The Government’s desire for power sacrifices local clubs and hotels
24-March-2011
Clubs from across Australia last night received a huge blow when the Assistant Treasurer, Bill Shorten gave a bizarre address to Australian Clubs representatives regarding the deal the Government made with Independent Member Andrew Wilkie on gambling reforms.
Federal Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton was present at the address along with representatives from Clubs from the Parkes Electorate, and was confused by the statements Mr Shorten made.
“The Assistant Treasurer is in two minds about this issue. Firstly he stated he supported the reforms, however then he went on to state they were only implementing them because of the current balance of power.”
Mr Coulton staunchly opposes this reform, stating it will adversely affect clubs, hotels and communities throughout the Parkes Electorate and does not address the issue of problem gambling. The reforms will see Clubs and Hotels pay for the pre-commitment poker technology which measures a persons gambling habits and imposes limits of their use.
“This is all just a feel-good measure by Mr Wilkie. This poker machine pre-commitment technology is extremely expensive to implement and does not address problem gambling. These people can very easily go to the TAB and place a bet or even worse go online and gamble their money. The saying goes ‘you can lose your house while you’re sitting in it’.”
Another element of the reform is that all ATMs in Clubs and Hotels will have a withdrawal limit placed on them of $250.
“Often in small villages and towns the only ATM is in the local pub or club and people coming into town often need to withdraw more than $250 to pay bills or for groceries and fuel.”
“The Member from Tasmania represents an electorate of 60 000 people in which he received just a handful of the primary vote. He can hardly justify his presence in the Parliament, let alone have control of such a huge, community changing reform.”
“Clubs across the Parkes Electorate provide so much for their local communities. They host school formals, providing sponsorship for local sporting clubs; these clubs have approached me concerned at the costs of applying this technology, fearing they may have to let employees go to do so or in some cases close their doors forever,” Mr Coulton stated.
“Clubs and Hotels have adopted measures to recognise and assist problem gamblers. Mr Wilkie is labelling the Clubs as being irresponsible, while not considering the important role they play in communities.”
“A problem gambler does not stop when you take away the pokies. These reforms are reckless and will negatively affect every community.”