The New South Wales Labor Party has taken a firmer stance on poker machine reform, with delegates at the party’s state conference unanimously backing a new policy platform ahead of the upcoming state election. The newly adopted measures aim to tackle gambling-related harm by implementing a series of changes, including a moratorium on licenses for new poker machines and increased taxes for clubs earning over A$20 million from gaming machines. Additionally, the policy outlines a long-term strategy to substantially decrease the number of poker machines across the state within the next decade.
Under the proposed reforms, one of every two gaming machines transferred between venues would be permanently decommissioned. The new platform also advocates for the use of mandatory facial recognition technology in gaming venues to enforce a statewide self-exclusion register for individuals combating gambling addiction. These measures have drawn strong support from party members and senior officials, who argue that New South Wales must intensify efforts to address gambling addiction and mitigate the social harm caused by poker machines.
While the policy does not directly translate into law, it signifies a more stringent position by the state government as it approaches the election. The conference also included discussions on protest laws and various other policy matters, and was marked by demonstrations related to Palestine during speeches by senior Labor leaders. The party’s new platform calls for a federal ban on gambling inducements, aligning with broader initiatives to bolster gambling regulations throughout Australia.
The commitment to reforming poker machine policies is seen as a crucial step by the New South Wales Labor Party in addressing the growing concerns around gambling addiction. By putting forward these changes, the party hopes to initiate meaningful discussions and actions toward reducing the negative impact of gambling on communities. As the state prepares for the upcoming election, the Labor Party’s reinforced position on gambling reform is expected to be a significant talking point among voters and policymakers alike.