Former Auzzie PM prevented 'mini Las Vegas' in Canberra
3rd January, 2008
Documents have emerged revealing that a former Australian prime minister spoke out against proposals for a casino to be built in the capital Canberra – more than 30 years ago.
Plans to create a mini-Las Vegas were opposed by Sir Robert Menzies in 1977 despite him being out of office for 11 years.
In a letter, he told a committee: "My feelings about the matter at issue are very strong.
"Nothing could be more inconsistent with the existence of a dignified national capital."
He added that he believed that building a casino would attract "gambling tourists" and turn the city into "a sort of Las Vegas".
The document was published today by the National Archives under the Australian rule of releasing Cabinet papers after 30 years.
In the end no casino was built in the Australian capital until 1994 when Casino Canberra opened its door for business.
