Limited action on gambling reform and record levels of harm have prompted “an unholy alliance” between the Greens and the Australian Christian Lobby (ACL), which has pledged to rally support for the progressive party’s legislation.
The offer of support came shortly after NSW Greens MLC Cate Faehrmann announced a bill to force the closure of all poker machine venues from 2am to 10am and remove exemptions for more than 650 pubs and clubs that can operate within this period.
The exemptions – which have been provided to about 20% poker machine venues – were criticised by the government’s independent expert panel advising on policy reform. A subsequent audit report also called for them to be reviewed.
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The ACL wrote to Faehrmann’s office with congratulations last month and an offer to support the bill however it could. A spokesperson told the Greens they were horrified that some venues were able to operate when gambling harm was highest.
While initially being told to wait until November for more information, the ACL pressed for as much detail as possible so it could rally support behind the bill in a public campaign later this month. It also flagged the involvement of churches and prayer groups.
The ACL’s chief executive officer, Michelle Pearse, said the lobby group would not drop its criticism of the Greens on other policy differences, but would work constructively on gambling reform.
“We support good bills wherever they come from and we applaud the Greens for addressing this important social issue,” Pearse said.
“The fact that these exemptions have not been reviewed in 20 years is unacceptable when you think about the social cost. A number of reforms are needed. We also support a cashless gaming card and a complete ban on all gambling advertising.”
Pearse said the ACL was also willing to work with the Greens in Victoria, which has criticised the state Labor government’s reforms as “insufficient”. She agreed the ACL’s willingness to work with the Greens highlighted a change of strategy.
Faehrmann said the ACL’s approach reflected bipartisan concern about the state Labor government’s record on poker machines.
“The Greens and the Australian Christian Lobby don’t often see eye to eye on things,” Faehrmann said. “In fact, until now we’ve pretty much been polar opposites of any debate.
“We can’t afford to play politics on this issue. Poker machines are designed to addict and exploit people and the longer [premier] Chris Minns refuses to act, the more lives will be destroyed. If it takes a so-called unholy alliance to change that, then so be it.”
The Greens and the ACL have been bitter political rivals for two decades. Last year, the ACL referred to the Greens as a “hardcore Marxist party”. It has also accused the Greens of demonstrating a “hate for faith”, which it denies. Greens politicians have also accused the ACL of spreading homophobia and hate speech, a charge the group denies.
The state’s gaming minister, David Harris, has rejected claims the government has not acted on poker machines.
On multiple occasions in recent months, Harris has said the government “takes harm minimisation seriously and has implemented a number of initiatives”.
These initiatives include reducing the cash limit on new machines from $5,000 to $500, banning external signage at venues, putting more responsible gaming officers in venues, and investing $100m in a gambling harm minimisation fund.
But Wesley Mission, which also works with the ACL on calls for gambling reform, argued the government has introduced “limited reforms” that are “clearly not having an impact”.
The NSW government has not yet responded to the independent panel’s recommendations.
The Alliance for Gambling Reform’s chief advocate, Tim Costello, congratulated the Greens and the ACL for setting aside their disputes to campaign on poker machines.
“Who would have thought that in such a polarised society, the pain of pokies could have brought such inimical foes on to a unity ticket?” Costello said.
In Australia, Gambling Help Online is available on 1800 858 858 and the National Debt Helpline is at 1800 007 007. In the UK, support for problem gambling can be found via the NHS National Problem Gambling Clinic on 020 7381 7722, or GamCare on 0808 8020 133. In the US, call the National Council on Problem Gambling at 800-GAMBLER or text 800GAM.
