[Greens-Media] Casino excuse not supported

[John Kaye]

Casino excuse not supported

Media release: 17 July 2013

Premier Barry O'Farrell's unsolicited proposals process did not produce
evidence to support his assertion that that a second casino was necessary
to ensure the development of more high end tourist accommodation in Sydney,
according to Greens NSW MP John Kaye.

('Second casino 'not essential'' Sydney Morning Herald, 17 July, page 3,
http://j.mp/smh130717)

Commenting on the documents released (see: http://j.mp/unsolproc) after the
unsolicited proposals process recommended that James Packer's proposal for
a high roller facility proceed, Dr Kaye said: "The process has failed to
provide support the Premier's assertion that without a second casino Sydney
would be deprived of additional luxury tourist accommodation.

"The O'Farrell government's justification for high roller facilities is
based on nothing more than assertion and bluff.

"Even James Packer's own consultants didn't support the argument that a
second casino is needed to encourage the construction of high-end tourist
beds.

"The Premier's case for approving high roller facilities is based on a
scandalous lack of evidence.

"The unsolicited proposal process failed to provide any independent
justification for the lynchpin of Premier Barry O'Farrell's case for
approving James Packer's casino proposal.

"Nowhere in any of the public documents is a five star hotel without high
roller gaming facilities shown to be unviable.

"Crown's own property consultants suggested that there were a number of
reasons why investors might be interested in building a luxury hotel at
Barangaroo without a casino," Dr Kaye said.

For more information: John Kaye 0407 195 455

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John Kaye
Greens NSW MP
phone: 0407 195 455
web: www.john.nsw.greens.org.au
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