Independent Member for Murray Helen Dalton has labelled the NSW Government’s proposed ban on signage around poker machine venues as “a very, very small step forward”.
Mrs Dalton says a cashless gaming card must be introduced immediately so that NSW can begin to tackle the state’s shocking levels of poker machine addiction.
“Poker machines are designed to addict. We need to focus on the machines, not just the signs that tell you about the machines,” Mrs Dalton said.
“Obviously the use of terms like VIP lounge is just pokie advertising by stealth.”
“I will support the government’s ban on this kind of signage, but it is a very, very small step and can’t distract us from the real issue.”
Mrs Dalton has joined forces with other cross-bench MPs who have vowed to make the introduction of a cashless gaming card a priority in this government’s current term in office.
“While this ban on signage is a step in the right direction, it’s only a baby step and no-one wants to be governed by babies,” she said.
“I’m confident this government is better than that and we will see real reforms, very soon.”
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