Slot machines could be shut down early on Anzac Day if an independent MP gets his way.
Alex Greenwich has drafted an amendment to add gaming halls to NSW Premier Chris Minns’ proposed retail ban for April 25.
The proposal would add slots rooms in casinos, pubs and clubs to the list of venues that would be closed on Anzac Day.
“I strongly support the government’s bill to extend the closure of shops and other businesses on Anzac Day,” the Sydney MP wrote..
‘Out of respect for this sacred day, the same should apply to gambling dens that steal billions of dollars from New South Wales families every year.’
But the proposal appears doomed to failure, as neither the government nor the coalition have committed to supporting it.
Leading opposition figures formally opposed the idea in a vote at a shadow cabinet meeting on Monday.
An anonymous member of the shadow cabinet dismissed the proposal as another form of “‘politicize’ the day, The Daily Telegraph reported
Slot machines could be closed on Anzac Day under a proposal by Alex Greenwich. Pictured: Veterans on Anzac Day
The proposal would add slot machine rooms in casinos, pubs and clubs to the list of venues that would be closed on that day. Pictured, Australians at this year’s Anzac Day march in Sydney
Mr Greenwich ruled out extending his proposed ban to two-person matches.
“Two-up is a social tradition that everyone loves, it’s very different from sitting alone at a machine designed to be addictive and take your money,” he continued.
“Surely on a day as important as Anzac Day, we can give some respite to the harm caused by slot machines.”
Despite this exemption, the shadow cabinet member still finds it “ridiculous” that Greenwich is addressing “the issue of poker machines”.
Another shadow cabinet source told the publication that the opposition supports take action against the gambling problem, but said Mr. Greenwich’s proposal only stall a bipartisan retail ban proposal until April 25.
Alex Greenwich wants the Minnesota premier’s proposed Anzac Day retail ban to be extended to gambling halls (pictured)
Robert Borsak, MP for the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers party, called the proposal “unpatriotic” and suggested it could snowball into the closure of pubs and clubs.
Mr Minns’ proposed retail ban would seek to ban retail trading until midnight on Anzac Day and a bill to introduce the new rules is currently before parliament.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Mr. Greenwich for your comments.
