Wesley Mission welcomes Newcastle City Council’s decision to support practical gambling harm reduction measures adding regional weight to the growing call for evidence-based poker machine reform across New South Wales.
The successful motion, moved by Deputy Mayor Charlotte McCabe, sees one of New South Wales’ most influential regional councils join a growing number of local governments calling for practical reforms to reduce gambling harm.
Wesley Mission General Manager, Joel MacKay, says Newcastle’s decision sends a powerful message to the NSW Government.
“Communities have had a gutful of gambling harm. When a regional council like Newcastle backs reform it sends a powerful message that the appetite for change is growing across New South Wales.”
The decision comes as Newcastle residents are on track to lose around $250 million on poker machines this year.
Mr MacKay says councils see the impact of gambling harm in their communities every day.
“Councils see the financial hardship. They see the pressure on families and community services. They are asking a simple question. If practical reforms can reduce gambling harm why are we still waiting?”
The motion supports practical reforms including mandatory carded play with built-in harm minimisation measures, a statewide self-exclusion register, greater transparency around gambling losses and powering down poker machines between midnight and 10 am.
“This is not about being anti-pokies. It is about putting people first and reducing preventable gambling harm.”
More than 60 organisations have joined Wesley Mission’s Put Pokies in Their Place campaign advocating for practical evidence-based gambling reform across New South Wales.
Mr MacKay says,
“Every council that backs reform adds momentum for change. Communities have had a gutful of gambling harm. It is time to put people first and put pokies in their place”