11. NIKKI KAYE (National—Auckland Central) Link to this
to the Minister of Internal Affairs
What announcements has he made today on improving flexibility for community groups receiving grants from gaming societies?
Hon NATHAN GUY (Minister of Internal Affairs) Link to this
Today I am very pleased to announce a change in regulations that means that gaming-machine societies can make multi-year grants from 15 September 2011. Up until now, the law meant that only annual grants could be made to the community. This is great news for the many sporting, cultural, and charity groups that rely on this funding. It will give them the confidence and the flexibility to focus on long-term projects for the benefit of their communities.
Late last year the Department of Internal Affairs consulted with gaming-machine societies, problem-gambling organisations, and a variety of community, arts, culture, and sporting groups. There was strong support, with 50 out of the 56 submissions favouring the change. Overall, this reflects the Government’s goal of maximising the returns to the community from the proceeds of gambling while minimising harm.