Dalton Stands Firm On Need For Gambling Reform

ClubsNSW has Independent member for Murray, Helen Dalton, in its crosshairs, but the tireless MP has refused to be cowed.

“As a female, independent NSW MP I won’t be bullied into submission by ClubsNSW and I will continue to represent constituents in the electorate of Murray,” Ms Dalton said.

“My office is regularly contacted by constituents concerned about the impacts of gambling on individuals and families.

“Gambling affects the functioning of family and intimate relationships and causes emotional problems and financial difficulties.

“Evidence shows there is a direct correlation between gambling and family violence.

“We also know children of gamblers are at a greater risk of developing problem gambling, than those of non-gambling parents.”

Ms Dalton said she acknowledged the fact that clubs contributed financially to groups and projects within their local community.

“In the Murray, only about two per cent of this generated revenue ($3.6 million out of $185 million) is returned directly to the community,” Ms Dalton said.

“Australia is normalising gambling which is why all options for reform must be put on the table for discussion including a cashless card, reducing operating hours, poker machine numbers and independent compliance.

“A conversation around gambling reform must include those people who clean up the collateral damage - those on the frontline dealing with the gamblers themselves and those impacted.

“I have spoken to community groups and the impacts are devastating. “When the Premier and the Coalition government called for gambling reform, I agreed.”

Ms Dalton said she wasn’t asking for a complete shut down of the poker machine industry, or to see any business close its doors.

“The reality remains, ClubsNSW has too many poker machines in operation,” she said.

“Premier Perrottet recently declared he won’t be threatened by ClubsNSW into backing down on gambling reform and neither will I.

“But that doesn’t mean I am not willing to meet with clubs in my electorate to discuss this issue.

“For the last two months, Murray has been decimated by unprecedented flooding and I make no apology for putting the needs of my electorate before ClubsNSW.”

Ms Dalton said that a Crime Commission report found up to $95 billion was put through poker machines in NSW clubs and pubs every year.

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