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Ley states case for Country Clubs
10-November-2010
Member for Farrer, Sussan Ley, today backed the need to give special consideration for
rural and remote NSW Clubs during a new inquiry into curbing problem gambling.
Ms Ley says “yesterday I met with senior managers from 21 clubs spread across my electorate and there is genuine concern blanket restrictions could force up to a third of them to shut their doors”.
“For many parts of rural NSW, registered clubs remain the heart and soul of a town.”
“While I, like most, certainly want assistance for those who suffer an addiction, the proposed measures potentially add a huge dollar cost to these club’s operations.”
According to the delegation, which met Ms Ley at Broken Hill (Tue 09th), significant cuts to their revenue will lead to a reduction in staff as well as cuts to local community and sporting sponsorship, some of which are unviable without gaming returns.
“What we don’t want to see is the Productivity Commission inquiry imposing restrictions which will also turn away those who simply like the occasional flutter.”
The local MP welcomed comments by the Inquiry’s Chair, Professor Peter Shergold, acknowledging dispensation may be made for rural and remote clubs and says she “will be inviting the Inquiry to hear directly the concerns from within my electorate”.
“I have also written to Professor Shergold today urgently requesting a rural-based
Clubs NSW representative be added to the Expert Advisory Group” Ms Ley added.