[Greens-Media] Call for Gambling Summit gains wide support - time for Premier Iemma to act

[Lee Rhiannon]

Media release - 21 September 2007

Call for Gambling Summit gains wide support - time for Premier Iemma to
act 

The Greens call for Premier Morris Iemma to initiate a Gambling Summit
has received strong support from organisations and prominent
individuals, Greens MP and gambling spokesperson Lee Rhiannon said
today.

"Premier Iemma should act immediately on the call for a Gambling
Summit," Ms Rhiannon said.

"The urgent need for a Gambling Summit is reflected in the fact that
this initiative has received such diverse backing.

"Reverend Harry Herbert, Uniting Care and Chair of the Responsible
Gambling Fund, and Pat Daley, spokesperson at the Salvation Army, have
both indicated strong support for the Summit proposal. 

"Genia McCaffery, President of the Local Government and Shires
Association, and Linda Frow, Acting Director of the NSW Council of
Social Service also back the Summit call. 

"I hope that Premier Morris Iemma will respond favourably to my letter
requesting that he initiates a Gambling Summit. If he fails to act I
will move a motion in the Upper House calling on the government to take
action. 

"A Gambling Summit is needed to discuss strategies to reduce problem
gambling and the conflict of interest between politicians and gambling
proponents.

"We have had government backed Summits on obesity, alcohol and drugs.
Now is the time for a Gambling Summit," said Ms Rhiannon.

The following people have also indicated support for holding a Gambling
Summit (contact details available on request):

· Dr Clive Allcock, psychiatrist, Senior Clinical Lecturer Psychology
Dept Sydney University, founder of NSW Council of Problem Gambling and
small racing punter.
· Allison Johnson, Manager of Financial and Gambling Counselling and
Legal Service, Wesley Mission.
· Richard Spencer, CEO, Benevolent Society.
· Sue Pinkerton, President, Duty of Care Inc national not-for-profit
consumer advocate representing people harmed by gaming machines.
· Kate Roberts, Chairperson, Gambling Impact Society (NSW).
· Chris Davidson, Manager, Central Coast Problem Gambling Service
provides free counselling, education on problem gambling. 
· Mr Ashley Gordon, President Hunter Council on Problem Gambling.

For more information 9230 3551, 0427 861 568