Problem gambling decision raises serious questions
Revelations that the Salvation Army was awarded Problem Gambling's contract without seeking it raise serious questions
about how that decision was made, the Green Party said today.
"The fact the Salvation Army said it did not tender for the contract to supply problem gambling services, yet was
awarded it, adds weight to the allegation that the Problem Gambling Foundation were being punished for its opposition to
the SkyCity deal,” said Green Party gambling spokesperson Denise Roche.
"Problem gambling is a serious problem in New Zealand and those fighting to deal with the problem should not be punished
for doing their job.
"I think the Government and Health Ministry have serious questions to answer about how this contract was awarded.
"Have their been any other occasions when an organisation that did not even tender for a Government contract got it? It
is a highly unusual situation.
"This decision needs to be revisited. New Zealanders will not accept this treatment of an advocate fighting to make life
better for people."
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