Independent MP Andrew Wilkie insists his poker machine reforms remain on track after a meeting with Prime Minister Julia Gillard on Sunday.

Mr Wilkie is fighting off speculation from his anti-pokies ally Senator Nick Xenophon that his plan will fail because key independents will not support it.

He issued a brief written statement on Sunday night saying his two-hour meeting with Ms Gillard in Hobart was productive, but did not reveal the details of their talks.

Mr Wilkie, whose support of the Labor minority government hinges on the gambling reforms, says he expects to be able to give a detailed update later in the week.

Senator Xenophon cast doubt over the Government's commitment to the reforms, saying the change in speaker had given it more members on the floor of parliament, decreasing Labor's reliance on Mr Wilkie's support.

"The deal was all about marginalising Andrew Wilkie," he said.

He said Mr Wilkie needed to press Ms Gillard on whether the Government is serious on the issue.

"Andrew Wilkie has behaved honourably and in good faith on poker machine reform from day one. The problem is the Government hasn't. It's playing a double game," he said.

Earlier on Sunday Mr Wilkie played down Senator Xenophon's comments, saying he had enough support to put in place mandatory pre-commitment technology for poker machines.

"I am confident the numbers are there. It got a whole lot easier for the Government when Peter Slipper moved into the speaker's position," he said.

"The numbers are there so I'm confident that these reforms will be realised."

A spokesman for Ms Gillard says the Government is committed to gambling reform.

Topics: federal-government, government-and-politics

A spokesman for Ms Gillard says the Government is committed to gambling reform.




funny how Wilkie is expected to BELIEVE that isnt it?????.. shes not well known for telling the truth is she?

cods wrote on Jan 16^th, 2012 at 8:51am:

A spokesman for Ms Gillard says the Government is committed to gambling reform. funny how Wilkie is expected to BELIEVE that isnt it?????.. shes not well known for telling the truth is she?

;D ;D ;D ;D AINT THAT THE TRUTH    ;D ;D

I cant belive Wilkie still thinks his pokie reforms will go through!!! How deluded is this knucklehead??? Labor HATES the legislation and some MPs have even considered crossing the floor to kill it. now they dont need his vote, the legislation will never pass the lower house at all.

Honestly, why would ANYONE trust Gillard's word?? If there is one undeniable fact that even her collegaues agree with it is that her 'word' is worthless if there is any advantage to her in breaking it.

Quote:

Senator Xenophon cast doubt over the Government's commitment to the reforms, saying the change in speaker had given it more members on the floor of parliament, decreasing Labor's reliance on Mr Wilkie's support.

It also would allow them to support Wilkie and to go around one of the other independants not supporting the legislation?

longweekend58 wrote on Jan 16^th, 2012 at 9:23am:

Honestly, why would ANYONE trust Gillard's word?? If there is one undeniable fact that even her collegaues agree with it is that her 'word' is worthless if there is any advantage to her in breaking it.

She's a lawyer and a former ambulance chaser at that.

I remember the marketing fella at work once asking me if I wondered why every organization always stuck Legal and Accounting together in buildings.

"Its because if there was a nuclear meltdown mate, the only survivors would be cockroaches, lawyers and accountants"

She's a lawyer, they lie for a living.
At least in accounting we hide behind numbers.

I wouldn't trust Ms Gillard as far as I could throw her and she's not a light chick so that wouldnt be very far.

lets face it she hasnt anything to lose by not going ahead with it... her credibility is already shredded.. she couldnt careless very arrogant.

has never apologised for her lie before the election and neither has swan..she couldnt careless what we think of her.

Dnarever wrote on Jan 16^th, 2012 at 9:27am:

Quote: Senator Xenophon cast doubt over the Government's commitment to the reforms, saying the change in speaker had given it more members on the floor of parliament, decreasing Labor's reliance on Mr Wilkie's support. It also would allow them to support Wilkie and to go around one of the other independants not supporting the legislation?

do you really believe that?

longweekend58 wrote on Jan 16^th, 2012 at 9:44am:

Dnarever wrote on Jan 16th, 2012 at 9:27am: Quote: Senator Xenophon cast doubt over the Government's commitment to the reforms, saying the change in speaker had given it more members on the floor of parliament, decreasing Labor's reliance on Mr Wilkie's support. It also would allow them to support Wilkie and to go around one of the other independants not supporting the legislation? do you really believe that?

