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Number: A77/2018
Date: 18 December 2018
I am pleased to announce that the Assistant Minister the Hon. Sussan Ley MP has released a Community Consultation Report providing a summary of the feedback from community consultations on the potential establishment of a casino on Christmas Island. The Report is available in English, Chinese and Malay and can be downloaded from the Department’s website at regional.gov.au/territories/publications/index.aspx
The Department and I appreciate the time and effort of individuals, organisations and the community in preparing submissions and attending consultation meetings. The Town Hall meeting was attended by over 120 people and 35 written submissions were received. The benefits, issues and challenges of a casino raised by the community during consultations have been captured in the Report. Many participants in the consultations supported a casino licence as a means to develop an integrated resort on Christmas Island, encouraging economic development and providing employment opportunities. However, a significant number of residents were opposed to a casino licence and expressed concern about the possible negative impacts on the community.
The Department is aware a decision on a casino licence is time sensitive for the community and are in the process of preparing a proposal for consideration by the Australian Government. Feedback you provided in consultations will be used to inform this proposal. The development of a proposal is the responsibility of the Department. As the Administrator I will not be involved in the development of the proposal. The Department and I have attended probity briefings to ensure the process of the Australian Government deciding to issue a casino licence is transparent, equitable and compliant with Commonwealth legislation, policies and guidelines.
The Department will be working over December and January to ensure a proposal is ready to present to the Australian Government in early 2019.
Natasha Griggs
Administrator
Territories of Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands