Queensland casino questioned by opposition

As current Queensland authorities began the licensing process for the third casino, opposition publicly questioned their intentions.

Australia.- A month after the government of Queensland began the licensing process for the state’s third casino, Labor’s State Development Minister Dr Anthony Lynham released an angry statement against gaming expansion. The official questioned the Liberal Party of Australia (LNP) proposal to install at least two new casinos North and Central Queensland.

According to The Mercury, LNP’s project would be enacted if the party wins next elections. “If the facts show that another casino and integrated resort development stack up, we will go to the market before the end of this year seeking expressions of interest,” responded Lynham.

The minister considers that casino projects aiming at increasing tourism industry are absurd giving the fact that the LNP has chosen “areas of the state without high populations or an international airport nearby” to install the promised gaming venues. “Regional centres like Cairns, Rockhampton, Townsville, Mackay, the Gold and Sunshine Coasts and other cities in Queensland all satisfy our criteria — contrary to what Mr Nicholls says in his flim-flam casino scheme,” explained Lynham.

“These casinos would rely on pokies, which rip money from the poorest in our state and put it straight into the pockets of billionaire gambling companies,” added Greens state spokesman and candidate for Maiwar Michael Berkman.