The Victorian Greens have renewed their call on the Victorian Labor Government to ban political donations from the gambling industry, following the release of a damning report.
The Public Accounts and Estimates Committee (PAEC) report on gambling regulation was tabled earlier today, and highlighted the significant harm being done to Victorians as a result of gambling and the insufficient regulation of the industry over many years under Labor and Liberal governments.
One of the report's key recommendations was for the current Victorian Labor Government to look into reforming donations from the gambling industry, as well as stronger measures to reduce the harm caused by pokies.
Victorian Greens gambling harm reduction spokesperson, Katherine Copsey, said for decades the major parties had enjoyed cosy relationships with the gambling industry while communities continued to suffer the brunt of gambling harm.
She said this report should be the kick Labor needed to ban gambling donations, and introduce stronger poker machine reform.
The Greens have previously pushed for measures like $1 dollar bet limits, reduced load limits for carded play (such as $20 dollars per load), jackpot limits, and longer mandatory closing periods for pokies venues.
As stated by Victorian Greens gambling harm reduction spokesperson, Katherine Copsey MLC:
"For decades the major parties have enjoyed cosy relationships with the gambling industry while our communities have continued to suffer the brunt of gambling harm.
"Enough is enough. Today's report needs to provide the kick Labor needs to ban political donations from the gambling industry and get poker machines out of our communities."
