POKIES… ENOUGH IS ENOUGH
Councillor Thang Ngo lead a charge to halt the rapid increase of poker machines
in Fairfield this week.
While Fairfield council area already has more pokies per head of population than most
in Australia, it is still being snowed under with applications for new venues or for
extension in operating hours of existing ones.
A recommendation by Council staff to support the application of the Sunnybrook
Hotel/Motel for a permanent 24 hours bar/gambling area was blocked by Cr Ngo.
"I argued, while Council can not stop clubs and pubs with pokies from setting up,
only the State Government can legislate that, however we can restrict their opening
hours" said Cr Ngo.
"So if we allow a gambling venue to operate 24 hours, instead of say, 12 hours a
day, we’re in effect doubling the pokies capacity".
Cr Ngo argued passionately and gained the support of all Councillors present to
restrict its operating hours, while still allowing it to operate 24 hours during the
Olympics period.
Cr Ngo warned all councillors against the negative social impact of gambling.
"We know operators want to take advantage of the Asian community’s gambling
dollar, but we must remember, residents of Fairfield have one of the lowest average income
in this state" he said.
Fairfield is already the home of very profitable "super clubs" and pubs such
as Marconi, Mounties, St Johns Park Bowling Club, Panthers/Mekong Club and El Cortez, just
to name a few.
"We need to say in relation to pokies and gambling – enough is enough!"
Cr Ngo concluded.
ENDS