Earlier this year, ACT Gaming Minister Joy Burch enacted a new note limit for poker machines in the area. Due to public backlash and Burch’s failure to consult with other members of the community, it was withdrawn within days. Now, the limit increase is back on the table. Chief Minister Andrew Barr rebuked Burch for passing the new limit without consulting him and gaining any additional input from community members or the Cabinet.
He made a statement that called the new limit “an error” and it was withdrawn. Now, Mr Barr will be presenting the note limit change to a committee that will help to weigh the benefits and drawbacks. They will be asked to consider both a $20 note limit and a $50 note limit, as well as whether or not there should be any limit on pokies at all.
"I'm looking for a unanimous recommendation on that," he says. "If there isn't a unanimous recommendation then there will be no change to the law." When Burch originally introduced the law, she defended the move by stating that it would not cause an increase in problem gambling rates. She stated that the increase would not have a negative impact on the local community.
She also confirmed that she had consulted with local club and pub owners to ensure that they would be able to protect players who may be at risk of problem gambling. Despite these claims, local responsible gambling groups were not convinced.
We imagine that they will express similar discontent this time around, as responsible gambling advocates have been working hard to reduce the amount of money that players can spend on pokies – rather than finding new ways to spend more money. The debate over the issue will likely be a heated one. We will keep you posted with any further developments.
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