VIC: Regional Victoria to get more gambling taxes

AAP General News (Australia)
02-15-1999
VIC: Regional Victoria to get more gambling taxes

MELBOURNE, Feb 15 AAP - Regional Victoria would receive a larger slice of taxes derived
from gambling under a Labor government, Opposition Leader John Brumby announced today.

Mr Brumby said a Labor government would ensure the Community Support Fund (CSF) was
distributed fairly between the city and country Victoria.

He cited the City of Greater Geelong which has one of the highest concentrations of gaming
machines in the state.

"Despite contributing a massive $20 million to the CSF since the fund was introduced in
1993, the Geelong community has received back just $1.6 million," Mr Brumby said while in
Geelong for a shadow cabinet meeting.

"Labor's policy will ensure that CSF funds are not only distributed fairly, but that
problem gambling programs receive higher priority and that communities affected by gaming are
adequately compensated."

A spokesman for Mr Brumby said shadow cabinet was discussing how to lock in a guarantee of
more CSF funding for regional communities.

Detail about how the money would be divided up would be released during the election
campaign.

The earliest date for a Victorian election is June 12 this year.

AAP lmw/er/gl

KEYWORD: GAMING ALP

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