Media - Nick Xenophon - Independent Senator for South Australia

Independent Senator for South Australia Nick Xenophon says a decision by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Appeals Tribunal to stop a Romsey hotel from installing poker machines is a victory for common sense.

"This verdict shows that when communities speak out against poker machines the authorities are wiling to listen and act," Nick said.

In a decision that will serve as a precedent for future applications for poker machine licenses VCAT President Justice Kevin Bell ruled that the community impact of the machines would be strongly negative.

The decision follows significant community resistance to the introduction of the machines into the Victorian country town.

Senator Xenophon said the decision was a clear sign that authorities were beginning to recognise the harmful impact of poker machines on communities.

"This decision shows that the rights of a community should take precedence over a hotelier's desire for more money," Nick said.

Senator Xenophon also argued the ruling raised questions about existing poker machine licences.

"If VCAT is willing to admit poker machines would be harmful to the community of Romsey, what does that say about other communities that already have poker machine venues" Nick said.

Senator Xenophon also noted that promises by the hotel to donate some money to community organisations were not enough to secure the licenses.

"This decision shows that even if venues do give some profits away, the impact on communities like Romsey would still be overwhelmingly negative."