Seeney Fails On Casino Questions

Media Release.

Deputy Opposition Leader, Tim Mulherin, says the Newman Government has failed to ensure a proper and transparent process for handling demands for a second casino licence in Brisbane.

“In response to questions today at the Budget estimates hearings, Deputy Premier Jeff Seeney showed there is no process at all despite this issue being on the agenda almost since the government was elected,” Mr Mulherin said.

“Mr Seeney stretched his own credibility to snapping point by suggesting casino licences were not even discussed at a meeting with representatives of Echo Entertainment and the James packer-led Crown casinos."

“The Deputy Premier has promised ‘a system of probity’ around negotiations on casino licences."

“But no probity auditor has been appointed and no process has been developed despite the fact discussions with major players have already started."

“The government has not yet taken the initial decision to expand the number of casino licences, yet is already talking to casino operators."

“What’s worse is the government is talking to a small number of operators, including Crown Casinos that has simply demanded a place at the table."

“No doubt there are other players both in Australia and overseas who might be interested in bidding for a licence if the decision was taken to grant an extra one."

“So it is wrong for the government to already be discussing the issue with such a small pool of interested parties."

“Any meetings on issues related to casino licences should be postponed until all players are known and can be dealt with equitably through a proper selection process if indeed the government decides to expand the number of casinos,” Mr Mulherin said.