It's Never TOO Early to be ready for the Next Election
Some government moves to curb gambling - at last
14th March 2008
We congratulate Prime Minister Rudd for starting to put pressure on States to reduce their reliance on poker machine revenue.
It is also good to see Victoria’s Premier John Brumby doing an about turn and stating he will remove ATMs from in or near gambling venues. We hope this is just an initial step to protect Gambling addicts, because much more needs to be done.
The sad fact is, this is still too little, almost too late. It is also very disappointing that it will take up to 4 years to put their words into action. This is far too long, but is typical of the States intransigent attitude on this issue which is only surpassed by that of the owners of these vile machines who are now outraged that this move might affect their profits.
Too many people have already been snared in their trap and drastic action is needed – not wallpapering over the cracks.
This move also comes just weeks after the Brumby government announce expansion to gambling ‘opportunities’ in Victoria with plans for in-home TV betting and a new Intralot scratch lottery.
Unfortunately, despite many calls by Peter Costello in his role as treasurer for States to act on ATMs, they refused. Senator Steve Fielding has also been campaigning on this issue for some time, and “declared war” on poker machines in February with a radical plan to see the pokies phased out of pubs and clubs and restricted to racetracks and casinos. He has now persuaded the Senate to conduct an inquiry into a plan to impose punitive taxes on poker machines in clubs and pubs.
We have also been calling for action to curb the gambling menace for a long time.
We opposed Poker machines going into our local shopping centre 15 years ago – Then Premier Kennett would not listen.
I had a policy to remove ATMs from gambling venues when I stood as an independent for the state seat of Mitcham some 10 years ago.
It seems ironic that the current Victorian Minister for Gaming is the man who won that particular bi-election, Tony Robinson.
ACTION
If you have poker machines in your state, please write to your State MPs.
State that you agree with this move in Victoria and call for a nationwide ban on ATMs in or near gambling venues
Tell them you want them to act more quickly, and go much further, by completely removing poker machines from hotels & pubs.
Go to our web site and follow the links to your state MPs.
Media Link
Ban on pokie venues ATMs
Peter P Stokes Co Founder & Executive Officer
Salt Shakers Inc
Ph: 03 9800 2855
Mb: 0413 084 145 www.saltshakers.org.au Please do not reply to this email address - send all replies to peter@saltshakers.org.au
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