Mandatory pre-commitment for Poker Machines

Thursday, 29 July 2011

“Our clubs perform a vital role within the community. We are extremely fortunate that we have clubs such as the Castle Hill RSL Club that contribute so much to local charities and sporting and community groups,” Mr Hawke said.

“The Gillard Government should be taking note of the good work that clubs such as Castle Hill RSL Club do in our community, rather than undertaking an ineffective and flawed means to address problem gambling.

“There seems to be a rush to implement a mandatory pre-commitment regime for poker machines. Any new system needs to be based on what best addresses problem gambling, not any political timetable of the Gillard Government.

“The Gillard Government must show how mandatory pre-commitment will effectively reduce and prevent problem gambling. The Government must show how it intends to tackle the underlying problem of gambling addiction, not cause job losses, reduce investment nor hurt the many clubs that benefit our community.

“The Gillard Government must show how it will protect player privacy, and not unduly inconvenience the millions of Australians who engage in responsible, recreational gambling,” Mr Hawke said.

Mr Hawke said a full cost-benefit analysis of the final mandatory pre-commitment scheme should be conducted before any decision is made on its implementation. He said he was concerned this would not take place, as the Gillard Government’s seems to be imposing its policies on the public rather than listening to community concerns.

“We see it through the carbon tax, we see it through the mandatory pre-commitment of poker machines—this Government presumes it knows best,” Mr Hawke said.

“Unfortunately, the Gillard Government continues to rush in and introduce programs without fully realising the consequences for our community.”