[Greens-Media] Govt not industry should stop gambling fest

[Alison Orme]

Lee Rhiannon - Media Release - 19 September 2007

Govt not industry should stop gambling fest 

Greens MP and gambling spokesperson Lee Rhiannon says the Iemma
government and the Coalition should take responsibility and turn off the
tap to political donations from clubs, pubs and the Australian Hotels
Association and reduce gambling opportunities in NSW.

“It should not be left to individual clubs like South Sydney
League’s Club to break with tradition and limit gambling in this
state,” Ms Rhiannon said.

“The gambling explosion is a monster of the NSW government’s
creation and Premier Iemma has a responsibility to fight it.

“Until the government and the Coalition turn off the tap to political
donations and gambling taxes the binging opportunities for problem
gamblers will continue in NSW.

“Opposition gaming spokesperson George Souris is making muffled
noises today, saying the decision to expand Keno in hotels is too hasty.


“But the reality is that the NSW Coalition, like NSW Labor, is also
taking millions of dollars in donations from clubs, pubs and the AHA. 

“The Coalition needs to show some spine, join with the minor parties,
and take on Labor and the gambling industry using its muscle in
parliament.

"From 1998 to 2006 hotels donated $2.45 million and the Australian
Hotels Association $717,520 to the NSW branch of the ALP.  Clubs NSW
donated $297,350 and Star City $104,750.
 
“In the same period hotels donated almost $1.1 million to the NSW
Coalition, and the AHA $354,268.  Clubs have donated $30,076, Clubs NSW
$153,467 and Star City $84,500 in the same period.

“Both the Iemma government and clubs like to downplay the extent of
problem gambling in NSW and focus on individual’s ‘choice’ to
gamble. But problem gambling has an enormous ripple effect in our
community and needs addressing.

“The government should take immediate steps to limit poker machines,
for example by reducing caps and developing regional caps, reviewing
venue hours, banning ATMS in gaming venues and slowing down the
machines,” Ms Rhiannon said. 

For more information: 9230 3551, 0427 861 568


Alison Orme
Adviser, Greens MLC Lee Rhiannon (p/t Wed-Fri)
Macquarie St, Sydney 2000
Tel: +61-2-9230 3551 Fax: +61-2-9230 3550
Mobile: 0432 332 104
Email alison.orme at parliament.nsw.gov.au 
Web www.leerhiannon.org.au