If the current proposals by the Federal Government and Tasmanian Independent MP, Andrew Wilkie, for a ‘licence to punt’ come to fruition, not only will RSL and services clubs close, but cities and towns across New South Wales will lose their ANZAC culture on which this country is firmly based.
RSL and services clubs, because of their history, offer a unique contribution to the fabric of Australian life. They are steeped in the traditions of the ANZAC spirit which are central to Australian society, the values of which are continually referred to and used by people from all walks of life – from politicians to sporting teams.
Their origins are unique, formed by our returned veterans to provide hospitality and comradeship for diggers. In addition to now catering for a much wider community participation, RSL and services clubs continue to foster those original values forged at Gallipoli.
It is on commemorative days, particularly AZAC Day, when RSL and services clubs become the focal point of people from every walk of life. It is a time when the Australian public joins in a single-minded objective to remember our fallen in every city, town and village across the nation. But the potential closure of RSL and services clubs through the measures proposed would see these towns lose that ANZAC culture of which we are so proud.
These clubs deserve to maintain that unique place in Australian society and culture and not be destroyed by what is poor policy, rather than good government. There is simply no research that the proposal for mandatory pre-commitment to play a poker machine or the withdrawal limit of $250 from ATMs in clubs will assist problem gambling.
No-one denies that we need to protect problem gamblers. However, the Government has to strike the right balance of harm minimisation, while not infringing on the basic rights and enjoyment of the vast numbers of people who gamble responsibly.
Graeme Carroll
Chief Executive Officer
RSL & Services Clubs Association
