Limited action on gambling reform and record levels of harm have prompted “an unholy alliance” between the Greens and the Australian Christian Lobby (ACL), which has pledged to rally support for the progressive party’s legislation.

The offer of support came shortly after NSW Greens MLC Cate Faehrmann announced a bill to force the closure of all poker machine venues from 2am to 10am and remove exemptions for more than 650 pubs and clubs that can operate within this period.

The exemptions – which have been provided to about 20% poker machine venues – were criticised by the government’s independent expert panel advising on policy reform. A subsequent audit report also called for them to be reviewed.

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The ACL wrote to Faehrmann’s office with congratulat

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