Opinion – Tasmanians save over $20 million since pokies venues closed

As Tasmanians rally together to meet the challenge of COVID-19 we’re reminded that health and well-being is our highest priority, both as individuals and communities.

It’s clear that we are all connected in this crisis, we can’t leave anyone behind.

So, we work together and look out for each other. 

Brave and bold decisions are being made that we would never have imagined possible.

I think this greater sense of connection between us is a real strength and something to celebrate.

However, many Tasmanians are also experiencing a great deal of stress and fear about their circumstances right now.

My heart goes out to those who have lost jobs or their business, to those who are worried about keeping a roof over their head and especially to those whose age or health conditions make them very vulnerable to this virus.

As we continue to protect those most vulnerable, we will also look ahead to plan for rebuilding with those who have faced set-backs.

A very bright spot in this time is the relief being felt by tens of thousands of Tasmanians who have been freed from the harm caused by poker machines.

Tasmanians have saved close to $20 million since pokies venues closed on March 23. 

This is an incredible figure and a good news story for our state.

Close to half a million dollars a day is staying with Tasmanian families and is available in people’s wallets to support other crucial Tasmanian businesses.

For every person who has a problem with gambling, there are 5-10 people around them who are also experiencing harm; families, friends and work colleagues.

Poker machines contribute to family breakdown, homelessness, crime, family violence, poverty, mental ill-health and suicide. 

As we look ahead to rebuilding our state, this is an ideal time to positively rethink the place of pokies in our community. 

We can develop initiatives to encourage pubs and clubs to become pokies-free and be reborn as community-building social hubs.

We can reach out with extra support for people who struggle with gambling and their families.

The government can commit to legislating evidence-based harm minimisation measures, like slower spin speeds, lower maximum bet limits, lower jackpots and shorter opening hours.

The government can also transparently share its modelling on the expected social and economic impact of its proposed new poker machine licensing model, so we can clearly decide if it is the best way forward.

Through this crisis we’ve been reminded of what is truly essential, the health and well-being of our people and communities. 

This must stay at the forefront as we rebuild.

Our state doesn’t need to return to the same high levels of pokies harm, we can do much better than that.

Comment Column Kingborough Chronicle 5 May 2020