[Greens-Media] Pokie surge in Newcastle * long term reduction targets needed

[Lee Rhiannon]

Media Release
18 August 2009

Pokie surge in Newcastle * long term reduction targets needed

Responding to today's report that the number of poker machines in
Newcastle has increased, Greens MP and gambling spokesperson Lee
Rhiannon said the NSW government is failing problem gamblers and has not
honoured its own commitment to reduce the number of machines in
low-socio economic areas. 

Commenting on a page 1 story in today's Newcastle Herald, Ms Rhiannon
said, "The record number of 3,640 poker machines in Newcastle is an
indictment of the NSW government and their failed approach to problem
gambling. 

"In 2007 the then Gaming and Racing Minister trumpeted the government's
plans to reduce pokie numbers in 'high-risk' areas. 

"That policy is in tatters. The outcome has been more revenue for the
hotel and club industry. 

"The profits are obscene. Figures from the Office of Liquor, Gaming and
Racing reveal that poker machines in Newcastle recorded a profit of more
than $31 million during the first quarter of 2009.

"The people of the Hunter will continue to be fleeced by excessive
numbers of gambling machines until the government radically reworks its
approach to gambling. 

"NSW needs long terms targets to significantly reduce the number of
poker machines. 

"We should follow Victoria's lead and give local government a more
significant role in determining the limit on poker machine numbers. 

"These figures about poker machines in Newcastle underline an unhealthy
relationship between political parties and the hotel and club industry.


"Over the past decade Clubs NSW have donated more than $820,000 to
Labor and the Coalition parties with the split about equal. 

"The hotel industry has given $3.5 million in donations with $2.2
million going to the ALP.

"Hotels and clubs are the industries with the most to gain from the
spread of poker machines,* Ms Rhiannon said.
 

Contact: Greens MP Lee Rhiannon 9230 3551, 0427 861 568 


--------------------------------------------------
Lee Rhiannon, MLC
The Greens
Parliament of New South Wales
Macquarie St, Sydney 2000
Tel: +61-2-9230 3551 
Fax: +61-2-9230 3550
lee.rhiannon at parliament.nsw.gov.au
http://www.lee.greens.org.au/
http://www.democracy4sale.org/ 
http://twitter.com/leerhiannon

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