At the beginning 2015, Gaming Minister Joy Burch approved new regulations that would increase the amount of money that players could spend on poker machines. While Ms Burch did not consult with the community on the decision to increase the note limit from $20 to $50, a new report in the Canberra Times reveals that Ms Burch did confer with gaming organisations.
Of course, this revelation makes the entire deal look underhanded. While Ms Burch did not consult or inform the general public about the new $50 note limit, local gaming organisations were able to remain updated on the progress of the proposal. In an email to Ms Burch, Jeff House of ClubsACT called the interactions ‘a very welcome Xmas present’.
Another exchange occurred between Ms Burch and Anthony Hill, Chief Executive of the Vikings Club. Twelve days before she authorised the new regulations, he sent her an email asking if the note increase was experiencing a delay. This demonstrates that the gaming industry was kept in-the-know about the new regulations, while community members were left in the dark.
She defends her actions by stating that it is entirely normal from the ministers to maintain working relationships with industry leaders. She also argues that there was very little contact between Mr House and herself, denying that there was any collusion on the matter. "Nothing in these emails indicates anything other than a good professional working relationship,” she says.
Mr House seconds the claim, stating: "I've been working in and around politics in Canberra for 20 years. I know a lot of people on all sides of politics and it's a very normal, usual working relationship between a stakeholder and the relevant minister."
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