AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY

CHILD WELFARE ORDINANCE 1973

Betting (Totalizator Agency) Ordinance 1973

EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM

No. 36 of 1973

Child Welfare Ordinance 1973

	The Child Welfare Ordinance 1957-1971 precludes a person from using a place for the purpose of caring for children under the age of seven years, apart from the mother or other parent of the children, unless that person is licensed.  However many mothers leave their children with neighbours or other “backyard” child care operators for a fee.  This practice is difficult to police, and, in appropriate circumstances should be encouraged.

	It is felt however that a maximum of four children should be cared for in unlicensed premises.  The ceiling of four children has been settled upon as being a reasonable number of children who could be cared for without the need to provide separate or additional facilities.  The amending Ordinance provides therefore that a person will be exempted from the licensing requirements if he cares for not more than four children under the age of seven years, including any children of his own.

Betting Totalizator Agency Ordinance 1973

	The Betting (Totalizator Agency) Ordinance 1964-1972 provides for the establishment of the Australian Capital Territory Totalizator Agency Board.  The Board comprises five members, three of whom are appointed by the Minister and two by the Australian Capital Territory Council of Race Clubs Incorporated.  A member of the Board holds office for three years.

	Consideration is presently being given to proposals relating to the control of the whole spectrum of gaming in the Australian Capital Territory which makes it inappropriate for a new Board to be appointed for a full three year term, as currently structured.  The proposed Ordinance will provide for all five members to be appointed by the Minister for a period not exceeding three years as is specified in the Instruments of Appointment.  This will allow for greater flexibility and also make it possible to stagger terms of appointments to the Board to enable a desirable degree of continuity of expertise to be maintained.

      K. E.
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Minister’s Initials