I have no idea what the numbers will be - so why not put all the cards on the table - the article was only looking at the point from one perspective even though the alternative I pointed out is probably more likely.

The government will try their best to get this through and any politician with a conscience will support it.

longweekend58 wrote on Jan 16^th, 2012 at 9:44am:

Dnarever wrote on Jan 16th, 2012 at 9:27am: Quote: Senator Xenophon cast doubt over the Government's commitment to the reforms, saying the change in speaker had given it more members on the floor of parliament, decreasing Labor's reliance on Mr Wilkie's support. It also would allow them to support Wilkie and to go around one of the other independants not supporting the legislation? do you really believe that?

When you come up with dribble like this do you believe it?


Quote:

Honestly, why would ANYONE trust Gillard's word?? If there is one undeniable fact that even her collegaues agree with it is that her 'word' is worthless

Independent MP Andrew Wilkie is heading to Adelaide this morning to meet his ally Senator Nick Xenophon amid speculation that his proposed poker machine reforms are doomed to failure.

Mr Wilkie insists the reforms remain on track after a behind-closed-doors meeting with Prime Minister Julia Gillard in Tasmania yesterday.

But Senator Xenophon has suggested the reforms may fail because the Government no longer needs Mr Wilkie's vote on the floor of the House of Representatives following the installation of renegade Liberal Peter Slipper as speaker.

"He wants to see me, sit down with me face-to-face to nut out what's occurred," Senator Xenophon told ABC Local Radio this morning.

"I have a pretty cynical view given what I've heard. I mean, I heard stories about Peter Slipper becoming speaker a few weeks before he actually became speaker. Clearly his [Mr Wilkie's] negotiating position has been weakened as a result of that occurring."

Mr Wilkie's support for the Labor minority government has hinged on plans for reforms which would force clubs to bring in pre-commitment technology and ask gamblers to specify how much they are willing to lose on the pokies.

The Government had promised to pass the changes into law this year but its commitment to the mandatory pre-commitment scheme has been clouded since Mr Slipper's defection effectively gave Labor an extra vote in the House.

After meeting with Ms Gillard yesterday Mr Wilkie released a brief statement saying the talks were productive and there was a spirit of goodwill.

"As discussions are ongoing I don't intend to offer a running commentary and expect to be able to provide a detailed public update later in the week," the statement goes on to say.

Senator Xenophon and the Greens are urging Mr Wilkie to change direction and instead support $1 maximum bets instead.

Independent MPs Rob Oakeshott and Tony Windsor have both criticised the idea of mandatory pre-commitment and are unlikely to support it.

Mr Windsor will only say he will look at the idea of $1 bets but wants to make sure it would not be too expensive for clubs to implement.

"I think the $1 bet suggestion is a lot easier to understand for people. I think people have difficulty understanding what mandatory pre-commitment actually meant in the first place," Mr Windsor told AM.

"Obviously putting a limit on the bet is more understandable. The costing arrangements would obviously have to be looked at - what would it cost to actually convert the machines? What impacts would that have? I think there'd be a lot more work to be done on any reform, particularly that involved great cost."

Clubs Australia says the industry is deeply opposed to $1 bets as well as mandatory commitment.

Topics: government-and-politics, federal-government, gambling, tas, sa, australia

First posted January 16, 2012 10:28:14

More stories from Tasmania

The politicians all hate the pokie legislation - the taxes make too much money from it, they lose one of the best money spinners.

This is going through only because Wilkie has them over a barrel.

From Labors position strategically they are aware that Wilkie will likely walk away from their deal if it's terms are broken by them.

With the member from Dobell still under a cloud they in fact still need Mr Wilkie's vote to be sure of staying in government.

It's very unlikely that they will deliberatly breach this agreement - makes no sence to suggest that they will.

longweekend58 wrote on Jan 16^th, 2012 at 9:23am:

I cant belive Wilkie still thinks his pokie reforms will go through!!! How deluded is this knucklehead??? Labor HATES the legislation and some MPs have even considered crossing the floor to kill it. now they dont need his vote, the legislation will never pass the lower house at all. Honestly, why would ANYONE trust Gillard's word?? If there is one undeniable fact that even her collegaues agree with it is that her 'word' is worthless if there is any advantage to her in breaking it.

Well, if you are right, do you think that Wilkie will keep HIS word, and pull support? You have a point about Labor being against it, despite the fact the Gillard and Macklin have stated absolute support on the matter. That's no contradiction, it's just typical lying from the ALP, probably their best asset.

