CLUBSNSW CHIEF EXECUTIVE SACKED AFTER RELIGIOUS COMMENTS
ClubsNSW on Tuesday afternoon issued a statement confirming Landis’ tenure would end with immediate effect.
“ClubsNSW has met today to discuss the comments made by CEO Josh Landis yesterday, after careful consideration the board has made the decision to end Mr Landis’ employment with ClubsNSW with immediate effect,” the statement said.
“The board acknowledges Josh Landis’ exemplary service to the industry over more than 15 years through some very difficult times.”
Landis was forced to issue a public apology on Tuesday after comments he made to the Sydney Morning Herald suggesting the premier was motivated by his “Catholic gut” rather than evidence in pursuing statewide cashless gaming.
Perrottet has advocated since November for a transition to cashless gaming technology for the state’s 90,000 poker machines to curb problem gambling and money laundering.
The statement was issued just minutes after NSW Labor leader Chris Minns called on Landis to resign.
“We just can’t have a situation in NSW politics, where sectarian and divisive nature or commentary or even people’s ultimate motives are questioned on the basis of their religion when there’s absolutely no evidence of it,” Minns told 2GB.
In a statement earlier on Tuesday, Landis said he unreservedly apologised for the comments he made to this masthead. “I want to make it clear that in answering the question I misspoke and should not have referred to the premier’s faith. This was not a premeditated comment or an intentional attack on the premier personally,” he said.
“Rather it was a poor attempt to explain there is a lack of evidence for the policy and the premier is a moral person who intrinsically wants to help those who are causing themselves harm.”
Perrottet on Tuesday said while Landis’ future was a matter for the ClubsNSW board, his comments were “incredibly inappropriate and offensive” to people of faith across the state.
