Media Release – Helping Tasmanians have their say in the 2020 Social and Economic Impact Study of Gambling in Tasmania
Meg Webb | Media Release | October 7, 2020
Independent Member for Nelson Meg Webb has created an easily accessible, online submission form for people to respond directly to the independent SEIS researchers into Gambling in Tasmania.
The form is now live at: https://megwebb.com.au/seis-online-submission/
“The State Government has buried the opportunity for Tasmanians to provide input into important independent research on the social and economic impact of gambling at the same time it is progressing a fundamental change to the poker machine licensing model in this state,” Ms Webb said.
“The public input phase of the 2020 Social and Economic Impact Study of Gambling in Tasmania was only advertised only in one of the three Tasmanian newspapers, completely ignoring the North and North-West.
“Neither was there a Government media release or media comment to promote the SEIS public input opportunity – standard practice for virtually any other topic.
“It’s almost as if the Gutwein Government doesn’t want to hear from Tasmanians on the topic of poker machines and gambling!”
Ms Webb said she wants Tasmanians who have a view about the impact of pokies and gambling on the Tasmanian community to have the chance to share their views and make their voice heard on this issue.
“I want Tasmanians to send their experiences, views and observations about gambling.
“They don’t have to be experts to contribute to this study. They may have personal experiences to share or witnessed the experiences of family members, friends or colleagues.”
Ms Webb said the independent researchers, based in South Australia, are keen to hear directly from Tasmanians.
“I have confirmed directly with the SEIS lead research group that they will accept public submissions through this online tool beyond the original cut-off date, through to 2 November 2020.
“This provides a more realistic timeframe for people to share their views in this challenging COVID-19 period.”
Ms Webb said the powerful pokies industry and vested interests have ready access to the ear of Government.
“Their influence on public policy is plain to see with the Liberal Government directly adopting an industry-written policy to take to the last State election, where in return the Government received millions of dollars to support their re-election.
“The Gutwein Government continues to fail the Tasmanian people at every turn when it comes to poker machine policy and regulation, ignoring expert advice and evidence-based approaches.
“But Tasmanians can step-up, with the help of this easy online submission form, and ensure that this independent study is a genuine reflection of the impact, including the harm, of gambling and particularly poker machines in our community.”
What is the Social and Economic Impact Study (SEIS)?
Every three years the State Government funds independent researchers to review the social and economic impact of gambling in Tasmania.
The 2020 research is being done by the South Australian Centre for Economic Studies (SACES), ENGINE Group, Centre for Policy Studies (Victoria Uni) and Saul Eslake.
Questions for input on the online form:
- What impact do you think gambling has on the Tasmanian community – the benefits and the costs?
- What impact do you think gambling has on other Tasmanian industries and the economy?
- What’s your view on Tasmania’s current gambling harm minimisation measures? What further measures do you think should be considered?
- What’s your view on whether gambling venues adhere to responsible gambling practices? What further responsible gambling practices do you think should be considered in venues?
- What impact did the COVID-19 lockdown have on the gambling participation of either yourself or friends/family/work colleagues?
- What impact did the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions on gaming venues have on the gambling participation of either yourself or friends/family/work colleagues?
- Any other matters you wish to raise or general comments you wish to make?
Information on the SEIS:
SEIS discussion paper:
https://www.treasury.tas.gov.au/Documents/SACES%20Community%20Consultation%20Discussion%20Paper.PDF
