Australian Green Party propose poker machine ban

The Green Party would ban poker machines from all pubs across Australia’s New South Wales over the next five years and from the thriving clubs market within a decade.

The party has announced its ‘Pull the Pin on Pokies’ strategy that would seek other forms of revenue to support the locations. Meanwhile, the current revenue would be redirected into support services for problem gambling.

The Green Party is also supporting the move for cashless gaming that is in the frame at government level to help wipe out money-laundering.

Member of Parliament Cate Faehrmann is quoted in local newspapers as describing the poker machine business ‘out of control.’

“Our plan would repair the harm pokes have wrought on our communities and reduce the social costs of gambling by at least A$87bn over a decade,’ she added.

Meanwhile, pubs and clubs would pay a super tax of 60 per cent, increasing by five per cent each year, providing an extra A$3.4bn in revenue over five years that would be used for reducing gambling harm.

The response from ClubsNSW, the body representing the clubs industry, was to point out that NSW alone paid A$1.2bn in taxes each year. It said that while 92 per cent of people in the state visit a club at least once a year, only eight per cent actually support the Greens.

“It seems the public is happy with clubs the way that they are and understand a vote for the Greens is a vote for economic ruin,” ClubsNSW added.