Media Release – Calls to Extend Public Consultation for Gambling Impact Study

Independent Member for Nelson Meg Webb today called for the public consultation period for the fifth Social and Economic Impact Study of Gambling in Tasmania (SEIS) to be extended.

“In simple terms, six weeks is not enough time. This call come on top of revelations that the Government’s advertisement was only published in one of the State’s weekend newspapers instead of all three, and local study consultant, Mr Saul Eslake, has yet to receive his brief,” Ms Webb said.

“The gambling social and economic impact study is a legislated requirement under the Gaming Control Act, one which deserves to be taken seriously and have the government genuinely seek community input.”

Ms Webb said the six-week consultation period should be extended by another month.

“This will ensure the community can participate in a meaningful manner on a significant and potentially sensitive issue. This will not impact the study’s reporting timeframe as it is not due until June next year.

“If Ms Eslake has not even received his brief, it is unreasonable for the clock to be ticking on the community’s opportunity to prepare considered submissions.”

Ms Webb said not advertising the public consultation in Northern Tasmania was not best practice.

“It’s either a disrespectful oversight or a disturbing insight into the Government’s poor regard for meaningful community consultation. Northern Tasmanians who care about this issue should not be disenfranchised.

“Extending the public consultation would be a positive gesture of goodwill to provide all Tasmanians adequate time to contribute to this significant study.

Background Note:  Section 151 (5) of the Gaming Control Act 1993 stipulates:

(5)  The Minister must –

(a) cause an independent review of the social and economic impact of gambling in Tasmania to be carried out every 3 years; and

(b) cause the findings of each such review (or a report of those findings) to be tabled in each House of Parliament within 20 sitting days of that House after the completion of the review.

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