1998

25th May 1998
Bishop Michael Malone Responds to Newspaper Reports: Shares in Casino
The Most Reverend Michael Malone, Bishop of Maitland-Newcastle has confirmed that his diocese made no conscious decision to gain a 0.5% share in the Cairns Reef Casino as reported in The Sun Herald (24.5.98) and The Newcastle Herald (25.5.98).

Bishop Michael Malone is not available for interview this week due to his participation in the annual conference of Australian Catholic Bishops currently taking place in Sydney, but states:

"The Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle made no conscious decision to take up a 0.5% share in the Cairns Reef Casino. As a resuIt of the Campbell's Hill motel sale in 1991, which was the former Monte Pio Orphanage, the diocese acquired shares in the Country Comfort Hotel group.

"Subsequent to these sale negotiations, the Country Comfort Hotel group bought shares in the Cairns Reef Casino over which the diocese had no control. The diocese has allowed subsequent share offers to lapse reducing its shares to 0.3%."

In response to Mr Paul Symond's statement (NSW Council on Problem Gambling President) in both newspaper reports, Bishop Michael indicated that an indirect investment in this business does not mean that the diocese condones problem gambling.

"Many of our churches and schools have been funded through mild forms of gambling such as raffles, fetes and housie. While a regrettable method of raising necessary funds, we have gained much as a result," said Bishop Michael.

Please note: Bishop Michael Malone is not available for interview due to his participation in the annual conference of Australian Catholic Bishops currently taking place in Sydney.

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