Opinion – Once in 20 year Opportunity Poker Machine Reform

Tasmania has a once-in-twenty years opportunity to reset its approach to poker machines and deliver a state that is healthier, happier and better off.  But there’s a history of the pokies industry dictating policy to serve its own vested interests, which is exactly what we see again now. 

The Gutwein Government has put a future gaming proposal forward but failed to present any evidence that this policy serves the best interests of our state.

The Government can’t even say whether its proposal will cause more problem gambling in Tasmania.   I wonder what level of pokies harm the Gutwein government is happy to accept for Tasmanian families? 

No other country suffers the harm from pokies that we do.  There’s plenty of international evidence on exactly what would work to reduce harm here, but the Gutwein government isn’t doing any of it.

Another gap in the picture is how the Government’s proposal will affect the shape of the local industry.  Where is the modelling to show how small, single-venue operators will be affected?  Will we have any genuine, Tasmanian-owned ‘locals’ left if this licence change happens?

One thing that is clear is that special deals are being done for Federal Group and its casino operations.  There’s no credible reason for casinos to contribute less than pubs to the Community Support Levy, or have lower taxation rates.  Why is the Gutwein government short-changing our state to benefit a major party donor?

The Tasmanian people have a right to demand answers. We should be confident that this is the best option for our state for the next twenty years.

The Government is consulting on its pokies proposal, you can have your say here: https://www.treasury.tas.gov.au/liquor-and-gaming/gambling/future-gaming-market

Help me be a voice for our community – I want to hear your views and stories on pokies reform: meg.webb@parliament.tas.gov.au  

Kingborough Chronicle | March 3, 2020