Hansard debates

Mrs McARTHUR (Western Victoria) (12:47): My question is to the Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gaming and Liquor Regulation and relates to the Crown Casino in Melbourne. My constituents in Western Victoria Region are increasingly worried by the spread of coronavirus across the state. A significant number have now signed a petition asking Daniel Andrews why the Crown Casino complex remains open. Their question is: is this a public health emergency or not? Are gambling taxes more important than public health? How can the Crown Casino continue to make money, hand over fist, when small businesses in Western Victoria are going to the wall? When indoor non-essential gatherings of more than 100 people are banned, how can the casino continue to operate? Daniel Andrews has said Crown is a unique situation, yet Las Vegas is in shutdown. I ask the minister: just who is the Crown Casino essential to, what is unique about it and have Labor ministers had a big win there recently?

The PRESIDENT: Mrs McArthur, I know Crown Casino is not in your electorate, but you did state that this is a petition that is being distributed in your electorate. It has been signed in your electorate by your constituents?

Mrs McARTHUR: Yes.

The PRESIDENT: I reckon that is good enough.