Darcy Byrne, the Labor mayor of Sydney’s Inner West council, is at the forefront of a grassroots movement to reduce gambling harm in New South Wales, including pushing for a reduction in the number of poker machines in licensed clubs. This comes as the federal Labor party faces ongoing criticism over its commitment to online gambling reform.
Comparing Pokies Lobby to the NRA
In an interview with Guardian Australia political editor Tom McIlroy, Byrne compared the poker machine lobby to the US National Rifle Association (NRA), citing its powerful influence over policy. He highlighted the need for stronger action, stating, "We’ve had a gutful of politicians failing to act on harm from the pokies."
Momentum for Reform
Byrne successfully moved a motion at this month’s NSW Labor conference on gambling policy, which will shape the party's stance at the next state election. He described the momentum for reform as "unstoppable," pointing to growing community anger over gambling harm. According to recent data, pokies revenue in NSW continues to surge, leading advocates to argue that Labor has failed to reduce gambling harm as promised.
Grassroots Action
The Inner West council, under Byrne's leadership, has been a key player in advocating for stricter regulations. Byrne emphasized that local councils have a crucial role in addressing gambling harm, as they are closest to the communities affected. He noted that the movement is gaining traction across the state, with other councils considering similar measures.
Federal Criticism
While Byrne's efforts are gaining momentum, the federal Labor party has faced criticism for not going far enough on online gambling reform. Critics argue that the party's commitment remains insufficient to tackle the widespread harm caused by gambling. Byrne's stance highlights a growing divide between local and federal approaches to the issue.
Looking Ahead
With the next state election approaching, Byrne's motion at the NSW Labor conference signals a potential shift in policy. He remains optimistic that the push for reform will continue to build, driven by community demand and a collective desire to reduce gambling-related harm. The outcome could have significant implications for the future of poker machines in NSW clubs.
