The Australian Hotels Association (AHA) and Clubs Australia are set to launch a massive $20 million campaign opposing the federal government's proposed poker machine reforms.
The proposed national reforms, which seek to limit problem gambling, are being pushed by the Gillard government as it seeks to retain the support of Tasmanian independent and anti-gambling advocate Andrew Wilkie. The lobby groups have appointed Banjo Advertising to launch a campaign in April, which will run across print, television, radio, outdoor and online.
The AHA and Clubs Australia are against a scheme which might see poker machine players using smartcards that impose gambling limits set by the player before they begin gambling.
An industry insider told AdNews: “This is a grassroots campaign – 60% of hotels impacted by Wilkie’s proposal for 'mandatory pre-commitment' are located in country and regional Australia. This campaign is being driven by the country pub left with no choice but to stand up and fight for its survival – Wilkie’s proposals will cost billions to implement all for no obvious benefit to problem gamblers.”
The campaign will aim to stress the financial burdens of the proposed reforms, which are linked to the fact that over half the poker machines in Australia are not compatible with the suggested technology, and will have to be replaced.
The proposed changes have been the topic of serious debate since September last year, when Wilkie demanded a written commitment from the federal government that it would force the state governments to take action, either through consensus or federal legislation. In return, Wilkie pledged his support for the Labor Government, which needed extra seats to form minority government.
Wilkie has demanded that the reforms be brought in by 2014, and has said he will withdraw support from Gillard and her minority government if the reforms fall to the wayside.
Advertising legend John Singleton, who is an investor in Banjo Advertising, is also a part owner in several Sydney pubs including the Steyne Hotel, Peakhurst Inn, Bellevue Hotel and Kinselas.
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