23 June 2000 Media Statement

Carter's got it wrong: Burton

David Carter has taken a gamble and lost with his criticism of the Gaming Review announced today, Internal Affairs Mark Burton said.

"He is utterly wrong to suggest that I have "manoeurved any new legislation out of this parliamentary term".

"Quite the opposite is true. The timetable for the Gaming Review is specifically designed to allow time for legislative changes to be completed in this parliamentary term.

"Officials had originally suggested a three year timetable for the review, but I have asked them to work on the premise that the entire process should be completed prior to the scheduled election in late 2002.

"David Carter was a member of the previous government which put a long overdue review of gambling and gaming into the too-hard basket.

"He is clearly struggling to understand that the country now has a government which will not shirk from the difficult issues or decisions.

"Mr Carter is now a member of the Select Committee that will deal with any legislation arising from the review. I assume from his apparent concern to make progress that I can rely on his full co-operation," Mark Burton said.

ENDS

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