Registered Clubs Association Enters Election Campaign

Local clubs have taken aim at an independent MP over her poker machine stance – and more MPs could end up in their sights before the election.

SYDNEY, NSW, Australia (December 12, 2022) — Clubs across the electorate of an independent MP will launch a political campaign to oust the MP over her support for gambling reforms, in what is the first shot signifying the heavyweight industry body’s entrance into the NSW election.

According to the ‘Daily Telegraph’ Posters with the statement “attack on local clubs is wrong” will be circulated to 49 clubs in the Murray electorate, where they will be placed in high-visibility areas on display to thousands of club-goers.

While it’s the first-time clubs have taken aim at an MP ahead of the March State Election, ClubsNSW CEO Josh Landis said it may not be the last, following the State Premier’s voicing support for a cashless gaming card.

“We are inviting clubs to tell us if their MP is unresponsive or outright in opposition to clubs – we expect MPs to listen and engage with their clubs,” Mr. Landis said.

“They don’t always have to agree (but) an MP who thinks clubs don’t have legitimate place has chosen a side and shouldn’t be surprised if clubs react to that.“

Multiple clubs in the Murray electorate have now registered as third-party campaigners, meaning they can spend more than $2000 advocating for or against an MP during the election campaign period.

The poster to be circulated to Murray clubs state the cashless gaming card would cost 503 local club jobs and “risk more than $3.6 million in community support”.

The Murray campaign will be part of a broader push against the cashless gaming card, which clubs fear will cost local jobs and revenue which helps fund local grants to community groups.

The industry body will also launch a state-wide campaign titled ‘Gaming Reform the Right Way‘.

The issue of cashless gaming cards has reached a fever pitch ahead of the election, with the Premier voicing his support for reform in the area following a recent NSW Crime Commission report which said poker machines were being used for money laundering.

SOURCE: The Daily Telegraph.