Premier defends secret tax talks

David Killick | Mercury Newspaper | 20 August 2021   

THERE was nothing untoward about secret negotiations with Liberal donors Federal Group over pokies tax rates before the election, Premier Peter Gutwein says.

Mr Gutwein confirmed he acted alone as Treasurer, and did not consult cabinet, when he settled on the tax rates that would apply to Federal and other gaming operators under new gaming legislation.

The Premier repeatedly refused to reveal the rates in the lead-up to the May 1 state election.

But independent MLC Meg Webb revealed an exchange of letters between the Premier and Federal Group in December and January which agreed on the proposed tax rates, licence fees and other arrangements

Voters were not told until July 7, more than six months after Federal Group and two months after the election. Mr Gutwein said the tax rates weren’t settled until cabinet agreed to them on May 24.

“Let me put this to you: Federal hotels as a party donor just lost $20m,” he said.

“Now I’d like you to write that because at the end of the day the view that some seem to be taking is that Federal Hotels have been given a hand up.

“They’ve lost $20 million as a result of the deal and the state has done better and pubs and clubs have done better.”

Mr Gutwein said the letters he sent to Federal were not negotiations over the rate, but rather a Treasurer indicating his intent.

The government proposals will need to pass parliament before they become law.

Ms Webb said the government was digging itself a deeper hole.

“There can be no doubt that the Future Gaming Markets deal was deliberately hidden from Tasmanian voters and media during the last election campaign,” she said.

Read Meg’s Media Release here

See the RTI decision here