Wide support for gambling reform

Politicians across the political spectrum are showing an appetite for reform of the Gambling Act according to the Problem Gambling Foundation.

Minister of Internal Affairs Rick Barker indicated it was not an appropriate time for more than technical amendments to the Act but other MPs made it clear they understood that the public was demanding a lot more.

"Speakers from Labour, the Greens, the Maori Party, New Zealand First, United Future and National all recognised that the introduction of the Bill would be seen by many in the community as an opportunity to clean up the gambling industry," says CEO John Stansfield.

"Pita Sharples (Maori Party) said that gambling should be managed as a social hazard rather than a harmless leisure pursuit.

"Green MP Sue Bradford said there is nothing stopping Parliament using the Bill for major reform

"Judy Turner (United Future) is concerned that organisations are receiving funding that does not ethically measure up with the work they do.

"Peter Brown (NZ First) said we cannot allow the activity of gambling to undermine the lifestyle of many, the lifestyle of families, or the commitment of one family member to another - as it has the capabilities of doing.

"Darien Fenton (Labour) said she has no doubt that submissions on the Bill will be wide ranging and the select committee will hear the passionate concerns of communities about problem gambling and the crime inevitably associated with it.

"These MPs all showed a good level of awareness of what's going on out in their communities and understand the need for wide ranging reforms to gambling legislation.

"We expect the select committee on the Bill is going to be very busy hearing submissions from a great many New Zealanders over the next few months."

Mr Stansfield says his organisation will run an intense campaign encouraging people to have their say to the select committee.