Pokies reform is one of the most talked-about topics in Australia today. Sports clubs, casino operators and residents all have something to say about the controversial initiative. Since the reform was announced, very little has been done about implementing it and Andrew Wilkie – the brains behind the reform – thinks enough time has passed.
Wilkie has issued a statement requesting that Julie Gillard's government enforce pokie reform by legislating it by May of next year. He claims that if the government does not make it so, it will lose the support of Wilkie and his constituents. This is a loaded threat from Wilkie, as the government that is in power right now gained a great deal of help from Wilkie when campaigning.
In return for his help, Julie Gillard announced that she would make pokie reform into a law; however, she has yet to make good on this promise. Now seems to be an opportune time for Wilkie to call in this favour, as those opposed to pokie reform are becoming even more aggressive. First rugby and football clubs attempted to appeal to sports fans; now, they're lobbying for the support of Australian politicians.
As such, Wilkie believes that pokie reform must be implemented soon, or else it risks being overturned by sports clubs and its backers. Gillard has yet to comment on Wilkie's statement, but we will keep you posted with this story's developments.
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