1. Implement universal cashless gambling with harm reduction measures built-in
The campaign calls for NSW to follow and improve on the Tasmanian government’s introduction of universal cashless and harm reduction payment systems for gambling.
2. Power-down poker machines after midnight
The campaign calls for all poker machines in pubs and clubs to be turned off between midnight and 10 am.
3. Fund an independent State-wide Self Exclusion Register
The campaign calls for the establishment of a single, state-wide self-exclusion register funded by gambling taxation revenue, managed independently from the gambling industry, and overseen by an appropriate independent statutory body.
4. Let communities have a say
The campaign calls for Councils to have a statutory right to be able to make submissions on every poker machine application in their community, regardless of Local Impact Assessment (LIA) status, and appeal any decision made by the Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority.
5. Greater transparency in NSW – publish venue data The campaign calls for all NSW poker machine data to be transparently published by venue at least every six months.
Wesley Mission CEO and gambling reform advocate Rev Stu Cameron says every day, Wesley Mission sees the devastating and far-reaching harm of poker machines, as do many individuals, families and businesses.
“There is a real groundswell for real change and a broad and diverse coalition is forming and endorsing this election platform to put pokies in their place.
“NSW is home to just under half of Australia’s 200,000 poker machines. They are profitable, accessible and deeply harmful. Dotted in pubs and clubs across the state – they are dangerous and designed to addict. In no other place on earth is gambling so ubiquitous.
“We are coming together to protect our communities by keeping gambling harm and gambling reform on the political agenda. It is time for our leaders to take action.”
