NSW Labor to toughen stance on poker machines, aiming for 50% reduction

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns is set to adopt a more stringent policy on poker machines ahead of the next state election, following pressure from the party's left wing. A motion expected to receive unanimous support at the NSW Labor conference proposes "decisive action" to address problem gambling and the escalating use of poker machines.

The motion includes a commitment to halt new licenses for poker machines, impose higher taxes on clubs earning over $20 million from machines, and significantly reduce the number of gaming machines in the state over the next decade. The goal is to remove 50% of the current machines from operation.

Labor sources indicate that the Minns government, while not directly involved in drafting the motion, has been cooperative and is aware of the growing public support for reform. The proposal was negotiated by key figures, including Unions NSW secretary Mark Morey. Darcy Byrne, the Labor left mayor of Sydney's inner west, stated that the "momentum for real reform of poker machine harm is becoming unstoppable."

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Momentum for real reform of poker machine harm is becoming unstoppable.

Byrne added, "The sentiment in the Labor party, like in our whole civil society, is that we must finally act on this scourge because too many people have been brought down by the pokies." Although Minns is not obligated to legislate the policy, this move signals Labor's effort to project unity before the state election in March.

In a separate but related event at the conference, the Labor left attempted to bring forward a debate on repealing protest laws. Despite strong support from numerous branches, the discussion was placed late on the agenda, leading to accusations of attempts to silence debate. Angus McFarland of the Australian Services Union argued for the importance of discussing social justice and legal affairs, citing recent events where peaceful demonstrations were met with police intervention.

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The sentiment in the Labor party, like in our whole civil society, is that we must finally act on this scourge because too many people have been brought down by the pokies.