Media Release – Call for Government to Release Impact Modelling of New Pokies Licensing Plan

The Legislative Council today endorsed a call for the Tasmanian government to release social and economic impact modelling of the proposed new poker machine licensing arrangements.

Independent Member for Nelson Meg Webb – who moved the motion calling for the public release of any modelling undertaken – urged Premier Peter Gutwein to respect the vote outcome.

“I call on the Premier to either provide the requested information or undertake the necessary social and economic impact work as a matter of urgency,” Ms Webb said.

“The Government’s proposed new pokies licensing arrangements were contentious prior to COVID-19 – but in the context of the pandemic, it further highlights concerns that the new system poses additional risk to the community at a time when it can least afford it.

“A significant positive aspect of the State’s pandemic response has been the demonstration by political leaders of the importance of a public health, evidence-based, decision-making approach.

“It is consistent with that commitment to expert advice driving public policy for Premier Gutwein to clarify whether this important baseline modelling evidence exists by releasing it immediately, or to commit to that work being undertaken urgently.”

Ms Webb said Tasmania has had a destructive culture of ignoring expert advice regarding pokies harm and necessary reform measures, including from its independent authority – the Liquor and Gaming Commission – which is charged with supplying that expert advice.

“We need to break this culture of wilful ignorance. We need a circuit breaker and the current political leadership shift to adopting an abundance of caution evidence-driven approach would provide that.

“This is a no-brainer really.  Either this vital modelling work exists and should be released immediately, or it has not been done which is a shocking oversight and requiring urgent addressing – in accordance with the Upper House vote.”

Meg’s Poker machine licensing Motion to Parliament

See more recent media from Meg Webb

Read more about Meg’s actions on Pokies