Casino Control and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023

Acknowledged gambling addiction is serious but argued the bill is over-regulation that restricts civil liberties. Raised privacy concerns about mandatory carded play creating databases of personal information.

“Over-regulation almost always proves counterproductive to society at large. This gambling bill is running against the backdrop of the toughest restrictions on our civil liberties and individual rights in our state's history.”— 2024-03-20View Hansard

As Attorney-General, moved the second reading and outlined the implementation of 11 Gotterson review recommendations including mandatory carded play, cashless gambling limits, precommitment systems, and a supervision levy on casino licensees.

“This bill introduces some ambitious reforms, but they are needed to: prevent criminal influence and infiltration in Queensland casinos; ensure that the failures of Star are not repeated again; and protect consumers and further minimise the potential for gambling harm.”— 2024-03-19View Hansard

Strongly supported the bill as important gambling harm minimisation reform, citing Australia's unenviable reputation for gambling losses. Praised mandatory carded play and precommitment provisions for creating 'friction' to reduce harm.

“The amendments contained in this bill are aimed at minimising the destructive impact of problem gambling and criminal influences inside casinos and I am proud to support them.”— 2024-03-20View Hansard

Did not oppose the bill but heavily criticised the government's delays in implementation and lack of transparency, citing the Auditor-General's finding that only 0.62% of gambling taxes are spent on harm minimisation. Argued the Gotterson review was too narrowly scoped.

“Proper and effective regulation of casinos and gaming is essential to ensure Queenslanders can have confidence that crime is not being committed, that money is not being washed through casinos and that gaming harm is minimised.”— 2024-03-19View Hansard

Criticised the government for being slow to act on casino regulation and for limiting the Gotterson review's terms of reference, but did not explicitly oppose the bill's reforms.

“This is the second tranche of legislation. The first bill was passed in 2022. What we saw then again was, as is so common with this government, 27 pages of amendments dropped into the House about half an hour before the debate on the second reading beginning.”— 2024-03-20View Hansard

Supported the bill, noting gambling losses of $25 billion over five years and outlining the key reforms around carded play, data collection, and modernised terminology replacing 'problem gambler' with 'safer gambling'.

“Removing stigmatising language is part of recognising that gambling can be a powerful and addictive activity. That addiction is not solely the fault of the gambler.”— 2024-03-19View Hansard

As Minister, defended the bill as implementing remaining Gotterson review recommendations to minimise gambling harm and reduce money laundering risk. Emphasised the reforms are among the most significant in Australian gambling regulation history.

“In fact, it is no exaggeration to say that the reforms presented in this bill are among the most significant steps taken to reduce gambling harm in any jurisdiction in this country in the history of gambling regulation.”— 2024-03-20View Hansard

Did not oppose the bill but criticised the government's extensive delays and narrow terms of reference for the Gotterson review. Argued for proper regulation to protect casino workers and the tourism industry.

“If the government was serious about regulating casinos properly, if it was serious about harm minimisation and if it was serious about ensuring casinos are beyond reproach, then it would have ensured that there was a full inquiry.”— 2024-03-19View Hansard

Supported the bill as a committee member, highlighting the importance of mandatory carded play, precommitment systems and breaks in play for harm minimisation, as well as the mandatory code of conduct.

“Everything about a casino is designed to enhance the gambling experience. Gamblers are encouraged to eat, play, drink, shop and even seek accommodation, all in the casino.”— 2024-03-19View Hansard

Opposed mandatory carded play and cashless gambling provisions, arguing they set a dangerous precedent for privacy and financial autonomy. Cited the Office of the Information Commissioner's concerns about privacy implications.

“Restricting how a person can access and where they can spend their own money interferes with a person's right to personal autonomy and, therefore, their right to a private life.”— 2024-03-19View Hansard