Discussion: Pokie-leaks, problem gambling is a big industry
At a press conference last Tuesday a trio of federal parliamentarians launched their new campaign ‘Pokie-Leaks’, calling on those involved in the gambling industry to speak out about industry tactics, poker machine design and payments to politicians.
By extending their parliamentary privilege, Independent MP Andrew Wilkie, Greens Senator Larissa Waters and the NXT’s Nick Xenophon are encouraging whistle-blowers to come forward with any information on the industry.
Xenophon called poker machines “the electronic locusts of the 21st century”, and promises ‘PokieLeaks’ will shine a light on the inner workings of the pokies industry.
Last week in our group discussion we discussed Derryn Hinch’s use of parliamentary privilege to name convicted paedophiles. This week we have parliamentarians using privilege to protect whistleblowers.
This week producers Liane Colwell, Jack Smith and Tom Watson joined Sam in the studio to discuss this further.
Producer: Laura Bouskila
