Darien
FENTON
Labour Issues Spokesperson
Iain LEES-GALLOWAY
Spokesperson for Health (Drugs and Alcohol)

1 September 2011

The introduction of pokie machines into enclosed smoking areas at SkyCity in Auckland undermines the rights of workers to be free from harm by exposing them to second-hand smoke, say Labour MPs Darien Fenton and Iain Lees-Galloway.

Darien Fenton, Labour’s spokesperson for Labour Issues said today: "SkyCity workers took a strong stand in support of the smokefree workplace legislation in 2004 because of their concern for the health and safety of workers on the gaming floor. This move undermines those efforts and the rights of SkyCity’s workers to a healthy working environment.”

Labour’s Health (Alcohol and Drugs) Spokesperson Iain Lees-Galloway said not only workers will suffer. “Exploiting a loophole in the legislation is one thing, but exploiting an addiction trifecta of drinking, smoking and gambling for profit is a real low.

“This is a recipe for disaster that will put more pressure on already stretched and under-resourced addiction treatment facilities. It just isn't right for our health system to subsidise SkyCity's profits.

“Allowing SkyCity to go ahead with this proposal would be a slap in the face for all the people working so hard to make New Zealand smokefree by 2025.

“Parliament has recently passed bold legislation to continue the effort to reduce the harm caused by tobacco and MPs from all parties have expressed their desire to continue the momentum. The Government must step in to stop SkyCity undermining that work,” Iain Lees-Galloway said.

ENDS

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