OPINION: It’s the conservative side of politics that is taking the lead on a pokie plague that has alarmed communities and voters.
But in Australia, vital reforms often come from the conservative side of politics.Think John Howard and gun control. Think Robert Menzies substantially widening the access to higher education via Commonwealth Scholarships.Jeremy Rockliff led all other states in committing to introduce a mandatory cashless gambling card for every club, pub and casino.Players throughout Tasmania will need to set a daily loss limit of up to $100, monthly limits of up to $500 and annual limits of up to $5000.
Although Tasmania only has 3399 poker machines in 95 venues, the move – which critically has bipartisan support – is a landmark in Australian gambling reform. Arguably, the gambling industry’s response is not primarily aimed at reducing human suffering, but at delaying any meaningful action – in the hope that they can kill off future reform with their deep pockets and aggressive political lobbying., including revelations about dressing as a Nazi for his 21st birthday and division within the parliamentary Liberal party, the NSW state election to be held in 10 weeks looks set to be a tight contest.
Although this is only a survey of two, it could be reflective of a major electoral worry for the ALP in NSW, who are far from being a shoo-in. Some independents in key seats, running on the issue of poker machine reform, could be a dagger to the heart of Labor’s chances of winning the March 25 state election.
“This mincing around the cashless gambling card is making it impossible for me to vote Labor as I would normally. There are plenty like me, and Chris Minns should be very careful to do the right thing.”
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