The legislated maximum number of machines allowed in the state is 3,500, and the Government is seeking to reduce that number.  Poker machines could be subject to retrospective testing if a proposal from the government goes ahead.  The current rules say that clubs in the state have to undergo a public interest test if they want to apply for new machines. The proposal would force existing operators to go through the tests too.  Treasurer Peter Gutwein is hoping to introduce the legislation by the end of the year.  Gutwein said that a public interest test would take into account the views from the community, and a range of matters including density and the proliferation of pokies in a particular area.  The Treasurer said that these things would be a matter for the Gaming Commission to dertermine.

Meg Webb, manager of Anglicare’s Social Action and Research Centre, said a retrospective test was awkward and a pause on applications would be better: “It’s very interesting timing considering we’ve got a parliamentary process in play right now about where poker machines are located in this state, how many we have, and what the community really think about them.”  The parliamentary committee examining future gaming markets is due to report back by September 2017.