[Greens-Media] Casino licence integrity process must be public

[John Kaye]

Casino licence integrity process must be public

Media release:  1 February 2014

A behind-closed-doors inquiry into the suitability of the proposed licence
holder for the Baranagroo casino will feed concerns of increased money
laundering and the growth of organised crime, according to Greens NSW MP
John Kaye.

('New Crown casino inquiry will sit behind closed doors', Sydney Morning
Herald, 1 February, page 5, http://j.mp/smh140201)

Dr Kaye said: "Casinos in Asia and North America have been directly
associated with corruption of public officials, money laundering and
organised crime.

"NSW has a poor track record on all counts and is set to be exposed to yet
more corruption pressures.

"The community has a substantial and valid interest in ensuring that any
casino operators and their close associates have blemish-free track records.

"There can be little confidence in any outcome that is conducted behind
closed doors.

"Integrity, resilience to corruption and an enthusiasm for stopping the
flow of black market money are essential if the Barangaroo casino is to
have the least possible impact on NSW's reputation and the state's
governance processes.

"The regulator must make sure that the public has access to the evidence
and the hearings.

"A secretive process will feed the perception that the casino approval has
been biased by a sweetheart deal between Premier Barry O'Farrell and Crown
Casino, with Labor cheering from the sidelines.

"The O'Farrell government's unsolicited proposals processes was run behind
closed doors with no opportunity for public involvement.

"Information about the bid and the assessments was only made available
after the important decisions had been made.

"The integrity assessment should not perpetuate the same climate of
secrecy," 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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