People before pokies

Published on 21 March 2018

The NSW Government recently introduced new poker machine legislation, which places a cap on the number of machines in the Fairfield City area.

Venues in our City cannot apply to have more poker machines, however the new laws will introduce leasing arrangements whereby under-used machines could move from smaller to larger venues so they can have more use.

Fairfield City already has more poker machines than the whole of Tasmania. The almost 4,000 machines in our City turn over about $8 billion a year.

I'm concerned the legislation does nothing to reduce the number of poker machines in our City and does not protect the wellbeing of our community.

We already have a high rate of gambling in our City and the impact on families can be significant. While everyone is responsible for their own actions, it is important Council plays a role in advocating for the wellbeing of our community.

Council does not control poker machines in our City but we can push for better measures to protect our residents from gambling harm.

In 2016 the NSW Government received about $138 million in gaming machine taxes from local clubs and hotels. I would like to see this money invested back into our City through better community facilities and economic opportunities that provide residents with alternative recreational pursuits.

We also want money to be invested into minimising the impact of gambling harm.

Council and I will continue to advocate strongly to the NSW Government that it needs to step up to better support the most vulnerable in our community.