Gaming: Should The Government Be Involved?

Monday 6th Nov 2000 Penny Webster Media Release -- Other

ACT Internal Affairs spokesperson Penny Webster says the Government's Gaming Review is creating further delays for an industry suffering from lack of action.

"Calling for yet another review is merely prolonging the agony for an industry in dire need of an overhaul. The problems facing the industry will not be addressed until at least 2002."

"What will this latest review achieve except months of drawn-out discussion and talk-fests, with little progress?

"This is another example of the government not coming to grips with the real issues facing our gaming industry. At the moment the industry is full of anomalies, and the sooner decisions are made the better.

"Internet gambling, for example, is developing quickly, but the Government continues to stall on dealing with this important issue.

"The government seems to be happy to set up endless committees as we have seen across the board, and this is yet another example of their delaying tactics.

"What we need is clear decisive action within a realistic timeframe. The Minister is avoiding fronting the issues. The information they need is already out there.

"The question we should be asking is how far should Government be involved in the gaming industry?" said Penny Webster.

ENDS

For more information visit ACT online at http://www.act.org.nz or contact the ACT Parliamentary Office at act@parliament.govt.nz.

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