Wyndham council staff members have been banned from hosting official events and social outings at poker machine venues following a fiery debate at last week’s council meeting.
The council last week endorsed its Wyndham Gambling Harm Minimisation Policy and Action Plan, which outlines ways the council will reduce the harm caused by electronic gaming machines (EGMs), online gambling and sports betting until 2022.
The new policy means council staff members will be prohibited from holding events, activities, programs and social outings in venues with poker machines.
Councillor Kim McAliney pushed unsuccessfully for an alternative motion without this provision, arguing that it could have unintended consequences for the community.
“In general, I support the principal of the Wyndham Gambling and Harm Minimisation Policy,” she said. “As the safer communities portfolio holder, I understand what the effects of gambling has on our community.
But she expressed concern about the impact the ban could have on senior citizens.
“Having worked and volunteered with the elderly over many years, I see for some their only enjoyment is to get on our local community bus and have Lunch with the Bunch once a week.
“Enjoy the social interactions with others and having a subsidised meal at a popular venue such as the Werribee RSL and the Italian Social Club.
“Who are we, as elected representatives, to say they can’t do it?
“I certainly, if this gets passed, will feel very uncomfortable walking into a [pokies] venue, or if I get invited to an event that’s in a [pokies] venue.”
Councillor Josh Gilligan, who chairs the council’s Gambling Reference Advocacy Group, said the alternative motion was full of hypocrises.
“I don’t know a single person in this state or in this country who would say that problem gambling and EGMs are a good thing for creating safer communities,” he said. “I am most certainly not a supporter of ratepayers’ funds being used to prop up gaming venues. This amendment, if endorsed, will send a terrible message.”
Fellow councillor Heather Marcus backed up Cr Gilligan, adding: “It would be hypocritical of us to say we don’t want poker machines here or there and then turn around and we hire the poker machine venues”.
The policy also bans any gambling activity, promotion or advertising at any council facilities, including websites and social media.
The council will also prohibit any funding, grants or sponsorship for any activities that promote gambling.
