In Victoria, politicians have recently imposed a number of restrictions on poker machines. The state government has worked hard to reduce the potential harm of gambling addiction, and clubs have gone along with the changes – until now. Local clubs are now fighting new changes, as the local government aims to impose a tax hike.
Pokie clubs across Victoria will campaign against the Napthine government’s 4% tax hike on gaming machines in the state. The hike will boost government coffers by providing millions of dollars that will be used to fund public programs. By the end of 2017, the new tax would bring total pokie revenue up to $287 million. While the tax aims to benefit the state as a whole, clubs are concerned that it will be detrimental to their own operations.
Club owners believe that the tax will cause them to cut back on their operating costs which would lead to job losses. Overall, this could hurt the local economy and do much more harm than good. The tax will also take money away from groups that receive direct funding from clubs. Facing the loss of an additional 4% on pokie revenue, club owners will have to reassess how much money they can afford to give to local organisations.
“Community clubs support hundreds of charities, sports team and community groups across the state, as well as mobilising an army of community volunteers,” says Leon Wiegard, Executive President of Community Clubs Victoria. “The contribution community clubs make to these vital community groups is now at risk thanks to Denis Napthine and his Government’s reckless tax grab”.
The “Our Pain, Napthine Gain” campaign aims to educate the local community about the drawbacks of the new pokie tax hike. This situation is likely to get heated, and we will keep you updated with further developments.
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