PLAYING ROULETTE WITH PUBLIC HEALTH
Western Victoria MP Bev McArthur has expressed her astonishment at the State Government’s decision to allow the Crown Casino to remain open, despite COVID-19 restrictions imposed on comparable businesses and institutions.
In the Legislative Council, Mrs McArthur asked the Minister for Gaming, Marlene Kairouz:
“Is this a public health emergency or not? Are gambling taxes more important than public health? How can the Crown Casino continue to make money hand over first when small businesses in Western Victoria are going to the wall.”
In further quotes attributable, she said:
“We have been told that ‘non-essential’ gatherings of more than 100 people are banned, yet the Casino continues to operate.” “The public will ask, how can this be?”
The Premier has claimed that Crown is a “unique space.” I find that astonishing. Businesses across the state have had to shut their doors, sports events are off or being played with no crowds, theatre, comedy and arts venues are closed. The state library and other public libraries are shut, yet Crown Casino remains open for business.
“Las Vegas has been shut down, for heaven’s sake!”
I think the people of Victoria will rightly ask what Dan Andrews’ real reason is. Is the Premier playing roulette with public health? Just what is “unique” about the Crown Casino? Who is it “essential” to?
“As I said in the House, ‘Have Labor Ministers had a big win there lately?’”
ENDS
Notes:
As of 1.30pm, more than 17,000 had signed the Change.org petition demanding the Casino’s closure. See #CloseCrownCasino.
See https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-03-19/coronavirus-covid19-victoria-funding-boost-for-hospitals/12069612 for link to the Premier’s Press Conference, confirming: “Crown Casino will continue to be exempt from the rules banning gatherings of more than 100 people.”
19 March 2020