Mr Van Duinen’s mother,Joy,is expected to address the council on Tuesday night in support of the proposals. She told Fairfax Media she believes that Clubs NSW,the lobby group that represents the industry,has too much power over the state government and it was now up to councils to act.
"The state government isn’t going to do anything,it’s addicted to the money,"she said,referring to tax revenue generated by poker machines.
It is understood that local clubs and pubs,supported by Clubs NSW and the Australian Hotels Association,have been lobbying councillors to vote against the proposal.
Over a two-month consultation process,the council received 191 submissions about the plan,131 in support and 60 against.
The plan has been championed by two councillors,the Liberal Party’s Pat Daley and the Greens’ Natalie Warren.
They have the support of the anti-pokies activist group,Alliance for Gambling Reform,headed by the Reverend Tim Costello,which is working with Victorian councils to promote gambling reform.