The government, however, is still on a knife edge. Sure, they have an extra buffer because of the turncoat Slipper, but if Thomson is charged, then they're back to the slimmest of margins.

What I find most amusing is the Wilkie thinks that Gillard will stick by her words. Where has he been for the last 2 years??  :o

Greens want $1 max bets.

James Packers moddelling shows $1 max bets will hurt machine revenue more than pre-committment.

Wilkie will support $1 max bets.

Windor wont support mandatory pre-committment, but is open to $1 max bets.

Oakeshott has massive concerns about pre-committment.

ALP is the one who wont budge.

Hmmmm, do they want it to fail?

Verge wrote on Jan 16^th, 2012 at 1:58pm:

Greens want $1 max bets. James Packers moddelling shows $1 max bets will hurt machine revenue more than pre-committment. Wilkie will support $1 max bets. Windor wont support mandatory pre-committment, but is open to $1 max bets. Oakeshott has massive concerns about pre-committment. ALP is the one who wont budge. Hmmmm, do they want it to fail?

There's absolutely no chance of any ALP member crossing the floor. ALP MPs and Senators are not allowed to have a mind of their own, they have to stick to the party platform, and toe the party line, at all times without exception. 

That said, Wilkie will need a couple of Libs, and I stress Libs, because there is almost no chance of any Nats supporting this, to cross the floor.

He said that if these reforms were not realised, that he would null his support for the Labor government.

Let's see if he sticks to that.

john_g wrote on Jan 16^th, 2012 at 2:03pm:

Verge wrote on Jan 16th, 2012 at 1:58pm: Greens want $1 max bets. James Packers moddelling shows $1 max bets will hurt machine revenue more than pre-committment. Wilkie will support $1 max bets. Windor wont support mandatory pre-committment, but is open to $1 max bets. Oakeshott has massive concerns about pre-committment. ALP is the one who wont budge. Hmmmm, do they want it to fail? There's absolutely no chance of any ALP member crossing the floor. ALP MPs and Senators are not allowed to have a mind of their own, they have to stick to the party platform, and toe the party line, at all times without exception.  That said, Wilkie will need a couple of Libs, and I stress Libs, because there is almost no chance of any Nats supporting this, to cross the floor. He said that if these reforms were not realised, that he would cross the floor. Let's see if he sticks to that.

I dont agree with mandatory pre-committment.  Not one little bit.

$1 bets is far more responsible.

john_g wrote on Jan 16^th, 2012 at 2:03pm:

Verge wrote on Jan 16th, 2012 at 1:58pm: Greens want $1 max bets. James Packers moddelling shows $1 max bets will hurt machine revenue more than pre-committment. Wilkie will support $1 max bets. Windor wont support mandatory pre-committment, but is open to $1 max bets. Oakeshott has massive concerns about pre-committment. ALP is the one who wont budge. Hmmmm, do they want it to fail? There's absolutely no chance of any ALP member crossing the floor. ALP MPs and Senators are not allowed to have a mind of their own, they have to stick to the party platform, and toe the party line, at all times without exception.  That said, Wilkie will need a couple of Libs, and I stress Libs, because there is almost no chance of any Nats supporting this, to cross the floor. He said that if these reforms were not realised, that he would cross the floor. Let's see if he sticks to that.

He said he would withdraw his support - that is probably different from crossing the floor.

Dnarever wrote on Jan 16^th, 2012 at 2:11pm:

john_g wrote on Jan 16th, 2012 at 2:03pm: Verge wrote on Jan 16th, 2012 at 1:58pm: Greens want $1 max bets. James Packers moddelling shows $1 max bets will hurt machine revenue more than pre-committment. Wilkie will support $1 max bets. Windor wont support mandatory pre-committment, but is open to $1 max bets. Oakeshott has massive concerns about pre-committment. ALP is the one who wont budge. Hmmmm, do they want it to fail? There's absolutely no chance of any ALP member crossing the floor. ALP MPs and Senators are not allowed to have a mind of their own, they have to stick to the party platform, and toe the party line, at all times without exception.  That said, Wilkie will need a couple of Libs, and I stress Libs, because there is almost no chance of any Nats supporting this, to cross the floor. He said that if these reforms were not realised, that he would cross the floor. Let's see if he sticks to that. He said he would withdraw his support - that is probably different from crossing the floor.

