Council fights Pokies Growth

Daily Telegraph, 18/1/01

Fairfield City Council has voted to take legal action against a poker machine licence being granted to a gaming venue at Canley Heights.

The council has also voted to write a letter to Gaming and Racing Minister Richard Face to express its concern that the State Government's Pokies policy was not working, councillor Thang Ngo said.

"How can there be a freeze on pokies if new gaming venues are allowed to open up before our very eyes," anti-pokies campaigner Mr Ngo said.

"These pokies are an addiction.  It's becoming a drug for residents in the west, especially those on low income."

Mr Ngo said the decision to challenge the licence was expected to set a precedent for other councils to follow.