18 Jun 2013 12:48 p.m.
Flavell told to withdraw bill
Calls are mounting for the Waiariki MP to withdraw his gambling amendment bill.
Te Ururoa Flavell has accepted a major rewrite of his harm reduction legislation, aimed at cracking down on pokies.
All of its main provisions have either been removed or weakened - with Labour and the Green Party now officially withdrawing their support.
Changes mean instead of requiring 80% of pokie profits to go back into the community, Government can set an unspecified minimum percentage.
Also, a provision allowing local councils to reduce or ban machines altogether in areas where problem and disadvantaged gambling is an issue has been canned.
Mr Flavell says he hasn't yet seen the report presented to select committee, but won't be withdrawing the bill.
Labour's Gambling spokesman Trevor Mallard says National has effectively hi-jacked the bill to push through its own aims.