Liberal party needs to come clean on pokies

21/03/06
Racing and Gaming Minister Mark McGowan today called on Liberal leadership contenders to rule out the introduction of poker machines in Western Australia.
Mr McGowan said the recent election result in South Australia, where Nick Xenophon's 'No Pokies' party won 21.4 per cent of the votes for the Legislative Council, demonstrated that the public did not want poker machines.
"The Carpenter Government is clear on its position in relation to pokies - we do not want them and will not introduce them," the Minister said.
"They are more trouble than they are worth.
"The Liberal party on the other hand, is very vague on where they stand, with current leader Matt Birney refusing to rule out the introduction of pokies into WA and other Liberal members actually supporting their introduction.
"Mr Birney and Mr Omodei should unequivocally rule out the introduction of poker machines into this State.
"Whoever wins the leadership ballot this Friday needs to articulate what the Liberal party policy on pokies actually is."
Minister's office: 9222 9111