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 Things are heating up down under. Federal independent MP Andrew Wilkie has thrown the gauntlet to Prime Minister Julia Gillard telling her that she has until May to 2012 to put gambling limits on pokies or he'll withdraw his support for the government. He made a strong speech in an address to the National Press Club in Canberra on Tuesday saying he won't budge from his main election pledge for a mandatory electronic pre-commitment card which sets limits on how much gamblers are allowed to spend at machines.
Australia is home to an estimated 95,000 problem gamblers and their machines account for about half the world's poker machines. Australian players lose an estimated $5 billion a year on poker machines and it is estimated that problems gamblers account for around 40% of that money.
"My agreement with Prime Minister Gillard is absolutely carved in stone," Wilkie told the National Press Club.
"My support for her and her government hinges on it and I will withdraw my support from the Gillard Labor Government if that is not progressed in accord with my agreement with the Prime Minister."
"If legislation has not passed both houses of Parliament by [budget time 2012] then I will withdraw my support," he said.
Asked who he would support in that case, Wilkie said he would consider supporting Coalition leader Tony Abbott or "no one."
Wilkie said a parliamentary report on possible models for the scheme would be released in the coming weeks and that so far the Federal Government was showing "goodwill." He also stated that he believes he has the numbers to get legislation through the Lower House as early as the second half of this year.
As always, stay tuned to Casinofan for more news and updates.
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