|
Date: 4th May 2004 Ref No: 1004
Pokies Legislation Faithful,
Now Do It!
UnitingCare Wesley commends the State Government on faithfully presenting
the gaming machine numbers recommendations of the Independent Gambling
Authority to the parliament.
Minister for Gambling, Michael Wright, has outlined today that legislation
presented to the Parliament will seek:
·
Reduction of 3,000 poker machines.
·
Establishment of regional caps, particularly for provincial cities.
“We believe that the SA Government has heard the communities view, namely that we have too many poker machines in South Australia” said Mark Henley, Manager Advocacy and Communication with UnitingCare Wesley.
“The Government must now work swiftly to ensure that the debate on gaming machine numbers is conducted promptly in parliament so that actions can be implemented and the task of reducing problem gambling progressed. We will not accept any unreasonable delays in this legislation being considered since the cap that started this process was agreed in December 2000, three and a half years ago” said Mr Henley.
UnitingCare Wesley in noting that the vote on reducing poker machine numbers will be a conscience vote, is calling on all parliamentarians to vote for the legislation. “we can see no good reason for any Member of Parliament to vote against this legislation,” Mr Henley concluded.
Further Comment
Mark Henley 8370 1112 (all hours)
Manager Advocacy and Communication 0404 067 011 (mob)
