Pokies safety signage rejected
Adam Holmes | Examiner | 24 November 2021
AN ATTEMPT to have poker machines feature signs warning users of potential addiction was rejected by the Liberals and Labor in the upper house as debate continued on Tuesday evening.
The major parties also blocked an attempt to review penalties for enforcement, and to have the minister be able to issue directions to the Gaming Commission which would be published.
Mersey independent MLC Mike Gaffney said he was concerned that failing to include these powers would weaken the legislation.
“If I was the minister is this position I would say, thank goodness, this is a good thing, it’s actually giving me a little bit of leeway because it’s gone through an extra process,” he said.
“The young members in this place at the moment, they might be dealing with this is 20 years time and they might think, I wish they’d put that in there because it would have made it a lot easier when we have to be back here debating this in 2043.”
Nelson independent MLC Meg Webb said it would have ensured “public confidence” in the independence of the Gaming Commission.
“The government view that this is not needed and is not necessary is unfortunate because I think… it would be incredibly positive for us to find ways to really sure up public confidence in this area,” she said.
The Liberal and Labor parties agreed to an amendment that would require a 12-month review after the introduction of simulated racing and automated table gaming.
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