NSW 2021 Wollongong Council Elections

1. I don't generally support blanket bans on things. We should trust people to make properly informed and evidence based choices when supplied with the proper resources and support. The Science Party does have a policy of implementing interventions and research [1]. My current understanding is at least when at a venue people with addictions can seek advice from staff and freely access gambling minimisation resources. There are regulations in venue, such as clocks being visible and trained staff to identify issues. Some people may turn to online gamble which has far less regulation and potential to cause more harm [2]. Making sure the regulations are followed by poker machines venues is critical. As a former hospitality worker I can confirm the places I worked at encourage staff not to interfere if we identify an issue. Prize pools were even rigged to allow big spenders to have a win to encourage them to spend more. Gambling revenue should be made not for profit. The money generated should be put into harm minimisation programs and supporting the local community. ClubsNSW, Crown and Star casino have what appears to be a critical money laundering and crime problem which encourages them not to follow the regulations [3][4].

2. Sadly there has been a long standing culture of crime and corruption within the Wollongong council [5][6]. The weaknesses of giving local governments greater say on the granting or refusal of poker machine applications is exposed when an individual or a group decides that such a choice will serves their self interest, even though it hurts the public interest. For this reason I think applications should be set independently of government.

3. Similarly to point 1. do not agree with a blanket ban on sport advertising. I do not believe it is appropriate to look at one section of the industry, why only target sport gambling? I would prefer an industry wide review of gambling in general. Again I want to reiterate, I think there should be better regulation of the gambling industry.

1. https://www.scienceparty.org.au/tax_superannuation_and_welfare_policy#sin_taxes
2. https://responsiblegambling.vic.gov.au/about-us/news-and-media/knowing-risks-online-gambling-essential-during-pandemic-shutdown/
3. Public hearings to be held into Star Casino's ability to counter organised crime, money laundering, Sue Daniel Posted Tue 19 Oct 2021, ABC.
4. https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2021/jul/17/clubsnsw-seeks-court-order-to-stop-pokies-whistleblower-speaking-to-media
5. ICAC targets 11 over Wollongong scandal, Katelyn John, Nick Ralston and Andrew Drummond, 2008 SMH
6. Frank Arkell: How a vicious murder unmasked a city's darkest secrets, Nick McLaren 2018, ABC

All of them

Council should never own poker machines, and should not allow poker machines on Council land or in venues licensed by Council.

I support the council social policy measures, planning and enforcement measures, and the local government advocacy policy/advocacy asks.

As Poker Machine Regulation is a State Government function, I would advocate for improved and increased Regulations restricting Operators, in particular the For Profit businesses, to Hotels 30 units and Clubs 150 units.
And/Or increase Taxation to 49% for Hotels and 30% for Clubs.
And stop/stall the Casino increase until 2050.
Council should have the ability to continue their current status of submitting a report for acceptance or denial of poker machines for both LIA 1 and LIA 2 applications

I see problem gambling as a huge problem and I support all the policies and actions of the Alliance for Gambling Reform in reducing harm from gambling. If elected, I will endeavour to implement the changes to council's policies.

I support all of the Local Government Advocacy Asks.

I believe councils should not lease venues to sports clubs who run poker machines.