“People before Pokies!” was formed today in Hobart, as a response to a public meeting held at Hobart Town Hall two weeks earlier. That meeting and workshops included speakers Andrew Wilkie, MP, reformed pokies addict Stephen Menadue, and Alderman Helen Burnet, and described the damage inflicted on Tasmanians and the destruction that poker machines do to our communities.
The group “People Before Pokies!”, seeks to support gambling reform, the introduction of a $1 bet limit and changes to the Local Government Act to enable councils to reduce the spread of pokies in local communities that cannot afford it.
Spokesperson Greg James, 25 year veteran of the hotel industry, announced the formation of the group. This group will draw from business, the community and involved organisations.
Mr James said “We intend to persuade the Tasmanian government that poker machines create damage, not jobs, bankruptcies not success, poverty not wealth.
Between 60% and 85% of Australians support gaming reform.
The group will call on the national anti-pokies reform groups, Stop the Loss, and GetUp!, to help demand changes to state legislation governing the $1 bet limits, and the distribution of poker machines throughout Tasmania.
“The response from the community is intense, and supportive. Communities and small business are ravaged by these destructive machines.
The cost of pokies to the Tasmanian government is a staggering $100m, and their revenue from pokies only $60m. What governments would allow this travesty to continue? “