Yes, that is what I meant.

I've modified my post. Thank you,  :)

Verge wrote on Jan 16^th, 2012 at 2:08pm:

john_g wrote on Jan 16th, 2012 at 2:03pm: Verge wrote on Jan 16th, 2012 at 1:58pm: Greens want $1 max bets. James Packers moddelling shows $1 max bets will hurt machine revenue more than pre-committment. Wilkie will support $1 max bets. Windor wont support mandatory pre-committment, but is open to $1 max bets. Oakeshott has massive concerns about pre-committment. ALP is the one who wont budge. Hmmmm, do they want it to fail? There's absolutely no chance of any ALP member crossing the floor. ALP MPs and Senators are not allowed to have a mind of their own, they have to stick to the party platform, and toe the party line, at all times without exception.  That said, Wilkie will need a couple of Libs, and I stress Libs, because there is almost no chance of any Nats supporting this, to cross the floor. He said that if these reforms were not realised, that he would cross the floor. Let's see if he sticks to that. I dont agree with mandatory pre-committment.  Not one little bit. $1 bets is far more responsible.

I'm with you, but the question now is if any kind of "reform" goes through at all.

john_g wrote on Jan 16^th, 2012 at 2:19pm:

Verge wrote on Jan 16th, 2012 at 2:08pm: john_g wrote on Jan 16th, 2012 at 2:03pm: Verge wrote on Jan 16th, 2012 at 1:58pm: Greens want $1 max bets. James Packers moddelling shows $1 max bets will hurt machine revenue more than pre-committment. Wilkie will support $1 max bets. Windor wont support mandatory pre-committment, but is open to $1 max bets. Oakeshott has massive concerns about pre-committment. ALP is the one who wont budge. Hmmmm, do they want it to fail? There's absolutely no chance of any ALP member crossing the floor. ALP MPs and Senators are not allowed to have a mind of their own, they have to stick to the party platform, and toe the party line, at all times without exception.  That said, Wilkie will need a couple of Libs, and I stress Libs, because there is almost no chance of any Nats supporting this, to cross the floor. He said that if these reforms were not realised, that he would cross the floor. Let's see if he sticks to that. I dont agree with mandatory pre-committment.  Not one little bit. $1 bets is far more responsible. I'm with you, but the question now is if any kind of "reform" goes through at all.

Some of the worst adicts play 5C machines - I suspect that a $1 limit wouldn't help much - it will just take till 3 pm or midnight instead of mid day to lose it all.

You can't beat a good army man who has been trained to kill the enemy !!!

After talking to the new government in waiting Wilkie is so encouraged that he has returned to his original deal - Gillard do what I say or get lost !!!

Independent Andew Wilkie backflips on pokies truce by: James Massola and Lanai Vasek
From:The Australian January 18, 2012 3:14PM

Independent MP Andrew Wilkie hopes the govt will introduce his proposed gambling reforms to parliament.

ANDREW Wilkie has warned Julia Gillard she must stick to her promise to legislate gambling reforms by May this year or lose his support for her minority government.

A day after the Tasmanian independent gave the Prime Minister an extra two years to deliver his mandatory commitment scheme, Mr Wilkie declared he would hold the government to its original legislative timetable.

Mr Wilkie admitted his bargaining position had crumbled with the elevation of Peter Slipper as speaker, but insisted "the government has an agreement with me and it intends to honour it and I intend to makes sure it honours it".

"I am still prepared to walk away," he told ABC Hobart

"Although if I were to walk away the government would not necessarily fall over, it would still be a terrible blow to the government and some people would accuse the government of breaking another promise.

Mr Wilkie yesterday said he would be prepared to push out full implementation of mandatory pre-commitment to 2016, but today said he was still working towards a 2014 start date.

"I'm still working to achieve my agreement with the Prime Minister, which in essence is that mandatory pre-commitment be implemented in Australia in 2014," he said.

Independent senator and anti-gambling campaigner Nick Xenophon said the government needed to be careful about turning it’s back on Andrew Wilkie.

“Sometimes in politics you can be too clever by half and the government needs to realise they never know when they might need Andrew Willkie’s vote again,” he told ABC 24.

Opposition Leader Tony Abbott said the government's apparent softening of its support for mandatory pre-commitment showed it was "fundamentally untrustworthy".

