Headline: Parliament can still stop SkyCity deal
All those MPs currently supporting the SkyCity deal must rethink their support and vote against the legislation that will enable this dirty deal, Green Party Co-leader Metiria Turei said today
After a number of delays the final contract between the Government and SkyCity has been signed. The deal involves SkyCity building an international convention centre in Auckland in return for a number of gambling related concessions. Legislation will be required to give effect to the final agreement.
“The deal signed today between SkyCity and the Government can only succeed if the legislation enabling it is passed through Parliament,” said Mrs Turei.
“The price the wider community will pay for this deal is a massive increase in social harm and the ills that come from problem gambling.
“Government MPs, and the Government’s support partners, such as John Banks and Peter Dunne have an opportunity to stop this harm from happening.
“Now is the time for Government MPs, and those supporting the Government, to examine their conscience and do the right thing by voting against legislation that will increase social harm,” said Mrs Turei.
Note:
The Green Party earlier this year commissioned Franks and Ogilvie Principal Stephen Franks to provide advice on the constitutionality of the Government’s deal with SkyCity. Mr Franks found that the deal can unwound by a future Government and the Heads of Agreement on which it is based could be unlawful.
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