Question – Reopening of Tasmania’s poker machine rooms on 26 June 2020
Questions asked by Meg Webb MLC on 25 June 2020 and answerd by the Minister for Finance, the Hon Michael Ferguson MP on 25 August 2020
In relation to the planned reopening of Tasmania’s poker machine rooms on 26 June 2020, and the government’s apparent protocol of responding to the COVID-19 pandemic with an evidence-based approach based on public health advice:
QUESTION (1) Does the Government acknowledge that the resumption of operation of poker machine gaming rooms in Tasmania is not comparable to the resumption of the other food, beverage and event aspects of the hospitality industry as, in addition to managing COVID-19 health risks, evidence points to the use of poker machines presenting additional and unique economic and social risks at this time?
ANSWER: When the COVID-19 public health restrictions caused many businesses and services to temporarily close, the reopening of these businesses and services was informed by public health advice that it was safe to do so. Electronic gaming machines (EGMs) are legally permitted to operate in Tasmania. The reopening of gaming venues, including those operating EGMs, has been determined based on public health advice.
QUESTION (2) Has the plan and timeline for resuming the operation of poker machines in Tasmania been data-driven and based on health, economic and social impact analysis?
(a) if so, please provide that analysis
(b) if not, please provide the full rationale and factors considered in making the determination that the resumption of poker machine use was appropriate to occur on 26 June?
ANSWER: On 26 June 2020, gaming venues, including those with EGMs, were allowed to open under the stage 3 easing of restrictions, along with many other legal businesses subject to public health advice. Each venue is operating under a COVID-19 safety plan that implements the public health measures required under the COVID Safe Workplace Guidelines for the Gambling Industry.
QUESTION (3) Noting the clear evidence from the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) in 2008-09 where government stimulus payments were shown to have been diverted to poker machines causing losses to spike substantially, what impact analysis has been done to assess the risk that restarting access to poker machines at this time will erode the effectiveness of both Federal and State government economic stimulus efforts (including, but not limited to, increased Job Seeker payments, Job Keeper payments, and early-accessed personal superannuation lump sums) designed to ensure household essential requirements are met and local economies most effectively supported?
ANSWER: EGMs are a well-regulated gambling activity in Tasmania. Based on the 2017 Social and Economic Impact Study of Gambling in Tasmania, Tasmania has a relatively low incidence of problem gambling (estimated at 0.6 per cent of Tasmanian adults) compared to other Australian jurisdications. EGMs are legally permitted to operate in Tasmania and the reopening of gaming venues was based on public health advice that it was safe to do so.
QUESTION (4) (a) Has the government been lobbied to reopen public access to gaming rooms; and
(b) if so, by whom?
ANSWER: The reopening of gaming venues was based on public health advice.
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