2024-06-20
The Victorian Greens have secured commitments from the Victorian Labor Government to establish default limits on poker machines and an overhaul of the broken Community Benefits scheme that enables tax breaks for poker machine clubs.
This follows constructive negotiations in which the Greens demanded stronger reforms to protect Victorians from the predatory gambling industry in order to secure support for the Government’s Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation Repeal and Advisory Councils Bill 2024 which will be considered by the Legislative Council today.
The Greens have been deeply concerned about the insufficient harm reduction measures on poker machines and the maligned and frequently rorted Community Benefit scheme which provides a lucrative tax break to poker machine clubs.
As an outcome of negotiations, the Greens have secured a $50 default limit on how much a person can lose in a 24-hour period on an electronic gaming machine, which will come into effect when Victoria moves to mandatory carded play.
The Minister has written to the Greens also agreeing to an overhaul of the Community Benefits Scheme, which the Greens will have an active role in.
Quotes attributable to Greens Spokesperson for Gambling Harm Reduction, Katherine Copsey:
“The Government needs to implement meaningful gambling harm reforms without delay and the Greens are pleased to have secured a commitment to a $50 daily default loss limit. This practical reform will have a real impact in curbing the horrible impacts predatory poker machines have on Victorians.”
“The Community Benefits scheme isn’t delivering for communities, instead it's offering a lucrative tax break for poker machine clubs. We look forward to working closely on overhauling this broken scheme.”
“The Greens are committed to continuing our work to reform this dangerous industry that profits off misery and harm.”