[Greens-Media] Iemma should rule out reducing pokie shutdown periods

[Lee Rhiannon]

Media Release - 27 September 2007

Iemma should rule out reducing pokie shutdown periods

Greens MP and gambling spokesperson Lee Rhiannon today called on
Premier Morris Iemma to rule out using an inquiry into pokie shutdowns
to further reduce the current six-hour shutdown period.

*Gambling Minister Graham West has refused to guarantee that he will
not reduce the six-hour shutdown period. Mr Iemma should show leadership
and rule out reducing the shutdown period,* Ms Rhiannon said.

*If anything the government should be lengthening and better
enforcing this requirement.

*Since the shutdown period was introduced in 2002 more than 650
venues have been exempted from the full shutdown time on hardship
grounds. 

*Going on the NSW government*s track record so far this inquiry
looks more like a smokescreen than a real attempt to tackle problem
gambling.
 
*Since Premier Iemma has come on board he has thrown out the window
any suggestion that Labor is really interested in minimising the harm
done by gambling. 

*The Iemma government is flush with donations from the hotel and
clubs industry and this inquiry could well be another way to expand
punter access to gaming machines and give clubs and hotels what they
want.

*This inquiry could well open the door to allowing pokies to be
played all day every day across NSW.

*Problem gamblers may soon be free to play night and day, further
destroying their lives and their families,* Ms Rhiannon said. 

For more information
Lee Rhiannon - 9230 3551 or 0427 861 568



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Lee Rhiannon, MLC
The Greens
Parliament of New South Wales
Macquarie St 
Sydney 2000
Tel: +61-2-9230 3551 Fax: +61-2-9230 3550
Email lee.rhiannon at parliament.nsw.gov.au
Web http://www.lee.greens.org.au/

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