[Greens-Media] NSW Coalition sweetheart deal with clubs puts kids at risk

[John Kaye]

NSW Coalition sweetheart deal with clubs puts kids at risk

Media release: 19 October 2014

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Baird-Grant government
and Clubs NSW will take the state towards publicly-subsidised facilities
that would expose children to problem gambling and drinking behaviours,
according to Greens NSW MP John Kaye.

('Baird government opens door to potential pokie palace childcare centres'
Sun Herald, 19 October, page 9, http://j.mp/sh141019A

'Poker machine lobby signs another private deal with NSW Liberals' Sun
Herald, 19 October, page 34, http://j.mp/sh141019B)

The MoU was signed on 13 October but only recently became publicly
available. A copy can be downloaded from http://j.mp/MoU14.

Dr Kaye said: "The renewed sweetheart deal could see club tax cuts
subsidising the construction of childcare and aged care facilities in pokie
palaces.

"The state has been locked into another four years of gambling and alcohol
policies written by the clubs.

"This is another cash-for-policy deal that will see individual clubs pour
money into the campaign coffers of the Liberals and Nationals in return for
yet more tax breaks.

"Despite studies showing children are frightened by being surrounded by
people under the influence of alcohol, Premier Mike Baird and his Deputy
Troy Grant are prepared to provide yet more subsidies to set up childcare
in clubs.

"Aged care facilities in clubs will expose the frail elderly to gambling
opportunities that could trap them into problem behaviours.

"There is something deeply unhealthy about a deal that offers support for a
political party in return for policy that is not in the best interests of
the community.

"The MoU also puts at risk the gaming machine, alcohol and planning
controls.

"I have no doubt that just as outdoor smoking bans were compromised by the
last deal, this document will be used by the Baird-Grant government to hold
up progress on reducing gaming machine densities and reducing
alcohol-fuelled violence," 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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