Kuriger Barbara: Gambling Amendment Bill (No 2) — Third ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeKuriger Barbara: Gambling Amendment Bill (No 2) — Third Reading[Sitting date: 24 February 2015. Volume:703;Page:1859. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]BARBARA KURIGER (National—Taranaki—King Country): It is great to be given the opportunity today to stand here and speak on the Gambling Amendment Bill (No 2) set down here for its third reading. I would like to thank the Government Administration Committee for its work. I too am in a position to endorse the member for New Plymouth’s comments about the culture and cafe centre of the world—I endorse that Jonathan.Gambling is one of the industries within New Zealand that has the potential to cause harm and devastation to many families to many individuals and to many communities. Previously the Gambling Act 2003 as it stood was in itself very large and complex and there were a number of issues that were identified which meant a review was needed. The Gambling Amendment Bill (No 2) which I am speaking on today contains various amendments alongside technical policy developments to clarify the original legislation and remove any vague confusion. The bill has been through the select committee process and has received a number of recommendations and it is clear that the main amendments here are to minimise the harm resulting from gambling in our communities. This falls in line with the priority of this National Government whose purpose is to control the growth of gambling and minimise the harm that is caused.The Gambling Act 2003 brought about major reform to the gambling sector with a shift in focus that highlighted the need for a minimisation of the harm associated with it. The Government recognises and appreciates that harm and it is not an issue to be taken lightly. Gambling is a destructive form of addiction that affects many New Zealanders. The Gambling Act therefore imposes a levy on the proceeds of gambling to deal with that. Currently over $55 million in 3 years has been raised to fund the front-line counselling services that are necessary and essential for mitigating the harm and damage that problem gambling can cause in communities. This is a significant and commendable effort and the dedicated professional services that exist for those diverse and affected groups in our communities are a reflection of the motivation and intent of this Government to alleviate the harm caused.The amendments recommended by the Government Administration Committee will make sure that the regulatory framework operates as it is supposed to and that gambling operators know their obligations to both themselves and the communities they represent. This Government’s policy is focused on minimising the harm caused by gambling while at the same time maximising the returns to the community. The amendments to the Act as implied by the select committee will tighten the regulations around the monitoring of gambling. Those organisations and people who receive grants from those gambling societies are therefore able to be kept accountable as to how they distribute their finances.Gambling is a moneymaking business; there is no doubt about that. However the amendments in this bill are consistent with the aims of the Act and with minimising harm. Gambling policy is and always has been a balancing act. Many individuals gamble in a responsible manner and have fun while doing so. Of note is the fact that gambling societies raised over $637 million for their respective communities in the year 2013. Again this is a significant and commendable effort and it cannot be ignored that this money is going back into the community. However one of the major focuses of the Government is to ensure that the Gambling Act can be accurately and rightly enforced.In summary yes gambling does damage families and communities. These amendments to the Act will tighten the regulations around the monitoring of gambling and will minimise the hard resulting from it. These changes to the Act are intended to resolve any confusion about its meaning and reinforce to the industry how important aspects of the Act work and exactly whom it is accountable to. Thank you.