The New South Wales Labor Party has taken a decisive step towards poker machine reform with the unanimous approval of a new policy platform at its state conference, setting the stage for the upcoming state election. The newly adopted policy commits Labor to a more aggressive approach in curbing gambling-related harm, including a halt on licences for new poker machines and the imposition of higher taxes on clubs that generate over A$20 million from gaming machines annually. Furthermore, the party aims for a substantial reduction in the number of poker machines statewide over the next ten years.
As part of the reform, the proposal includes a mandate to permanently remove half of all gaming machines transferred between venues. Additionally, the policy advocates for the implementation of mandatory facial recognition technology in gaming rooms to bolster the enforcement of a statewide self-exclusion register for individuals struggling with problem gambling. This comprehensive reform package has found strong support among party members and senior officials, who emphasize the need for New South Wales to address gambling addiction more effectively and mitigate the social issues stemming from poker machine usage.
Although the policy platform does not immediately translate into law, it marks a significant shift towards a tougher stance by the state government in the lead-up to the election. The conference was not solely focused on gambling reforms; it also hosted debates on various issues such as protest laws. Moreover, the event was marked by demonstrations concerning Palestine during addresses by top Labor leaders, highlighting the diverse range of topics tackled during the conference.
In addition to state-level reforms, the platform urges the federal government to prohibit gambling inducements, aligning with broader efforts to tighten gambling regulations across Australia. This initiative reflects a comprehensive strategy by the New South Wales Labor Party to not only address local concerns but also contribute to national discussions on gambling legislation.