The social pain of pokies … and hypocrisy

Isla Macgregor

Digging through the archives I came across this little gem…..

A LETTER sent to NGO’s from then Leader of the Labor Opposition Michael Field and Shadow Minister Paul Lennon:

“As you, the Labor party has been vigorous in leading the debate against extending poker machines into hotels and clubs.

The matter is now with the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee, but there is little doubt that the Groom Liberal Government has made up its mind to extend the use of poker machines.

In Government, this was an option put to us by the Treasury, but we ruled it out because of the enormous social pain which would be inflicted on our community.

Our position has not changed. We believe that poker machines are not a revenue option for Tasmania. The social cost far outweighs any revenue gain to the State, and that through proper management, the Liberal Government should be able to achieve its objectives.

The Government already commissioned its own report on the social and economic impact of poker machines. This study was carried out by the Tasmanian Council of Social Services. Not only did the report advise against any extension of these machines, but TASCOSS itself firmly opposed the concept.

The Government should not ignore expert advice, nor the wishes of the community. We should work together to ensure that the Government acts out of the best interests of the broader community and not out of poliitical expediency.

If you would like to discuss this, or any other issue, please get in touch.

Yours sincerely…..”

About face ….. left….right