By REBECCA BILLS
RSLs that want to play a game of Two-up in the week leading up to Anzac Day will not need to seek ministerial approval anymore.
A simplification of legislation governing Two-up games is providing a welcome change to Anzac Day celebrations with RSLs able to lessen their paperwork load in the lead up to the event.
Minister for Liquor and Gaming Regulation and Eastern Victoria Region MP Edward O’Donohue joined candidate for Monbulk Mark Verschuur at Upwey-Belgrave RSL with president David Eaton to announce the changes last Thursday that were recently passed by the Victorian Government.
Mr O’Donohue said until now, if RSLs wanted to play Two-up on Anzac Day or on the days leading up they needed his permission.
“What the government has decided, and we have passed legislation to do so as part of our general red tape reduction program, is remove that requirement,” he said.
“This is something that is particular to Anzac Day and is a low risk gambling event and as a minister my job is to make sure gambling is done in a way that is appropriately regulated that reflects the risk of gaming.
Mr Vershuur said Two-up is something that is uniquely Australian and he thinks it is a game that should be celebrated.
“The game itself is one of fairness I think as far as gambling goes.”
Mr Eaton said he welcomes the new legislation and that the game has become very much tradition.
“It is very much an Australian game that dates right back to the World War I,” he said.
“Those flying over where the Australians were in Turkey would see them playing the game and thought it was just some sought of strange Australian religion.”
