The Coalition will side with NSW Labor to oppose a push to switch off pokies on Anzac Day, a week after former premier Dominic Perrottet used his valedictory speech to plead for the “machines of misery” to stop feeding off the state’s most vulnerable.
Crossbench MPs in NSW want pokies to be turned off in clubs, pubs and the Star casino on Anzac Day after the Minns government last week introduced legislation to ban all retail on April 25.
Labor and the Opposition are on a unity ticket to ensure veterans can play two-up and pokies on Anzac Day.Credit: Janie Barett
Independent MP for Sydney Alex Greenwich will move an amendment to Labor’s laws, which will see the traditional game of two-up spared, but poker machines switched off on Anzac Day.
The government will not support Greenwich’s motion and the opposition said it was a “tokenistic approach” with no evidence suggesting it would work.
“We remain committed to bold action, like transitioning to a cashless gaming system as soon as possible, to effectively tackle this issue,” an opposition spokesman said.
“Before the election Mr Greenwich promised a private member’s bill if Labor didn’t act, yet we’re still waiting.”
Former NSW premier Dominic Perrottet after his valedictory speech to parliament.Credit: Pool
Perrottet, who left parliament last week, drove a push for cashless gaming for poker machines after a scathing NSW Crime Commission report found pokies were used by criminals to wash dirty money.
In his valedictory speech, Perrottet said he knew it was only a matter of time before “machines of misery in their factories of despair are no longer feeding off some of the most vulnerable people in our state”.
“When it comes to new ideas, I’ve learnt that sometimes it’s not your place to finish big reforms, only to start the journey,” Perrottet said.
“John Hewson started the GST, John Howard finished it. That’s why I know the days of problem gambling in this state are numbered.”
Greenwich’s amendment has the backing of crossbenchers, including Wakehurst MP Michael Regan and Murray MP Helen Dalton, as well as The Greens and The Animal Justice Party.
The Sydney MP said the opposition became the “Coalition of cowards when it comes to taking on poker machines” as soon as Perrottet had left parliament.
“I have not been given a clear reason by either the government or the opposition as to why they are opposing this amendment [but] we know history tells us that Labor loves gambling,” Greenwich said.
“It’s also extremely concerning that we saw such bold leadership from the Coalition in the lead-up to the last election on problem gambling but now, for no apparent reason, they are going to now lose their courage on problem gambling.”
‘I’ve seen too many veterans turn up on the RSL’s doorstep needing help after gambling addictions have ruined their lives.’
Former RSL NSW boss James Brown
Chair of Invictus Australia and former president of RSL NSW James Brown backed Greenwich’s amendment, warning that veterans were too often battling gambling addictions.
“I agree that if we are shutting down shops on Anzac Day, we can shut down poker machines as well,” Brown, a Liberal Party member, said.
“I’ve seen too many veterans turn up on the RSL’s doorstep needing help after gambling addictions have ruined their lives.”
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