Ed,

I am no fan of poker machines, but I am in favour of good policy rather than knee-jerk reactions. That is why I am supporting NSW Labor and their approach to introducing gambling reforms that will actually work.

Gambling addiction is a complex issue especially when online gambling is so prevalent and difficult to regulate. I am sure that we need to tackle problem gambling and money laundering as well, but we need a well thought out approach that may benefit from some trial and error to understand what will work the best.

Chris Minns was the first NSW leader to bring his policy of a cashless card trial to the public, before Premier Perrottet tried to trump him with an announcement that he will simply introduce a cashless gambling card without trialing it first. While this sounds appealing at face value, no details have been given and now we hear that members of the premier’s own cabinet don’t agree with what he is saying. How can we be sure that anything will come of it, especially when there is such opposition to these reforms?
NSW Labor has a well-planned approach that involves trialing a cashless gaming card before a full roll-out is considered. This is a policy that is agreed by the party, and it will be implemented if a Labor government is elected in March. Although it sounds like the Liberals are tougher on gambling, in the end words are cheap. The truth is that Labor’s policy is not only more likely to be implemented, but also more likely to be successful. To address gambling reform, I will be voting for Labor at the March election.

Christine Robertson, Woombah