United New Zealand Party leader, Hon Peter Dunne, has congratulated Internal Affairs Minister Mark Burton for his plans for a comprehensive review of gaming law.

"That is exactly the path I was following in my own term as Minister, and I am delighted that Mr Burton wants to cast aside the do nothing approach of the last Minister."

"The failure to carry on over the last three years with the work I was involved in has left New Zealand's gaming laws in an even worse state of decay, and I strongly support Mr Burton's intentions."

"In fact, the tinkering of the last three years has left us worse off than before, especially given the growth of Internet and other forms of off-shore gaming," Mr Dunne says.

However, Mr Dunne is sceptical that Mr Burton will be able to achieve his objectives.

"Some of those with the most closed minds about gaming issues in the last three years sit in the Minister's own party, and even more extreme views reside in his coalition partner, the Alliance, and their Green fellow travellers."

"I doubt they will let him go too far at all, let alone allow him to rationalise the law in the way that it needs to be to take account of technological changes," Mr Dunne says.

Mr Dunne therefore suggests Mr Burton establish an external review team, similar to those used for recent Sale of Liquor Act amendments to prepare a draft Gaming Bill, which can then be put straight to Parliament for consideration on a conscience basis.

"That way, he will at least get the process off the ground," he says.

ENDS