By Clyde Mooney
A poll by Textor Crosby has indicated that more than 80 per cent of Australians are against the proposals for mandatory pre-commitment.
The survey of 800 voters offered a choice between the proposed mandatory pre-commitment (MPC) system, an alternative method of reform that was less damaging to the industry, and no change, with only 19.3 per cent of respondents in favour of Independent Member Andrew Wilkie’s scheme.
More than half (55.1 per cent) of respondents are in favour of reform, but acknowledge flaws with the current proposals and believe an alternative, such as voluntary pre-commitment, would be better.
“This polling, in marginal Labor and Independent held seats, shows that Australians are tired of Andrew Wilkie’s posturing and threatening of the Federal Government,” said Clubs Australia executive director, Anthony Ball.
This poll follows developments this week that indicate the Federal Government will not be fulfilling its agreement to pass gambling reform bills in the May budget, as negotiated after a hung election last October in return for the support of the Tasmanian minister’s support.
The development left the Independent minister seeking support from other power brokers in positions of negotiation.
