In a rare show of unity, the Greens and the Australian Christian Lobby (ACL) have joined forces to push for gambling reform in New South Wales, backing a bill to curb poker machine operations during peak harm hours.
The alliance emerged after NSW Greens MLC Cate Faehrmann introduced legislation to close all poker machine venues from 2am to 10am, ending exemptions for more than 650 pubs and clubs currently permitted to operate during those hours. The government’s own expert panel and a recent audit report had both urged a review of those exemptions, which apply to about 20% of venues.
The ACL, long a conservative opponent of the Greens on social and moral issues, contacted Faehrmann last month to offer its full support for the proposal. Chief executive Michelle Pearse said her organisation was “horrified” by the lack of restrictions and vowed to mobilise churches and prayer groups to support the reforms.
“We support good bills wherever they come from,” Pearse said.
“These exemptions haven’t been reviewed in 20 years — that’s unacceptable when you consider the social cost.”
Faehrmann welcomed the backing, saying gambling harm “transcends politics” and it was their responsibility to protect Australians from predatory practices.
Gaming Minister David Harris rejected claims that the Minns government had failed to act on poker machine reform.
NSW poker machine laws are in-line with other states in Australia, with Western Australia, where pokies are only allowed in Crown Perth, boasting the most restrictive gambling laws.
Our take on late night pokies venues
Late night pokies venues are available right across Australia, and have decreased in popularity despite an increase in attempts to further curb their use.
While various government bodies will tell you otherwise, one of the biggest factors in decreased pokies play has been the emergence of the online slots scene.
While Australia has not regulated online pokies, there is a thriving offshore gambling scene, which accepts our currency and allows you to play upwards of 2000 different games – far more than a pub, club or land-based casino.
While the likes of anti-gambling campaigner Tim Costello and Faehrmann have undoubtedly got good intentions in clamping down on late-night venues, they could do much greater good by championing regulation for online casinos in Australia.
At least this way, they will know how much money Australians are pumping into online gambling, and can then take a measured and realistic approach to legislating protective measures.