For broadcast on 2CH Sydney, 1 Dec 2013.
As Greens MP Dr John Kaye has observed, the NSW Government has ditched the ban on a second casino, “bringing more money laundering and corruption pressure to NSW and promoting a risky high-stakes gambling culture.”
With strong approval from Premier Barry O’Farrell, a second casino will now be built in Sydney. The Greens and the Christian Democratic Party voted against the bill.
But it’s not all bad news. There was support for very strong gambling chaplaincy provisions involving experienced Christian chaplaincy providers, and no new poker machines will be permitted on the site without separate legislation.
In addition, the O’Farrell Government has agreed to consider terms of reference for an inquiry into the social impact of gambling, something the NSW Council of Churches has repeatedly called for. With the passage of the second casino bill, an independent inquiry is especially needed now, in order to ensure more socially responsible policy for the future.
I’m Rod Benson for the NSW Council of Churches.
NSW Council of Churches 
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