Greens call for Gambling Summit to shift to public health approach on growing crisis

Media Release 20/9/07

Greens MP and gambling spokesperson Lee Rhiannon today called on both the NSW government and Opposition to support a Gambling Summit to allow experts, politicians and the community to bring forward a public health plan to deal with the growing crisis. "A Gambling Summit is urgently needed in NSW to consider issues such as the negative impacts of gambling, the conflict of interest between politicians and gambling proponents, and what limits should be placed on the gambling industry," Ms Rhiannon said. “I will be writing to Premier Morris Iemma today urging that he call a Summit empowered to bring forward recommendations on gambling. NSW Labor has called summits on drugs, alcohol and obesity so there is no reason to not hold one on gambling. “It is time Premier Iemma and Opposition leader Barry O’Farrell caught up with public opinion and addressed rising community concerns about the increase in gambling and the associated problems. "Mr O’Farrell along with Premier Iemma has to accept responsibility for NSW being tagged the gambling state.

“Liberal and National MPs in the NSW parliament have consistently supported the Labor government in weakening licensing laws and increasing the number of gaming machines. “In the period that Labor and the Coalition have supported these changes that favour the gambling industry they have accepted massive donations from the hotel and club bodies. “Hotels and the Australian Hotels Association donated more than $2.9 million to NSW Labor between 1998-9 and 2004-5. In the same period the Liberals and National parties received more that $1.3 million. “NSW Clubs donated $950,000 to NSW Labor and $135,000 to the Coalition over the same seven year period.

“Both Premier Iemma and Mr O’Farrell should demonstrate their commitment to solving this crisis by backing the Summit and announcing that they will no longer take donations from the hotel and club industry," Ms Rhiannon said. For more information – 02 9230 3551, 0427 861 568

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