More than 10,000 protesters were expected at a rally on Saturday, March 19, organized by the civil disobedience movement Reclaim the Streets in Sydney, Australia. The rally was a protest against political donations from the casino to the government, which allows casinos to remain open while bars and nightclubs are forced to close earlier under lockout laws. Besides casinos, only venues with poker machines are exempt from the lockout laws.
In a statement, organizers said, “We are marching to the casino to highlight the gross hypocrisy of the government and the craven interests of the Star and Crown Casino. We demand both parties refuse donations from casinos and casino-linked entities and refund all money taken in the past.”
Reclaim The Streets claim from 1998 to 2011, the Star Casino contributed more than $847, 950 in political donations in New South Wales, and more than $5 million nationwide.
Organizers added, “Our venues have been forced to close early, while the casino grinds through the night, making a steady profit from those unable to go to our former late night venues. The protesters intend use the event to celebrate the music culture that used to exist in the city and demand it back.” The statement alleged, “The Star has been exempted from the lockout laws, despite being the most violent venue in the state.”
On a popular radio show, host Sam Frost told Premier Mike Baird she believes lockout laws exempt casinos because they make money for the government. She said, “I’ve got a little theory. I think that the Star Casino and Barangaroo pay the government a lot of money. Even the fact that the Star has contributed to $4.7 billion of gambling debt, I think that they just pay a lot of money. I think that’s what this thing is all about.”
Clearly uncomfortable, Baird responded, “Well, um, it’s not, Sam.” He declared, “Those that know me know my motivations and they are not bad. If, IF part of this review says that it needs to be expanded and include casinos then of course I am going to be open to that.”
