Updated January 22, 2012 06:32:57

Video: Wilkie speaks about the broken deal (ABC News)

Independent MP Andrew Wilkie has withdrawn his support from the Government after the Prime Minister broke her agreement on poker machine reform.

Mr Wilkie says he had no choice but to walk away from the Government after Julia Gillard broke the deal she made with him on pre-commitment technology in the wake of the last election.

New pokies plan

• Original deadline abandoned.
• Pre-commitment built-in to new machines from 2013.
• 12-month trial of mandatory pre-commitment in 2013.
• Trial to end early 2014 and be reviewed.
• Poker machines to display electronic warnings.
• $250 limit on ATM withdrawls.

The move plunges the Government back to a one seat majority and Mr Wilkie says he is now "more independent than ever".

On Saturday Ms Gillard and Community Services Minister Jenny Macklin announced they were abandoning the timeline set by Mr Wilkie and would instead start a trial of mandatory poker machine technology next year.

The Government will introduce legislation to require the mandatory pre-commitment technology be installed on every new poker machine manufactured from the start of 2013, with a trial taking place in the ACT.

Ms Gillard says the technology will be in place by the end of 2016 should evidence support a national adoption of mandatory pre-commitment.

The deal struck with Mr Wilkie involved legislating reforms by May 8 that require pre-commitment, with a roll-out of the technology by 2014.

Mr Wilkie says the new plan is too different from his original deal and he has "no option" but to end his support of the Government.

"It is so different that today I have withdrawn my support from the Gillard Government," he said.

"Frankly, a deal's a deal, and I really do think our democracy is much too precious to trash with broken promises and backroom deals."

Mr Wilkie says the new plan for poker machine reform is a "long way short", but he still plans to vote for the Government's package.

However he disputes that his original deal did not have enough support in the Parliament.

"I remain confident that the numbers were there," he said.

Mr Wilkie says the Prime Minister should have honoured her agreement.

The Prime Minister made a deal with me, she signed it, and I think Australians expect her ... to honour that deal

Andrew Wilkie

"The Prime Minister made a deal with me, she signed it, and I think Australians expect her - even if they disagree with the content of that deal - to honour that deal," he said.

"I feel very let down and very disappointed because I know the numbers are there."

Mr Wilkie says from now on his conscience will determine his vote on all issues, and he expects to have a warmer relationship with the Opposition.

"Now I am more independent than ever," he said.

"Now I want to have exactly the same relationship both with the Government and the Opposition."

Mr Wilkie's support for the Government had been key until late last year, when Liberal Peter Slipper defected to the speaker's chair, giving the Government an extra vote in the House of Representatives.

Video: George Roberts explains what Wilkie's move will mean for the Government (7pm TV News NSW)

'A sad day'

Greens spokesman for gambling Senator Richard Di Natale says the Government's decision will set poker machine reform back for decades.

He says the decision is spineless.

"Today is a sad day for anyone who believes in social justice in this country," he said.

"It's a sad day for the ordinary battlers that the Labor Party once represented, and it's a sad day for people whose lives are shattered from problem gambling."

Under the Government's new plan, poker machines will also be required to display electronic warnings, while ATMs at gaming venues will have a $250 daily withdrawal limit.

Earlier, Ms Macklin told Saturday AM that discussions on the pokies trial were in the early stages but financial support would be offered to clubs.

Video: Gillard announces pokies pre-commitment trial (ABC News)

Wilkie withdraws support over broken pokies deal - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)