Michael Egan puts poker machine taxes ahead of health concerns

The Australian Medical Association (NSW) states that it is bitterly disappointed that NSW Treasurer Michael Egan is putting taxes ahead of the lives and health of NSW residents.

The media reported today that Mr Egan is trying to keep smoking legal in pubs and clubs because he is worried that a ban will reduce the tax revenue from poker machines.

Association President Dr John Gullotta said he was stunned by the minister’s stance.

“We’re trying to save lives on one hand, and on the other hand we have a responsible parliamentarian and treasurer desperate to keep his non-deficit budget record, regardless of the social cost,” he said.

“If a smoking ban in pubs and clubs results in people smoking less and gambling less, that’s a fantastic result. Pokies revenue is effectively a “poor tax” anyway, frequently raking in cash from those who can least afford it.”

The NSW Government will be announcing the date for a ban within the next few weeks.

AMA (NSW) is hopeful that NSW will lead the way nationally and have a ban in place by the middle of next year.