Media Release – Labor Leadership Pokies Position
Media Release | May 27, 2021
Independent Member for Nelson Meg Webb today called on the Labor leadership candidates – David O’Byrne and Shane Broad – to declare their position on pokies.
“Both leadership candidates need to come clean to Labor Members ahead of the crucial leadership ballot,” Ms Webb said.
“The Gutwein Government’s legislation on poker machine reform is expected to come to Parliament before the next Labor State conference – so the existing policy platform stands.
“I know from Labor Party members they were extremely concerned about the secret THA pokies deal revealed before the State election.
“I am calling on Mr O’Byrne and Dr Broad to detail their position on poker machines and harm minimisation – so that the Labor rank and file are fully informed before they cast their ballots.”
Ms Webb said Labor has an existing policy platform relating to poker machines:
https://taslabor.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/CHAPTER-3-Caring-for-Tasmanians.pdf
“It states: ‘Labor will engage in responsible partnerships and avoid ceding policy influence to vested interests.’ and ‘Tasmania Labor recognises the harm caused by problem gambling, specifically poker machines.’
Ms Webb questioned whether the potential new Labor leader is keeping keep rank and file members in the dark on this issue.
“Surely the Labor membership deserves to know exactly what vague allusions to ‘harm minimisation’ actually mean.
“The secret THA deal, made with those who stand to be the most powerful pokies vested interests under the Government’s new licensing model, promises a veto power to those same vested interests.
“The deal also says Labor will only support measures ‘workable’ to industry. How is that compatible with the party platform? Each leadership contender should be upfront with membership about exactly what ‘workable’ means.”
Ms Webb said Labor’s elected members know the consumer protection measures that will be effective in reducing pokies harm in the Tasmanian community without affecting recreational use or jobs.
“Will Mr O’Byrne and Dr Board commit to:
- $1 bet limits
- Slower spin speed
- Lower maximum jackpots
- Prohibiting near misses and losses disguised as wins
- Regular machine shutdowns
- Increased Return to Player rate.”
Ms Webb said comments from the Labor Party President in relation to this leadership vote were telling: “This is a historic opportunity for participatory democracy within our party which has a proud history of giving members a voice in critical decision making. Party members will be able to engage directly with the leadership candidates and will also have the opportunity to engage in a statewide online forum to hear about each of the candidate’s positive plans for our Party. The ballot provides rank and file Party members with a genuine choice over the future of the party.”
“Will the Labor leadership finally keep faith with its members on the issue of poker machines, or continue to keep them in the dark?”
Read more of Meg’s recent media.
