The new poker machine trading scheme for the ACT was supposed to be set in motion already; however, the Tradies are eager to delay the implementation of the scheme until May. The group has stated that the new pokie trading system will only be effective with fewer pokies in the city, and has encouraged local lawmakers to wait.
The poker machine trading scheme in Canberra would add another 51 up-to-date pokies into clubs across the city, as these venues purchase older games from hotels and pubs. This will allow them to buy and sell games between venues without requiring any clubs to lose their pokies. Rob Docker, Chief Executive of the Tradies, believes that there are too many pokies in Canberra for the law to be effective.
He states that, with fewer pokies, clubs would be forced to use their pokies more productively, in turn making them more valuable. For example, NSW has fewer pokies, and each one makes about $200 per day while ACT pokies make $95 on a daily basis. "You've got to start a trading machine scheme with the right number of machines," Mr Docker says. "We don't need as many machines as we have."
The new pokie trading scheme would also introduce a tax cut for smaller clubs, which would be funding by the ACT’s five largest venues. The Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union will see a 4.4% tax hike ($140 000) while the Labor club group will pay an extra 2.8% ($100 000).
The Raiders group will pay an additional 2.8% in taxs ($140 000) while the Southern Cross Club group and Hellenic club group will pay $80 000 and $38 000 more, respectively. In return, about thirty other clubs across the ACT will receive a tax cut worth an average of $18 000. The club that will see the biggest tax cut is the Tuggeranong Rugby Union Club, which will see its taxes reduced by $61,000.
About the Author
