Casino Decision Needs Proper Process

Media Release.

Deputy Opposition Leader Tim Mulherin says the Newman Government must outline a proper process for deciding if Brisbane is to have a second casino and its likely impact on existing operators in the city as well as the Gold Coast, Townsville, and Cairns.

“The Newman Government has made no decision on having a second casino in Brisbane yet seems to be going head long down that path to accommodate demands of one casino operator,” Mr Mulherin said.

“Just because someone says they want a second casino should not mean they automatically get one."

“The government is already talking to a casino operator interested in a potential second licence for Cairns."

“Deputy Premier Jeff Seeney has also indicated he is willing to discuss the option of a second casino operator in Brisbane with both the current operator Echo Entertainment Group and Crown Casinos headed by James Packer."

“But in both cases the government first needs to decide if it wants to stick with the one-city, one-casino policy or widen the market to other operators."

“That decision must involve widespread community consultation and the government needs to take on board the views of locals before a decision on extra casinos is taken."

“If they go down that path there needs to be a fair and open process for deciding who gains extra casino licences."

“There must be due process. It should never be just a matter of dealing with whatever operator knocks on the government’s door."

“Why are these discussions even being held when no decision has been made by the government on whether there is to be a second casino or not?”

Mr Mulherin said just because Mr Packer or any other operator wanted a casino licence in Brisbane did not mean his group should be considered ahead of any other individual or consortium that may have similar plans.

“There needs to be a proper process for this decision and that needs to include an open and transparent bidding process that allows all potential operators to lodge a bid, not just one rival to an existing operator,” he said.

Mr Mulherin said any decision by the Newman Government on a second casino for Brisbane needed to take into account the impact on casinos on the Gold Coast and at Townsville and Cairns.

“The regional casinos are part of their local economies and are significant employers,” he said.

“If a second Brisbane casino is likely to draw clients away from regional centres, then that needs to be known up front and existing regional operators need to have a say in the application and approval process.”