Trevor
MALLARD
Internal Affairs Spokesperson

2 September 2013 MEDIA STATEMENT

Ministry gags service providers over Casino Bill

It is outrageous the Ministry of Health has gagged organisations providing problem gambling services from speaking out on the Government’s legislation to enact its immoral SkyCity convention centre deal, Labour’s Internal Affairs spokesman Trevor Mallard says.

“It has been revealed today that organisations holding public health contracts, as well as their staff, have been blocked from giving evidence to the Commerce Select Committee which is hearing submissions on the SkyCity Convention Centre Bill.

“This stops the Committee getting expert opinions which are vital to making an informed decision.

“What is the Government trying to hide with this anti-democratic attempt to silence those who deal with the hard reality of gambling addiction?

“People working with problem gamblers know only too well the damage the Government’s dodgy deal with SkyCity will do to Auckland’s communities.

“The public don’t like this deal and now we will not hear concerns from health workers who will be left picking up the pieces after National once again sold New Zealand’s legislation to the highest bidder,” Trevor Mallard says.

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