NSW MP Proposes Ban on Pokie Machines for Anzac Day

Sydney MP Alex Greenwich has introduced an amendment to Premier Chris Minns' proposed retail ban on Anzac Day, aiming to include gaming rooms in casinos, pubs, and clubs. Greenwich expressed strong support for the government's initiative to close shops and businesses on this significant day, arguing that gaming rooms, which extract billions from NSW families annually, should also be closed out of respect for Anzac Day. However, Greenwich's proposal is likely to encounter significant hurdles, as both the government and the Coalition have not indicated any support. The opposition frontbench formally rejected the amendment during a shadow cabinet meeting, with some members labeling it an attempt to politicize the day. One unnamed member criticized the proposal, while another dismissed the idea of addressing poker machines as "laughable." Despite his proposal, Greenwich clarified that he would not extend the ban to the traditional game of two-up, which is legally played only on Anzac Day. He emphasized the social nature of two-up compared to the solitary experience of playing poker machines, suggesting that a pause on pokies would be appropriate on such an important day. Nonetheless, opposition members expressed skepticism, arguing that the amendment could hinder the bipartisan retail trade ban currently under consideration. Critics, including Shooters, Fishers and Farmers MP Robert Borsak, labeled the proposal as "unpatriotic," warning that it could lead to broader closures of pubs and clubs. The proposed retail ban aims to restrict trading until midnight on Anzac Day, with the bill now before parliament.