Pokies rally to target MPs in first for state

By John Van Klaveren
VICTORIAN clubs and pubs will have their first rally against mandatory gaming machine pre-commitment in Geelong next week, according to a football leader.
Geelong and District Football League president Neville Whitley said Buckley’s Entertainment Centre would host the rally to drive home a message to federal Labor MPs Darren Cheeseman and Richard Marles.
“Darren Cheeseman only holds a small majority, so we want to let him know that if this goes ahead he might not be in parliament next year,” Mr Whitley said.
“The politicians have been invited but there has been resounding silence from them so far.”
Mr Whitley said the rally hoped to fill Buckley’s auditorium to “overflowing”, replicating rallies in New South Wales and Queensland.
The proposed gambling limit would hurt the community, he warned.
“Clubs and pubs put a lot back into the community. This idea will significantly limit support for football and netball clubs and for a lot of smaller sports clubs.”
The Independent reported in September that proposed spending limits on pokies players would cost the community hundreds of thousands of dollars in support.
Buckley’s chief Michael Tonks told the paper that the proposal would “crucify” the centre and its $300,000 return to sport leagues.
Mr Whitley said the rally would feature guest speakers including Australian Hotels Association president Peter Burnett, Football Geelong chief Lee Hartman and Clubs Victoria executive director Richard Evans.
“Mandatory pre-commitment is not the right way to go because it will only stop smaller punters who like to have a bit of a flutter,” Mr Whitley said.
“Problem gamblers could easily set an unrealistic limit and just keep playing.
“It will create a downturn in business and employment and have a flow on effect to suppliers and others who rely on pubs and clubs for business.”
Mr Cheeseman, Member for Corangamite, said he was considering holding his own forum on problem gambling.
“I’ve been doing lot of work to find out the extent of problem gambling in Corangamite,” he said.
“I’ve become really concerned at the extent of the problem after talking to a number of people affected.”
Mr Marles, Member for Corio, said a one-sided meeting at Buckley’s would lack legitimacy.
“If they’re serious about discussing all aspects of the very real issue of problem gambling then they will also talk about the cost of gambling addiction to the families and the community.”