NZ National Party Press Release

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Lindsay Tisch MP National Party Internal Affairs Spokesman

03 September 2004

Community groups targeted in another tax grab

Community organisations stand to be the big losers from a Government move to increase the problem gambling levy on gaming operations to $54.51 million over three years.

This is simply another tax increase that will go to the Ministry of Health for a problem gambling strategy they have yet to justify, says Mr Tisch.

Downstream, a new rental regime is also likely to lead to a further dramatic reduction in the returns to the community.

It's estimated the money being injected back into our communities could fall by as much as $200 million.

“First we had the draconian Charities Bill and now these non-profit organisations are being forced to dig deeper to cover the costs of the extra tax for problem gambling.

I personally support programmes for problem gamblers, but surely there must be a fairer system than taxing hard-working community groups that are already struggling to get by, says Mr Tisch.

ENDS

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