Perrottet vows to stop people’s life savings being ‘thrown down pokies’

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet says impending reform of the state’s lucrative gambling industry is non-negotiable regardless of the political ramifications.

The premier on Thursday vowed to address problem gambling and money laundering in the state’s pubs and clubs, so future generations did not see their life savings “thrown down pokies”.

Perrottet said he was working with the industry to develop a response to a NSW Crime Commission report that warned poker machines were being used to launder millions in illegal cash.

The government is expected to announce a trial of cashless gambling technology across NSW in coming months, although Perrottet would not reveal whether it would be a mandatory or opt-in program.

“We have an obligation to look after our most vulnerable. We are going to do it, it’s non-negotiable,” he said.

“It’s about doing what’s right, that’s what I’m focused on … there is a problem and that problem needs to be fixed.”

Labor leader Chris Minns on Wednesday said while he would be open to reforming the gambling industry, he wanted to know the full economic impact any major changes would have on the 170,000-strong workforce.

Perrottet accused Minns of playing politics with the issue, rather than accepting that change needed to occur.

“Whatever the Labor Party are saying is really a matter for them, but … it’s not about the next election. It’s about doing what’s right. That’s why you go into public life, that’s what I’m focused on doing,” he said.

“You take people with you on the journey, but I know, and I believe, many people know that there is a problem. We have to fix it, that’s what I’m going to do.”

While Minns has pointed to the potential job losses that could result from major reform, the United Workers Union – which represents gaming room employees – has said there is little evidence the introduction of cashless gaming would lead to job losses.

A special survey conducted by Resolve Strategic for The Sydney Morning Herald found 62 per cent of voters back a cashless card for poker machines, with just 16 per cent opposed to any changes.

High-profile anti-gambling crusader Tim Costello last month criticised Labor over its position on gambling reform, declaring the party “the party of social injustice”.

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