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Pokie Changes Threaten Community ClubsThe Nationals are demanding a 12 month moratorium on controversial changes to poker machine operations, to allow for proper consultation with local community clubs. By Peter Hall - 25th June 2007 - Back to News Eastern Region MP Peter Hall said the State Government was changing the rules governing the operation of community clubs with pokie machines from 1 July.
"Many of those clubs are fearful the changes could threaten their financial viability, particularly as the rules have changed with very little consultation," Mr Hall said.
"My office has had letters of complaint about the changes from many clubs right across the region, including from Orbost, Sale, Latrobe Valley, South Gippsland, Warragul and Pakenham, who want more consultation. The Nationals believe that is fair enough, even if the only result is that it gives clubs a chance to prepare themselves."
Mr Hall raised the matter in Parliament yesterday (19 June), stating: "One month is not an appropriate period of time in which to discuss something that potentially undermines the financial viability of many of our community clubs, particularly those in country Victoria, which contribute greatly to their communities and do a wonderful job in terms of the services they provide."
He added that the legislation to support such changes had not even been debated in Parliament, and said ministerial order was a "very underhanded way" of making changes.
The Bracks Government has introduced a new ministerial order that will alter the way in which hundreds of community clubs can claim some expenses. The changes take effect from July 1 and may force some club operators to retrench staff and possibly close their doors.
"The problem is the lack of consultation and rapid implementation of the orders," Mr Hall said. "We must also remember these changes will have the biggest impact on community clubs, not commercial outlets. A recent NSW survey found that community clubs make a broader contribution to their community than was necessarily disclosed by purely commercial considerations. The community focus is something that needs to be taken into account."
The Nationals believe the Bracks Government must delay the changes until clubs have had an opportunity to sit down with the government and put their case.
"These changes could have real employment implications for smaller towns and for places such as Orbost, which is reeling from cutbacks to the timber industry, every job counts," Mr Hall said.
He urged the government to delay the implementation of the controversial changes until fair and proper consultation had taken place.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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