Rev. Bill Crews, whose Exodus Foundation helps hundreds of victims of poker machine abuse, has urged politicians not to let political expediency stand in the way of reform.
The Prime Minister has conceded there is an appetite for reform, but Rev. Crews remains concerned that any deal might either delay implementation or be watered down to appease the Clubs.
“It worries me that the desperate need for reform will be overlooked amid a political numbers game and the desire to save marginal seats”, said Rev. Crews. “My message to Canberra is that problem gamblers simply can not wait, nor should they be offered a Claytons solution.”
The Exodus Foundation estimate that up to one-third of those who use their welfare services have had a problem with poker machines. The story of one of these people remains at the forefront of Rev. Crews’ mind. “This man had just sold his house following a divorce and he blew the entire proceeds of the sale on high-intensity poker machines”, said Rev. Crews.
The need for reform is urgent and real.
“My Exodus Foundation is left to pick up the pieces of the lives shattered by poker machines”, said Rev. Crews. “The Clubs profit from this human misery, yet the welfare sector is saddled with the burden of helping those unfortunate gamblers bled dry by the Clubs.”
Rev. Crews urges both Julia Gillard and Tony Abbott to put politics aside in the name of decency. “Surely changing the lives of 300,000 problem gamblers ought to take precedence over Canberra politics”, he said.
Rev. Bill Crews is available for interview. Click here for contact details.
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