"The Australian people can't trust the Gillard government, Andrew Wilkie can't trust the Gillard government, the pubs and clubs can't trust the Gillard government," he said.

"The only thing you can count on from this Prime Minister is she will do anything, anything at all, break any commitment, turn any promise on its head, if it is necessary for her survival."

Mr Wilkie, who is in Sydney today and understood to be meeting senior Liberals, said he would back a trial of mandatory pre-commitment in the ACT if the NSW government co-operated.

"If you don't get that NSW co-operation then an ACT trial would be meaningless," he said.

Mr Wilkie said he would continue the fight for poker machine reforms because they were in the public interest and was unfazed by political adversaries "who want to destroy me", even if it ultimately meant he did not hold his seat at the next election.

"If I don't win the next the election so be it. I don't regard myself as a professional politician. I'll go and do something else," Mr Wilkie said.

The Coalition branded Ms Gillard untrustworthy after suggestions of a Labor back down on plans to implement mandatory pre-commitment technology on the nation's poker machines.

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/independent-andew-wilkie-backflips-on-pokies-truce/story-fn59niix-1226247107232

juliar wrote on Jan 18^th, 2012 at 7:30pm:

You can't beat a good army man who has been trained to kill the enemy !!! After talking to the new government in waiting Wilkie is so encouraged that he has returned to his original deal - Gillard do what I say or get lost !!! Independent Andew Wilkie backflips on pokies truce by: James Massola and Lanai Vasek From:The Australian January 18, 2012 3:14PM Independent MP Andrew Wilkie hopes the govt will introduce his proposed gambling reforms to parliament. ANDREW Wilkie has warned Julia Gillard she must stick to her promise to legislate gambling reforms by May this year or lose his support for her minority government. A day after the Tasmanian independent gave the Prime Minister an extra two years to deliver his mandatory commitment scheme, Mr Wilkie declared he would hold the government to its original legislative timetable. Mr Wilkie admitted his bargaining position had crumbled with the elevation of Peter Slipper as speaker, but insisted "the government has an agreement with me and it intends to honour it and I intend to makes sure it honours it". "I am still prepared to walk away," he told ABC Hobart "Although if I were to walk away the government would not necessarily fall over, it would still be a terrible blow to the government and some people would accuse the government of breaking another promise. Mr Wilkie yesterday said he would be prepared to push out full implementation of mandatory pre-commitment to 2016, but today said he was still working towards a 2014 start date. "I'm still working to achieve my agreement with the Prime Minister, which in essence is that mandatory pre-commitment be implemented in Australia in 2014," he said. Independent senator and anti-gambling campaigner Nick Xenophon said the government needed to be careful about turning it’s back on Andrew Wilkie. “Sometimes in politics you can be too clever by half and the government needs to realise they never know when they might need Andrew Willkie’s vote again,” he told ABC 24. Opposition Leader Tony Abbott said the government's apparent softening of its support for mandatory pre-commitment showed it was "fundamentally untrustworthy". "The Australian people can't trust the Gillard government, Andrew Wilkie can't trust the Gillard government, the pubs and clubs can't trust the Gillard government," he said. "The only thing you can count on from this Prime Minister is she will do anything, anything at all, break any commitment, turn any promise on its head, if it is necessary for her survival." Mr Wilkie, who is in Sydney today and understood to be meeting senior Liberals, said he would back a trial of mandatory pre-commitment in the ACT if the NSW government co-operated. "If you don't get that NSW co-operation then an ACT trial would be meaningless," he said. Mr Wilkie said he would continue the fight for poker machine reforms because they were in the public interest and was unfazed by political adversaries "who want to destroy me", even if it ultimately meant he did not hold his seat at the next election. "If I don't win the next the election so be it. I don't regard myself as a professional politician. I'll go and do something else," Mr Wilkie said. The Coalition branded Ms Gillard untrustworthy after suggestions of a Labor back down on plans to implement mandatory pre-commitment technology on the nation's poker machines. http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/independent-andew-wilkie-backflips-on-pokies-truce/story-fn59niix-1226247107232

Do you ever have your own opinion other than posting crap over and over again.....You are a loser mate!!!

>:(

Trying to stop problem gambling has become to hard and will not work....It is better to just let these people do what they always do and ignore the problem altogether.....Clubs will spend millions fighting policies that will not work so it is better to let the clubs spend the money on what ever it is they spend it on rather than waste money on this crap.....It is only Eastern States that have this problem and as I live in WA it is a non issue for me!!!

