Shane Fri, 17 Jul 2009 02:08:09 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132216 Minister welcomes country racecourse funding http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132188 Content:

Three country thoroughbred and harness racing clubs are to benefit from Regional Development grants for much needed infrastructure improvements.

 

Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls recently announced details of the first round of grants under the Royalties for Regions Regional Grants Scheme and Racing and Gaming Minister Terry Waldron welcomed the funding for the three clubs included in the first round.

 

The Pinjarra Harness Racing Club was the major winner, securing grant funding of $745,000 towards the construction of a new pavilion to cater for members, patrons and stewards together with providing an event facility for general community use.

 

“Racing and Wagering Western Australia has agreed to match funding and provide $750,000 towards the $2.8million project bringing the total contribution to just under $1.5million,” Mr Waldron said.

 

“This is a fantastic outcome for the Pinjarra Harness Racing Club whose members have worked tirelessly to achieve their goal of a new pavilion and I look forward to the project becoming a reality.”

 

The future of the York Beverley Turf Club now looks a lot brighter, having secured a grant of $199,200 to undertake much-needed track repairs to the historic racecourse.

 

“The race track at York has been a problem for a number of years and this had threatened to ability of the club to continue racing,” the Minister said.

 

“This grant will allow the track to be restored to a viable racing surface and this is vital to the continuation of thoroughbred racing at York.”

 

The Collie Race Club will also receive $16,487 to assist with its water and power supplies.

 

“As Racing and Gaming Minister, I am very pleased that these three country clubs have been able to secure grants.”

 

Mr Waldron said while some clubs had been unsuccessful in the first round of funding allocations, he encouraged them to re-apply for future rounds as the commitment to the program under Royalties for Regions was ongoing.

 

A total of 320 projects have been allocated grants totalling $32.4million for new projects and improvements to existing facilities in country Western Australia.

 

Minister's office  - 9213 7200
Date: 8/07/2009
Minister: Waldron
Portfolio: Racing and Gaming
Region: Wheatbelt;South West;Peel
]]> Antartis, Jill Thu, 09 Jul 2009 00:30:06 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132188 Minister backs Responsible Gambling Awareness Week http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132083 Content:

Responsible Gambling Awareness Week (June 22-28) provides the perfect opportunity for industry to highlight its responsible gambling initiatives, according to Racing and Gaming Minister Terry Waldron.

 

Mr Waldron said it also helped members of the public identify the risks associated with problem gambling, how to prevent a problem before it occurred, and where to look in search of support services.

 

“While gambling is a part of Australia’s social fabric, unfortunately it can become a major problem for a small section of the community,” he said.

 

“In Western Australia the Government’s strong stance against poker machines in pubs and clubs means that we have by far the lowest level of problem gambling in the nation.

 

“However, it is imperative that initiatives such as Responsible Gambling Awareness Week are taken, and stakeholders are given the opportunity to highlight their contribution to help prevent problem gambling.”

 

The Minister said the collaboration of the gambling industry, health services and government agencies demonstrates a united commitment to responsible gambling.

 

This year’s Responsible Gambling Awareness Week has adopted the phrase “Know Your Limit, Play Within It”, and each stakeholder is promoting the message.

 

Participants in the initiative include the Gaming and Wagering Commission of Western Australia, Burswood Entertainment Complex, Racing and Wagering Western Australia, Lotterywest and Centrecare.

 

For more information on Responsible Gambling Awareness Week, visit http://www.gambleaware.com.au/

 

Minister's office -  9213 7200

Date: 22/06/2009
Minister: Waldron
Portfolio: Racing and Gaming
Region: Northern Metro & Perth CBD;Eastern Metropolitan;South Eastern Suburbs;South Western Suburbs;Western Suburbs;Kimberley;Gascoyne;Goldfields/Esperance;Great Southern;Mid West;Peel;Pilbara;South West;Wheatbelt
]]> Antartis, Jill Mon, 22 Jun 2009 02:25:35 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132083 State Government moves on gambling inducements http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132047 Content:

Gambling operators will not be able to offer free bets to Western Australian punters under legislation proposed by the State Government.

 

Racing and Gaming Minister Terry Waldron said today that with the lifting of advertising restrictions across Australia in recent times, many of the larger wagering operators had been offering financial inducements, in the form of free bets, in return for punters opening wagering accounts.

 

“The recent High Court decision in the Betfair case has cast doubt over the validity of State- based advertising prohibitions and these prohibitions are to be removed,” Mr Waldron said.

 

The Minister said it was important that any advertising of gambling meets appropriate consumer protection standards, and the Liberal-National Government would be introducing legislation to ensure any advertising conformed with those standards.

 

“I firmly believe that offering free bets as an inducement to gamble is highly inappropriate and the guidelines will prohibit this practice,” he said.

 

“This is a responsible gambling issue and the State Government takes its responsibilities in this regard very seriously.”

 

New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia have also announced similar legislation in recent weeks.

 

Mr Waldron said a number of wagering operators had accepted that State governments were not happy with the offering of free bets as a business strategy and had ceased this activity as a measure of good faith.

 

“I encourage other gambling operators to take the same action before they are forced to by legislation, as this is the responsible course of action,” he said

 

“Cabinet has approved these amendments to be included in the race fields legislation that will establish a requirement for Australian wagering operators to pay for the WA racing product they use in their gambling business.”

 

This legislation, which was announced on November 5, 2008, is in the final stages of drafting and is expected to be introduced in the forthcoming spring session of Parliament.

 

The product fee requirements would be backdated to September 1, 2008 to coincide with the introduction of similar legislation in other States and this would ensure WA was not disadvantaged.

 

Minister's office  - 9213 7200
Date: 13/06/2009
Minister: Waldron
Portfolio: Racing and Gaming
Region: Eastern Metropolitan;Gascoyne;Goldfields/Esperance;Great Southern;Kimberley;Mid West;Northern Metro & Perth CBD;Peel;Pilbara;South Eastern Suburbs;South West;South Western Suburbs;Western Suburbs;Wheatbelt
]]> Antartis, Jill Mon, 15 Jun 2009 00:37:17 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132047