An attempt to ban poker machines from operating on Anzac Day in New South Wales has failed, after both the government and the opposition turned down the proposed amendment.
Independent member for Sydney Alex Greenwich led the initiative. The proposed ban followed the NSW government introducing a full-day retail trading ban for Anzac Day, which be effective from next year.
“Poker machines take billions from NSW families each year, surely on Anzac Day we can give it a rest,” Greenwich wrote on his social media platforms.
“In NSW we are extending the closure of businesses on Anzac Day till midnight. Along with a number of cross-bench colleagues, and out of respect to the day, we should extend that to the gaming rooms that would otherwise remain open in clubs, pubs, and casinos.”
During parliament, Greenwich noted the ban, however, would not apply to playing two-up in a club or hotel at any time on Anzac Day.
But in the end, the amendment was rejected by both the Labor government and the Coalition.
NSW Liberal MP Robyn Preston, who led the debate on the full-day retail trading amendments made to the Anzac Day Trading Bill, said that “whilst the member may good intentions, there is no evidence that closing gaming houses and shutting down poker machines from operating for one day of the year will be the panacea to deter gamblers”.
She continued saying: “It is tokenistic and does not serve to deliver the change sought through the amendment of Anzac Day trading hours. The Opposition has a clear policy to introduce cashless gaming as soon as possible and objects to the inordinate delay in moving towards that clear goal by the Labor Government, which has kicked the cashless gambling can down the road.”