Chips are down for Crown Casino's gambling extensions

CROWN CASINO: PRODUCTION OF DOCUMENTS

 Mr BARBER (Northern Metropolitan) -- If Mr Viney really wants to hit the tape recorder and indulge in a bit of nostalgia and a blast from the past, he should probably go back and read the debate on the motion establishing the Senate inquiry into the Victorian casino.

Mr Viney should read what senators Carr and Ray had to say at the time, backed up by Senator Spindler, I think it was. As for Mr Davis's case for his motion, I am not sure I accepted the assertions that he made prima facie.

Nevertheless, we would like to look at these documents or other documents that the government has generated along the way to presenting a bill to the house to enact the outcome of those negotiations with Crown Casino.

It is totally appropriate -- in fact it is essential -- to this model of Westminster democracy that legislators are fully informed as to what they are signing up for. I would have been hellishly impressed if Mr Davis had said he refused to even consider the bill until such time as we are all fully informed and have all the necessary documents. That would be an excellent precedent if legislation was being held over while we wait for the necessary material we need as legislators. Having said all that, we will support Mr Davis's motion.