|
Wairarapa MP, Georgina Beyer, says if you have ever wanted to have a say in the running of the gaming industry in New Zealand, now is your chance.
"Key to the success of the consultation process is strong public involvement," Ms Beyer said.
"I know that many people in Wairarapa have strong views on gaming and I invite them to contribute to the consultation process over the next two months and take part in the gaming debate."
"It's very important that we think about the issues very carefully and contribute to the debate."
The Minister for Internal Affairs George Hawkins yesterday released a public discussion document on gaming, called Gaming Reform in New Zealand: Towards A New Legislative Framework and the deadline for submissions is 30 April.
After reading and assessing all the submissions, the Government intends to make decisions on gaming by July this year. The Government plans to produce new legislation for introduction to Parliament by the end of the year. The public will then have a further chance to make submissions to the select committee, Ms Beyer said.
"We intend to enact the new legislation by March next year."
The discussion paper - approved by Cabinet on Monday - was developed by the Department of Internal Affairs and sets out all the main issues relevant to gaming reform in New Zealand.
"The discussion document is neutral and does not try to influence people's opinions. It simply canvases the issues and asks questions to prompt people's thinking," Ms Beyer said.
Key issues include:
- what role gaming should play in our society
- what effect internet gambling has on New Zealand
- what effect technological change has on gaming, and whether it is possible to regulate cross-border gaming.
The paper also discusses risks for users and asks questions about the management of unfair games, problem gambling, and gaming-related offending. It canvasses the regulation of gaming operators, game standards and player access, and calls for comment on community input and involvement in these areas, as well as considers administration gaming costs and discusses taxation issues.
A section on gaming profits and how they are distributed to communities raises a number of important issues. Finally, the paper asks how gaming might be administered in the future.
The public is also invited to comment on the Government's role as a provider and promoter of gaming through its ownership of the Lotteries Commission.
"I encourage people to have their say on this important topic," Ms Beyer said.
The discussion paper has been mailed to groups known to have an interest in gaming, and is available on request to anyone who would like it.
If you want a copy of the discussion document please write to:
Gaming Review Team, Policy Group
Department of Internal Affairs
PO Box 805
WELLINGTON,
You can also ask for the discussion paper via e-mail gamingreview@dia.govt.nz or by fax (04) 494-0567. The discussion paper is also available from the Department of Internal Affairs website at http://www.dia.govt.nz
|
|
|
