Media Release – Government’s Negligence Over COVID-19 Pokies

Independent Member for Nelson Meg Webb said today Right to Information response reveals social and economic impact assessments were not undertaken prior to the opening of gaming venues in late June.

“This is despite the Gutwein Liberal Government being presented with evidence there were considerable risks other than only public health hygiene considerations should access to poker machines resume during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Ms Webb said.

“I am shocked by the negligent and careless attitude of the Government towards those impacted by pokies addiction, especially during the pandemic’s escalated vulnerability and stressful conditions.” Ms Webb said the response to her RTI request exposed the extent to which this
Government is failing its duty of care obligations.

“It revealed the negative consequences of reopening gaming rooms during the height of the pandemic. Despite evidence from the Global Financial Crisis experience, specific assessment of the risks was not undertaken to inform that decision.

“The Premier was warned COVID-19 would increase pressure on Tasmanians with pokies addictions and any decisions to lift access restrictions required more than only public health hygiene considerations.

“The Premier was reminded of the GFC evidence, which saw pokies losses spike with access to stimulus funds, similar to the pandemic circumstances. The RTI shows he did not care enough to act.”

Ms Webb said the extraordinary combined pokies losses of $22,057,688 for the first 35 days after the reopening of gaming rooms shows the real-life impact of failing to take a responsible evidence-based approach.

“The RTI response confirms serious concerns Government in general is taking an apathetic and negligent approach towards developing good evidence-based public policy on pokies.

“This is the latest example of a ‘we don’t care’ attitude towards gambling addiction.”

“This Government has a pattern of ignoring evidence when it comes to pokies. It failed to wait for the completion of the independent 2017 Social and Economic Impact Study (SEIS) before adopting a new pokies election policy and has neglected to provide any social or economic modelling to inform the proposed new licensing arrangements.” Ms Webb said that situation has continued with advertising for public input into the important 2020 Social and Economic Impact Study only occurring in one of the state’s three newspapers and no media release issued.

“There is no indication Government wants to hear from the Tasmanian people on this issue and no commitment it will wait for the Study’s results before progressing its new licensing model.

“Clearly, the Gutwein Government’s approach – when it comes to meaningful pokies reform – is one of deliberately burying its head in the sand and avoiding any evidence-based policy or regulation.

Copy of RTI response to Meg Webb MLC from Dept. Treasury and Finance, dated 21 September 2020