:)

cods wrote on Jan 16^th, 2012 at 8:51am:

A spokesman for Ms Gillard says the Government is committed to gambling reform. funny how Wilkie is expected to BELIEVE that isnt it?????.. shes not well known for telling the truth is she?

I really have to question the judgment of people who deride Gillard as being untruthful, and unreliable, yet they cite Abbott as a better alternative???
Come on, Abbott is the guy who went on National TV and said that you could not rely on anything he says, unless it is specifically scripted.
He did not volunteer that information because of some Tourettes like disorder were he did not know what he was saying, it was in response to being called on the long running, and ongoing history of making false and misleading statements.

The Gillard vilification is due to breaking a pre election commitment due to unforeseen, and unexpected developments in having to form a minority government, which any Liberal voter who is not being deceitful, knows they would have excused if one of theirs had been put in a similar position.
I am not a fan of Gillard as PM, mainly because I don't think she leads the country like a good PM should, but if veracity alone is what you measure her against Abbott, she is miles in front.

PhilPott,

If you have no useful discussion to add regarding the TOPIC then why insist on just making a noise or just having that rather silly last word - sounds like the missus !!

Attack the TOPIC not the poster otherwise you just make yourself look rather foolish and display your lack of debating talent for all to see and thus lower peoples opinion of you.

Wilkie trained by the Army in battle strategy and supported by the Coalition has cornered the lying deceitful incompetent Miss Gillard in a dead end street and has warned he will open fire if Miss Gillard does not deliver. Good result.

Andrew Wilkie scrambles to secure pokies compromise
by: Matthew Denholm and Joe Kelly From:The Australian January 19, 2012 12:00AM

ANDREW Wilkie is confident of salvaging a poker machine reform deal with Julia Gillard this week, flagging a compromise under which framework legislation would be passed by May and final introduction pushed back until as late as 2016.

Speaking after his second round of talks with the Prime Minister, the anti-pokies independent MP said he accepted he had to "be sensible . . . as far as the timeline goes" for implementing a mandatory pre-commitment system for poker machines.

Under the compromise deal, Ms Gillard would keep her agreement with Mr Wilkie to introduce legislation for mandatory pre-commitment by May 8 - a condition of the Tasmanian's support for her minority government.

The detail of the scheme and its rollout would be guided by the results of a trial of the card technology in the ACT. Final details would then be introduced by regulation.

While giving ground on starting dates, Mr Wilkie stressed that he was still willing to withdraw support from the government if it did not deliver on "meaningful" poker machine reform.

"The reforms are still based on mandatory pre-commitment; still based on 2014," Mr Wilkie said late yesterday. "But I'm just wanting to flag the point that I'm being sensible about this, as far as the timeline goes."

Mr Wilkie's threat to withdraw support from the government has lost force since the Gillard government signed up former Liberal National Party MP Peter Slipper to take the role of Speaker of the House of Representatives, effectively giving the government a one-vote greater margin on the floor of parliament.

Speaking at Hobart airport after returning from whirlwind talks in Adelaide, Perth and Sydney over the past three days, Mr Wilkie agreed framework legislation followed by a trial in the ACT to guide final detail was the most likely outcome.

A delay in implementation of mandatory pre-commitment technology, and the hope of changes to the proposal after a trial, would ease concern within Labor ranks and dent the anti-reform campaign by casino operators and pubs and clubs.

As Tony Abbott yesterday accused Ms Gillard of trying to "double cross" Mr Wilkie, Labor MP Mike Kelly said he had been holding talks with clubs in his Eden-Monaro electorate about co-operating with the ACT trial to increase its effectiveness.

Community Services Minister Jenny Macklin wrote to ClubsNSW and the Australian Hotels Association last December seeking the participation of venues in Queanbeyan and Yass, which are just across the NSW border, in the ACT trial.

ClubsNSW spokesman Jeremy Bath said yesterday it was possible for venues to participate, but he could not commit without seeing the details of any final proposal.

Mr Bath said a number of strict preconditions would have to apply, including compensation for any revenue loss arising from the trial and for the government to cover the cost of equipment installation.

He added that the trial would also have to determine whether the technology was rolled out across the nation.

Independent senator Nick Xenophon warned yesterday that a trial could be "disingenuously structured" to kill off any genuine poker machine reform after the next election.

