12 October 2000

Margaret Burgess
Internal Affairs Spokesperson

The people of Hamilton have clearly demonstrated they do not wish to have a casino in their city, yet the Labour Party failed to support fellow-MP Martin Gallagher yesterday in his bid to delay the possibility of this occurring.

The adverse impact of casinos is obvious, with reports of many social problems including murder and attempted suicide. Only a fortnight ago, a father was found guilty of killing his wife and two small children in desperation at huge debts from gambling at the Auckland Sky City Casino. He failed in a suicide attempt. His own parents are devastated at the loss of their grandchildren and daughter-in-law, and the imprisonment of their son. This is but one example of the evil effects of casinos.

Yet the Labour party did not support the amendment which would have placed the application by Riverside Casinos under a moratorium, and it was lost on a conscience vote. Where is the conscience of the Labour Party?

The Christian Heritage Party believes in the welfare of the family as a prime concern. The people of Hamilton are well aware that casinos bring a huge toll of human misery, and they quite rightly do not want one in their community.

Surely the Government should have more concern for the people’s expressed wishes than for non-productive businesses that profit from the misfortunes of others.

Contact: Margaret Burgess on (06) 878 5638 or
Graham Capill on direct line (03) 352 6720 or (021) 661 766

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