Australia is in the grips of a COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak, with mass gatherings around the country cancelled. In my beloved Melbourne, crowds are being turned away from all events, from at the AFL to the arts precinct. Yet one massive public gathering space remains open - Crown Casino. That’s why I’m calling on Daniel Andrews to #CloseCrownCasino until COVID-19 is under control.

Victoria has declared a state of emergency to deal with COVID-19, which has seen major arts and cultural events cancelled. I’m a comedian, and last week my Comedy Festival show was cancelled, along with hundreds of other artists. It came at a huge personal cost to us, but we know it’s the right thing to do. Add that to the closing of other major theatres, recital centres, the Grand Prix, and the MCG, and we see the scale of the problem and what needs to be done to keep people safe. So why does Crown Casino get a free pass?

Surely Daniel Andrews isn’t putting Crown Casino’s profits over public health? What other possible reason can there be for Crown remaining open while literally every other major gathering space is closed down? 

Crown Casino has responded to COVID-19 by closing 50% of their pokie machines. That’s it. The rest of Crown’s public spaces, in which thousands of tourists and locals mingle every day, are still open. 

Daniel Andrews, your state is in an emergency. Please, stand up to Crown Casino’s bosses and look out for the vulnerable people who might get sick and even die as a result of this massive public venue remaining open.

Please, sign and share this petition, and send a message to Daniel Andrews: #CloseCrownCasino, and close it today.

Anybody impacted by gambling (your own gambling or someone else’s), can call the Gambler’s Helpline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 1800 858 858.