A spokesman for NSW Gaming Minister George Souris revealed that there had not been any discussion with the Gillard government about assessing the impact of the ACT trial on poker machine revenue in Queanbeyan or Yass.

However, Mr Wilkie said yesterday that the co-operation of the NSW government was one of his preconditions for a trial in the ACT.

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/andrew-wilkie-scrambles-to-secure-pokies-compromise/story-fn59niix-1226247842350

Andrew Wilkie, after receiving lots of support from the Coalition, is now laying down the law with the lying deceitful Miss Gillard, deliver or goodbye !!!

Federal independent MP Andrew Wilkie says he still may have hissy fit on Pokies
AAP January 19, 2012 5:20PM

FEDERAL independent MP Andrew Wilkie says he wants to see legislation on proposed gambling reforms passed by both houses of parliament within the next five sitting weeks.

After the 2010 election, Mr Wilkie made a deal with Labor to introduce the poker machine reforms in return for his support for the minority government and set a May 8, 2012 deadline for the legislation to pass.

"I am immovable. The legislation must be through the parliament before the budget this year," he told reporters in Canberra today.

"I have not proposed any variation of the timeline. I have not agreed to any variation.

Mr Wilkie still expects to the see the reforms implemented by 2014, although he would be open to discussing "small variations" to that.

Under the deal Mr Wilkie struck with Labor, all gamblers would be required to preset a limit on how much they could lose on high-stakes poker machines.

Alternatively, high-bet poker machines could be reprogrammed to cap losses at $120-an-hour, rather than the current $1200-an-hour, and low-bet machines would not require pre-commitment cards.

Both plans have been the target of heavy attacks by registered clubs, which argue they will cut revenue and be a costly regulatory burden.

Mr Wilkie held talks with Prime Minister Julia Gillard last Sunday and there are fears the proposed reforms could be watered down or their implementation pushed back by two years to 2016.

Mr Wilkie has previously threatened to withdraw his support for the government if it did not drive the legislation on the reforms.

He hopes he won't have to make good on that threat, although Labor no longer relies on his support to retain government after a change of lower house Speaker last year improved its position in the House of Representatives.

"It would be easy for me to have hissy fit, storm out and say I am a man of integrity and it might still come to that," Mr Wilkie said.

"But I hope it won't and I am doing everything I can to stop it happening."

Mr Wilkie will meet later this evening with Ms Gillard for more talks on poker machine gambling
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/breaking-news/wilkie-says-he-still-may-have-hissy-fit-on-pokies/story-e6freuyi-1226248619091

juliar wrote on Jan 18^th, 2012 at 8:03pm:

PhilPott, If you have no useful discussion to add regarding the TOPIC then why insist on just making a noise or just having that rather silly last word - sounds like the missus !! Attack the TOPIC not the poster otherwise you just make yourself look rather foolish and display your lack of debating talent for all to see and thus lower peoples opinion of you.

At last you have an opinion of your own.....Even if it was just a useless rant....Do you really think I care what you think???

:)

People who just copy and paste from news sites offer nothing to the debate.....I like most other people just scroll over your dribble JuLIAR.....You could post an opinion to what you are trying to say and attach a link to the article instead of the wasting peoples time.....People want to debate topics not read news articles they can easily source themselves!!!

::)

philperth2010 wrote on Jan 18^th, 2012 at 7:42pm:

.....Clubs will spend millions fighting policies that will not work

If the clubs thought it would not work why would they bother to waste millions?

It will work and the clubs know it - that is the problem for them - thats why they are fighting.

philperth2010 wrote on Jan 18^th, 2012 at 7:42pm:

Trying to stop problem gambling has become to hard and will not work....It is better to just let these people do what they always do and ignore the problem altogether.....Clubs will spend millions fighting policies that will not work so it is better to let the clubs spend the money on what ever it is they spend it on rather than waste money on this crap.....It is only Eastern States that have this problem and as I live in WA it is a non issue for me!!! :)

My opinion JuLIAR that you missed....probably while you where trolling news sites for someone else's opinion.....Try having an original thought for once in your pathetic life!!!

::)

PhilPott, I seem to have disturbed your delicate equilibrium by pointing out your debating inadequacies for all to see.

As I have pointed out to you already if you have nothing worthwhile to offer re the discussion of a topic just pass on by.

