Sydney Morning Herald 6FEB2023

At least two teal independents contesting the looming NSW election will make a series of gambling reform measures a condition of their support, should the state poll result in a hung parliament.

Independent candidates for Pittwater, Jacqui Scruby, and Lane Cove, Victoria Davidson, said a primary condition of their support for a Coalition or Labor government would include curfews on poker machines and community consultation on where the machines were rolled out.

Davidson and Scruby were among a handful of independent candidates from across Sydney who met with community supporters and potential donors linked to the Climate 200 campaign on Sunday.

Scruby said support for a bill she plans to introduce to parliament to scuttle the controversial PEP11 – also opposed by both major parties – and meaningful gambling reform would be the conditions of her backing either major party.

“I have a [gambling] policy which will definitely be part of a negotiation package,” Scruby said.

That package includes a cashless gambling card, maximum spin bets of $1, banning the broadcast of gambling advertisements, and the introduction of a national gambling regulator.