2017-05-11
Today Leader of the ACT Greens Shane Rattenbury moved a motion in the Legislative Assembly that looked to curb some of the damaging impacts of poker machine addiction by implementing a number of commonsense harm minimisation measures.
“That said, the first step is admitting that you have a problem,” Mr Rattenbury said. “Yet the Canberra Liberals today decided to act out of step with our Canberra community by choosing pokies over people.
“There’s no question that we want our clubs to survive and flourish, especially those committed to reducing their reliance on revenue from pokies and problem gambling. Clubs should be supported to diversify their business models so that we can have a venue culture that focuses on hospitality, creativity and bringing people together,” Mr Rattenbury said.
“Today’s motion is an opportunity to introduce a number of sensible and immediate measures that will make a significant difference to those people affected by problem gambling in our community. It includes restricting unlimited cash-over-the-counter EFTPOS withdrawals, and improving transparency around social impact assessments.
“We must listen and respond to the experiences of those in our community who know all too well the damage that gambling harm can cause. We know that members of our community who have experienced gambling harm say closing the EFTPOS loophole is an important first step. Rather than conspiracy, it’s simply commonsense that this restriction should apply to both ATM and EFTPOS facilities in gaming venues.
“The Greens have long been calling for a range of urgent measures to protect people in our community from the harm caused by addictive gambling and poker machines. Today’s motion is an important first step in a broader conversation that we need to have about how best to reduce harm from poker machine addiction in the ACT,” Mr Rattenbury added.
Statement ends
Visit peoplebeforepokies.org.au to find out more about the impacts of gambling harm in the ACT, and ways you can take action to support gambling reform.