ANGLICAN MEDIA TASMANIA
Tuesday 17th of January 2012
MEDIA RELEASE:
The Anglican Bishop of Tasmania, John Harrower, is today making the following comment with regards to Poker Machine reform.
“I am very concerned that the health of Australian Society, and the safety and livelihood of many Australian families, is being overtaken by parliamentary opportunism.
“The cost of poker machines as they are currently operated far outweighs any perceived benefit. The government should not give in to pressure from vested interests who are concerned with protecting profits ahead of caring for people and building our nation.
“The Anglican Church in Tasmania has consistently called for increased regulation, including $1 bet limits, and we have encouraged Andrew Wilkie on this issue. The members of our churches and the workers in our agencies see every day the real effect on families and children of this exploitative industry.
“I call upon Prime Minister Gillard to maintain her commitment to the proposed reforms.
“I call upon the Opposition to shape Coalition policy around Australian values by giving clear support to poker machine reform.
“If the Coalition values individual responsibility they will support a system that ensures patrons can make an informed, free decision about how much they will lose. If the Coalition values rewarding hard work they will back reforms so that pay-packets are not at risk to the false promise of vain chance.
“This issue requires the good politics of action, not politicking and plays for power.”
Due to prior commitments Bishop Harrower is unavailable for interview but will consider specific questions sent to bishop@anglicantas.org.au
You may also read the media release on our website here.
The media release was reported on here.
Absolutely! When Andrew Wilkie holds the balance of power, this is a serious social issue of national concern. When Andrew Wilkie no longer holds the balance of power, there are all sorts of other matters we need to take into considerationbefore we take any steps towards gambling reform – which were still quite committed to!