Former ALP national secretary Karl Bitar is to take up a job managing government relations for Crown Casino owner Crown Ltd.
The appointment of Mr Bitar, who left his ALP role last month, comes as the Gillard Labor government considers the findings of an inquiry into new measures to tackle problem gambling.
The measures, which independent MP Andrew Wilkie has said need to be implemented if the minority government is to retain his support, are expected to include technology to limit the amount of
money that pokies players can lose.
Mr Bitar's work will also cover tourism and infrastructure development, Crown said in a statement.
Anti-pokies campaigner Senator Nick Xenophon said the appointment showed the need for a cooling-off period for political figures before they take up lobbying roles.
"Crown Casino is opposed to the federal government's sensible poker machine player protections," Senator Xenophon said.
It seems extraordinary that Mr Bitar would think it's appropriate for him to take a job that will require him to try and prevent those reforms."
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