ACT Leader Richard Prebble says the row over the excessive salary paid to the Lotteries Commission head was inevitable and indicates what should be done.

"The government should get out of gambling," Mr Prebble said.

"The New South Wales Labour Government recognised that gambling is not a good role for government - and got out of it.

"Why does the New Zealand Government need to be in lotteries or the TAB? It's inevitable, if government continues in the gambling business, that there will be problems with executives wanting the perks and salaries of the private sector.

"The contribution that gambling makes to charities could still continue in the private sector - there's just no justification for governments to be involved."

ENDS

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