Productivity Commission: Keneally urged to regulate gambling industry for public good

"It's time the government regulated the gambling industry based on
public interest, not the amount of donations received from the gambling,
hotel and club industry," Ms Rhiannon said.

"Premier Kristina Keneally should today announce her government's
support for the Commission's recommendations. With the looming crisis
caused by problem gambling this would be the responsible position for
the government to take.

"Problem gambling can result in homelessness, depression, child neglect
and the breakdown of families and relationships.

"Ms Keneally should move to immediately adopt the recommendations that require poker machines to not accept $50 notes and have all single bets limited to $1.

"These measures would reduce the risk of people becoming problem
gamblers.

"Over the past decade the gambling, hotel and club industry has donated
more than $7 million to Labor and more than $4 million to the Coalition
parties.

"The only group that wouldn't want reforms backed by the Productivity
Commission are pubs and clubs that enjoy the financial benefits of the
social cost of problem gambling.

"The Productivity Commission also noted that in some jurisdictions, the
taxes on gambling revenue are too low. NSW is a clear example of this.

"The NSW government just cut the tax payable on poker machine profits,
in a direct contrast to the recommendation from the Productivity
Commission.

"NSW Labor tried to sell the tax cut as a rescue package for small
country pubs, but it's more likely a desperate grab for more donations
in the lead up to next March*s state election.

"Both the Government and the Opposition have a responsibility to the
public to stop wooing donations from clubs and pubs, and adopt the
recommendations of the Productivity Commission," Ms Rhiannon said.

For more information - 9230 3551, 0427 861 568
http://democracy4sale.org/