There's nothing voluntary about addiction

[Matilda]

In the wake of the last federal election a written agreement was made that changed the course of modern Australian political history.

This agreement, signed by Julia Gillard and independent Andrew Wilkie provided Julia Gillard the crucial support she needed to become Prime Minister. Without it, she would never have formed Government.

A lot of things are debatable in politics, but that is an indisputable fact. Without that signed piece of paper there would never have been a Gillard Government. The promised reforms were welcomed by the majority of Australians who have consistently supported the Government taking action to reduce the unacceptable harm caused by poker machines.

For a year and a half the Prime Minister spoke as if the deal was rock solid. That was until she secured the support of Liberal MP Peter Slipper who turned his back on his party to take the plum position of Speaker of the House of Representatives.

http://www.abc.net.au/unleashed/3782696.html


I really am in despair about the Gillard government – if she reneges on this legislation, the only people who will be pleased will be the registered clubs. Polling has shown consistently that a majority of Australians favour a curb on the activities of problem gamblers, since they can't help themselves, although whether it be mandatory pre-commitment or a limit on the amount people can put through machines is still up for discussion.

And backing away leaves Gillard open once more to the charge that she's a liar, and it's fair comment. It seems that her word is never her bond, and will be broken at the slightest pressure from vested interests.

The worst of all this flip-flopping is that she's setting us up for an Abbott victory. If all things were equal, I don't think Tony would ever be elected, but Julia seems determined to hand him victory on a plate.

What does she think she's doing?