Dogs Breakfast on Gambling Laws

[Manderson, Roland]

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MEDIA RELEASE  MEDIA RELEASE 

ACT GREENS MLA KERRIE TUCKER

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WED 6 DEC 2000

"Dogs breakfast" a poor approach

Greens MLA Kerrie Tucker last night withdrew support for the Government's
Gaming Machine Amendment Bill.

"The ACT Greens support a responsible approach to gambling in the ACT. I
believe we need to ensure the gambling industry takes responsibility for the
social harm it creates. I have been a long term advocate for some of poker
machine profits going to services for problem gambling." Ms Tucker said
today.

"The Government's proposed community contribution levy was something we
could support. Unfortunately the debate went sideways and a raft of new
amendments changing the whole shape of the Bill were foisted on us at short
notice. Such a dogs breakfast approach to amending Bills is very poor." 

"Michael Moore's 'Labor Clubs' amendments in particular were cause for
concern. We were not given time to examine them closely. The ACT Greens are
not prepared to support such an irresponsible approach to law making.
Unfortunately, the Government had the numbers it needed and the Bill, as
amended, was passed."

Michael Moore has also called on Labor to stand aside from votes on poker
machines. 

"If that principle were to be applied across the board  the Liberal Party
would have to stand aside from debates on the Casino."

"The onus on Members is not to stand aside, but to be open about their
income and interests, and be judged on their actions at elections" Ms Tucker
said.


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Roland Manderson    ACT Greens 
Kerrie  Tucker  MLA's   Office 
ACT    Legislative    Assembly 
GPO Box 1020 Canberra ACT 2601 
6205 0841(ph)     6205 0007(f)
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