RESTRICTING people's freedom to play poker machines is not what Australian Diggers fought and died for, an RSL conference at Twin Towns has heard.

Speaking in Tweed Heads this week, South Australian Senator Cory Bernardi reassured RSL and services clubs directors from across the country that the Coalition would do everything it could to ensure a person's freedom to gamble their legally earned money.

“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction,” he said, quoting former American president Ronald Reagan.

“And so the challenge before us is to make sure that we are not the last generation to have the freedom that so many of our ancestors have fought for.”

Legislation proposed by the Federal Government could see gamblers forced to nominate a limit on their spending, and have their pokie machine transactions logged on a card.

Senator Bernadi was openly critical of the proposed legislation at the RSL and Services Club National Conference.

“The Anzac tradition that so many Australians share as a source of pride is something that is growing and unites us and binds us together, and our RSLs are an important part of maintaining this,” he said.

“Mandatory pre-commitment is a serious threat to this industry. It will destroy many clubs, it will result in the loss of many jobs, and it will potentially threaten many community and sporting groups.

“Our current troops need a warm and welcoming community to come back to after they've served their nation.

“That is why I will do all I can to stop mandatory pre-commitment from being implemented in this country.

“It needs to be stopped on the principles that our diggers and the people who have served our country well over generations past fought for, and that is the principle of freedom.

“Remember, if they can take this away, what can they take away from you next?”

Senator Bernadi said the best way to stop problem gambling would be to reduce welfare payments for those with gambling addictions.

“One thing the government could do to stamp out problem gambling for people that cannot afford it would be to implement welfare quarantine right across the board,” he said.

“Up to 50% of people who are suffering from gambling problems are on some form of full-time welfare.”

Mr Bernadi said only those who had worked in a similar environment to an RSL, pub or club could understand the special relationship between a manager and his staff and patrons.