“I was wrong”: Dominic Perrottet admits Catholic faith played a role in gambling reform
Dominic Perrottet has changed his tune. After reflecting on his decision to implement a new gambling policy, he admits his Catholic faith played a role.
Last week ClubsNSW CEO Josh Landis made a comment claiming the premier’s “conservative Catholic gut” was linked to his decision to implement cashless poker machines across all venues in NSW. As a result, the ClubsNSW board decided to fire Landis.
Perrottet responded to the comment and claimed his views were “not informed by the fact that I’m Catholic.”
Since then, Perrottet has changed his mind. He admitted that the decision was influenced by his Catholic faith. “Certainly my upbringing and my faith has had an impact,” the premier said.
“I don’t think that is something I should be ashamed of.”
When asked why this policy is such a priority for him, he reflected on his time as NSW treasurer, “We were receiving revenue and profit from people’s misery.”
Perrottet has been the state’s premier since October 2021, dealing with the state opening up after COVID and the Omnicron wave. “I haven't got everything right in the time I've been in politics, but you learn from it,” he said.
“Politics is not easy. It's difficult and there will always be the external events and mistakes get made.”
If Perrottet is re-elected this year, the gambling law overhaul will begin early next year with the roll-out of cashless poker machines.
Image credit: Getty