I express the true situation when I lodge a post which obviously upsets your delicate apple cart as it is difficult to argue when the cold hard truth is right in front of you, particularly if this clashes with your cherished but misguided beliefs. I concentrate on providing fresh current info which exposes new incompetences of the current "government". I can't be bothered just engaging in the space wasting pointless exercise of copying others work and then adding some rather mindless meaningless functionless irrelevant something or other after it.

Resorting to schoolgirl name calling does not do much to enhance others opinion of your abilities. If you don't have the education or necessary intelligence then you are in an excellent position to emphasize with the frustration that Miss Gillard feels everyday.

Andrew Wilkie is now using strategy provided by the Coalition and is sticking the boot into the lazy uncaring temporary Miss Gillard. Tony is preparing to welcome Mr Wilkie into the ranks of true greatness. This will ensure Mr Wilkie will retain his seat at the next election.

Wilkie, Gillard talk as campaign starts
Updated: 11:52, Friday January 20, 2012

Prime Minister Julia Gillard and independent MP Andrew Wilkie will hold further talks as a new anti-gambling campaign is launched.

The meeting and campaign launch comes as the Australia Institute suggests the clubs industry is grossly overestimating the cost of introducing mandatory pre-commitment technology.

The research group says the cost will be about $350 million - almost a tenth of that estimated by clubs.

'The poker machine industry has been dining out on some numbers that no one in the industry takes at all seriously,' Australia Institute executive director Dr Richard Denniss told ABC Radio on Friday.

But Clubs Australia boss Anthony Ball said the figure of $3 billion was realistic.

'It's a lot of money, a huge expensive technology that isn't going to help a single problem gambler,' Mr Ball said.

'The cost is based on having to replace old machines and there are about 100,000 of those and they're between $25,000 and $30,000 each to replace.'

Dr Denniss said the cost of replacing old machines, which is done as a matter of course, should not be taken into account.

Meanwhile, as Mr Wilkie prepares to again meet with the prime minister on Friday he is threatening to torpedo the government's plan to means-test the private health insurance rebate.

Labor is hoping to save $2.8 billion over four years by means testing the rebate and increasing the Medicare levy surcharge for people lacking cover.

'I now need to look afresh at that issue,' Mr Wilkie told News Ltd.

Mr Wilkie will join other anti-gambling campaigners in Sydney on Friday afternoon for the launch of the Stop the Loss Coalition, which will involve a direct-mail campaign in marginal electorates.

The coalition involves Uniting Care, Anglicare, the Gambling Impact Society, PokieACT, GetUp and the Catholic Social Services.

Under an agreement with Mr Wilkie, the minority government must legislate poker machine reform by May 8 or he will withdraw his support.
http://www.skynews.com.au/politics/article.aspx?id=709373&vId=

Now Mr Wilkie has the support of the StoptheLoss.org.au campaigners and he is being guided by the very successful Coalition strategy unit that has reduced Miss Gillard to a blubbering heap he is proceeding with renewed confidence and he is sticking the boot into the lying deceitful Miss Gillard.

Mr Wilkie knows he will be welcomed into the mighty Coalition party with open arms and he can be confident that he will be re-elected at the next election.

Wilkie against health means testing
Friday, January 20, 2012 » 10:58am

Independent MP Andrew Wilkie says he won't support Labor's plan to means test private health insurance as it backs away from his pokies reform.

His declaration follows a meeting between him and Prime Minister Julia Gillard at Parliament House on Thursday night.

Labor is hoping to save $2.8 billion over four years by means testing the rebate and increasing the Medicare levy surcharge for people lacking cover.

The government failed to get the measure through parliament, and had hoped to woo crossbench MPs in 2012.

But those plans are now jeopardy after Mr Wilkie's declaration he would not support means testing private health insurance.

'Because a lot of time has passed since then, I now need to look afresh at that issue and look afresh at the evidence I had then and see if there is any new evidence,' he told News Ltd.

Labor's failure to secure a deal on means testing private health insurance rebates also threatens the size of the government's planned return to surplus in the next financial year.

Mr Wilkie's comments come as Ms Gillard reportedly has told him her government will not support mandatory pre-commitment laws on poker machines.

In May, Mr Wilkie said he had yet to be convinced means testing the rebate would work, but he had to declare a political position.

The government wants to introduce a means test for individuals earning more than $80,000 and families earning more than $160,000.

The Senate has twice knocked back similar attempts.
http://bigpondnews.com/articles/National-Regional/2012/01/20/Wilkie_against_health_means_testing_709348.html