Don’t mix childcare and pokies

#983 for broadcast on 2CH Sydney, 26 Oct 2014.

NSW Premier Mike Baird last week signed a memorandum of understanding with ClubsNSW whereby clubs would provide “community care services” in return for tax concessions under the ClubGrants scheme.

The NSW Council of Churches takes the view that gambling venues are unsuitable for childcare and aged care, and the prospect of tax concessions should not be the motivation for clubs to provide such services.

Council President, the Reverend Dr Ross Clifford, said if the proposal goes ahead, more parents will dump their children at the local club and spend their valuable time and money on the pokies.

It won’t fix the childcare crisis, it won’t curb problem gambling, and it won’t build strong families. It will only lead to more pain and suffering, for children as well as parents.

Dr Clifford called on Premier Mike Baird to renew his commitment to NSW families by dropping the proposal.

I’m Rod Benson for the NSW Council of Churches.