2022-12-17
Greens NSW MP for Newtown Jenny Leong responds to NSW Treasurer’s comments about gambling barons paying their fair share of tax
Responding to a statement from the NSW Treasurer Matt Kean this morning in which he stated “It’s important that casinos pay their fair share of tax,” Greens MP for Newtown Jenny Leong said:
“It’s absolutely high time to say that casinos should pay their fair share of tax but when it comes to clubs in NSW they only pay around 20% on their pokies revenue."
“Why are the pokie barons of NSW getting such a smooth run with the NSW Government?"
“Perhaps it’s the corrosive power they hold over the major parties in NSW."
“We saw that on display this week with the pokie barons gearing up to run a campaign that sought to destroy efforts for proper, reasonable and meaningful gambling reform,” she said.
“We launched our Pull The Pin On Pokies a fortnight ago and we saw exactly what happens when anyone comes between their snouts and the billions they rake in at the hands of problem gamblers in NSW."
“Clubs NSW and its cronies response was predictable and illuminating – it looks increasingly like this industry is facing some real changes to its business model when we have a new Parliament next year."
“Gambling is out of control in NSW - our state has nearly half of all of Australia’s poker machines and loses more per person to gambling than anywhere else in the world."
“It’s time to bring gambling under control in NSW."
“The gambling industry in NSW is in need of urgent and stringent reform,” Ms Leong said.
“The Greens will stand up to the powerful gambling industry with our plan to pull the pin on pokies in NSW,” Ms Leong said.
Media Contact: Andrew Bradley e: andrew.bradley@nsw.greens.org.au p: 0412 500 009