The Victorian political landscape is heating up as Premier Jacinta Allan encounters significant backlash from her own Labor Party . The discontent stems from her government’s delays in crucial reforms aimed at mitigating gambling harm associated with poker machines, commonly known as pokies.
During a recent caucus meeting, one MP directly confronted Allan over the stalled reforms, signalling widespread frustration among party .
The Case for Cashless Gaming Trials
In 2022, the Victorian government introduced a bill to establish cashless gaming, with plans to initiate a trial at 40 venues by mid-2025. However, this transition has faced considerable setbacks, delaying the long-awaited reforms. The current delay is particularly concerning, as Victorians lose over $3 billion annually to poker machines. Critics argue these delays focus on financial gain over public welfare.
Rising Concerns Over Gambling Revenue Reliance
At the caucus meeting, several Labor MPs emphasised that the proposed reforms are not merely a political issue, but a moral one. “This is a good policy that would improve the lives of Victorians,” stated one MP. from all factions expressed their disappointment and concern that the state budget becomes increasingly dependent on gambling revenue.
With the anticipated increase in gaming taxation revenue—expected to reach $5.9 billion over the next four years—there is urgency for reforms to address gambling harm.
The Ethical Implications of Delay
The situation raises profound ethical questions. Labor MPs openly voiced their discomfort with the idea that a financial boost from gambling could overshadow the urgent need for responsible action against gambling harm. As one member poignantly remarked, “We have a responsibility to minimize harm for those most vulnerable in our community.”
An Increased Call for Action
The recent state budget confirmed a forecast increase in gaming taxation revenue. With measures meant to minimize gambling harm yet to be implemented, the party is pushing for Allan to expedite these reforms.
The former chair of Victoria’s gambling regulator, Fran Thorn, expressed her disappointment regarding the delay, questioning the rationale behind it. The trial, introduced to parliament in late 2023, has now stalled again due to technology issues related to the government’s voluntary pre-commitment system, YourPlay.
The Need for Updated Technology Solutions
During the caucus meeting, Enver Erdogan, the state’s gaming minister, explained that the trials are delayed due to outdated technology, advising that a more efficient system must be established to roll out cashless gaming effectively. A Victorian government spokesperson reiterated their commitment to reform, emphasizing the need for updated technology that tackles gambling harm head-on.
Voices from the Community
Labor MPs representing outer suburban and lower socioeconomic areas have raised alarms about the rising gambling losses among their constituents, which reportedly doubled after COVID. These data points underscore the moral imperative for the government to act swiftly and decisively.
Calls from Advocates and Former Politicians
Former state and federal Labor MP Kelvin Thomson criticised the delay, lamenting the ongoing issue of gambling harm. “It’s very disappointing that these reforms have not proceeded,” he said, underlining the need for immediate governmental action.
Tim Costello, a leading advocate for the Alliance for Gambling Reform, vocalised frustration over the government’s willingness to fast-track bans on items like machetes, while letting crucial gambling harm measures lag behind.
Conclusion
As internal dissent grows, the pressure mounts on Jacinta Allan to prioritize the welfare of the community over financial incentives. The Premier’s next moves will be closely watched, as Labor MPs call for a decisive shift toward cashless gaming reforms.
In this critical moment for Victorian politics, the government stands at a crossroads: will it offer meaningful to those grappling with gambling addiction, or will it prioritize revenue generation? The choice could define Allan’s leadership and impact innumerable Victorians for years to come.
