TAB —
PRIVATISATION — DEED OF AGENCY
128. Hon COLIN HOLT to the minister representing the
Minister for Racing and Gaming:
I refer to the answers given to
question without notice 79, asked on 18 February about a deed of agency deal.
(1) Will clubs signing the deed of agency for Racing
and Wagering Western Australia to negotiate sponsorship on their behalf
increase the likely return from the sale of the WA TAB?
(2) If yes to (1), what increase in the sale price is
expected from this sponsorship deal?
(3) Are
individual race clubs that signed the deed of agency allowed to negotiate
sponsorship agreements with the new operator of the WA TAB or any other
corporate entity or individual?
(4) Is the
minister aware of any bullying or pressure being applied to race clubs to sign
the deed of agency?
Hon DARREN
WEST replied:
I
thank the honourable member for some notice of the question. On behalf of the
Minister for Regional Development representing the Minister for Racing and
Gaming, I provide the following answer.
(1) The deed of
agency provides greater certainty to the operator in bidding for the WA TAB and
therefore may contribute to a higher value.
(2) That is not known at this stage.
(3) For clubs
that signed the deed, Racing and Wagering Western Australia will act on their
behalf with the aim of securing funding that is no worse off and securing other
benefits such as wagering services and sponsorship, as per current on-course
arrangements.
(4) No. As far as
the minister is aware, RWWA has acted with the utmost integrity and in the best
interests of all the clubs when dealing with this issue.