A (Portentous?) Statement From Andrew Wilkie

Apr 23, 2012

Andrew Wilkie, the independent member for Denison, has issued the following statement about his negotiations with the government over its National Gambling Reform Bill.

Wilkie’s reference to “the uncertainty and changing circumstances in the Parliament” is intriguing.

A Statement on Poker Machine Reform

Andrew WilkieI wish to correct a media report today that I’ve extended my deadline for the Federal Government to address my concerns with the National Gambling Reform Bill 2012.

I gave the Families Minister, Jenny Macklin, a deadline of Friday April 20 to respond to my concern the Bill did not deliver on the Prime Minister’s promise that ‘we are ready to flick the switch to a best-practice mandatory pre-commitment system’ on Australia’s poker machines. I received a letter from Minister Macklin late Friday April 20 so that deadline was met.

I am now considering Minister Macklin’s response and taking advice in light of the uncertainty and changing circumstances in the Parliament. In Canberra today I’ve met with representatives from both the Government and the Opposition.

Today’s statement should be read in conjunction with Wilkie’s earlier statement on March 22:

DISCUSSIONS CONTINUE ON GOVERNMENT POKIES REFORM

The Independent Member for Denison, Andrew Wilkie, continues to work with the Federal Government to try and ensure the National Gambling Reform Bill 2012 is a stepping-stone to meaningful poker machine reform.

Mr Wilkie has had numerous meetings this week with Minister Jenny Macklin in an attempt to resolve two key issues. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Gambling, Gillard, Independents, Legislation Tagged With: , ,

Howard Announces Federal Government Attack on Gambling

Dec 16, 1999

In a new foray into the social policy area, the Prime Minister, John Howard, has announced a federal government attack on problem gambling.

Following his opposition to safe heroin injecting rooms, particularly those announced by the new Victorian government, Howard has adopted a moral line on the spread of gambling, especially poker machines, and attacked State government reliance on gambling revenue.

His proposals have met with opposition from the States, with Tasmanian Premier, Jim Bacon, telling Howard not to meddle in areas of State responsibility.

Filed Under: Federalism, Howard Tagged With: , ,

Howard Announces National Approach To Problem Gambling

Dec 16, 1999

The Prime Minister, John Howard, has announced the formation of a Ministerial Council on Gambling.

The government is to adopt a recommendation of the Productivity Commission aimed at achieving a national approach to problem gambling.

Text of statement by Prime Minister John Howard on problem gambling.

Excessive gambling blights the lives of thousands of Australians and their families every year.

Problem gambling has become a major social concern.

The challenge for all governments in Australia is to find a response which balances the undoubted right of individual Australians to gamble if they wish with the ongoing responsibility of governments for overall community welfare.

The regulation of gambling has traditionally been a State responsibility. It is not our desire to change this. The Commonwealth, however, does have a leadership role in coordinating a national response to problem gambling.

Importantly also, the Commonwealth has a direct responsibility in relation to the use of the internet for gambling. I am particularly concerned about the effect of a rapid expansion of internet gambling and the Government will be investigating the feasibility and consequences of banning internet gambling. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Federalism, Gambling, Howard Tagged With: , , ,