Media Statement 20 September, 2012

For Immediate Release

Gambling Amendment Bill a “band aid” response, says Licensing Trust Association

Maori Party MP Te Ururoa Flavell’s member’s bill to amend the Gambling Act is a “band aid” response to complex issues and should not be proceeded with, says the New Zealand Licensing Trust Association (NZLTA).

The NZLTA’s president, John Burke, told the select committee considering the bill the Association supports any intervention that would reduce harm from gambling.

“However, this bill will not provide any additional protection for vulnerable people,” Mr Burke told members of the Government Administration Committee today.

“We accept that sometimes the current model doesn’t always work as well as it should, but however well intentioned, the proposed legislation is a ‘band aid’ solution,” Mr Burke said.

Mr Burke said for the most part the current model was transparent and accountable and worked well.

“We don’t support moving the distribution function to local authorities. They already have enough to do.”

Mr Burke said the NZLTA supported the bill’s proposal that 80 percent of the proceeds of gambling should be spent in the area where the money was raised.

“Local people should decide where and how locally raised funds are spent.”

Mr Burke said he questioned the contention that gaming machines were over-represented in poorer areas and funds raised in poorer areas supported better off areas.

“That’s certainly not the case in Porirua,” he told the committee.
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