Head in the sand on pokies

The Tasmanian Government has its head in the sand on pokies, with the Treasurer claiming today that they only cause social problems from “time to time.”

Maybe that’s why they look set to ignore advice from the Tasmanian Gaming Commission in dealing with problem gambling.

The Gaming Commission has said that:

“…the TGC believes the government should undertake further analysis of options to arrest and reverse the placement of EGMs (pokies) in socially and economically vulnerable communities”.

Today the Treasurer expressly ruled this out, saying it was too difficult. Let’s not forget that this is coming from a Treasurer who is trying to claim that he is making difficult decisions.

Contrary to the wild assertions of Mr Aird, the Gaming Commission isn’t asking the Government to rip up the deed with Federal Hotels, which set a cap on pokies, they are simply asking for a review to be undertaken into the placement of these machines into disadvantaged areas. Other States have acted on this issue.

Surely, if this Government is to live up to its claims that it will be data driven and evidenced based, then it shouldn’t put its head in the sand and should at least find out what its options are.
Will Hodgman MP Leader of the Opposition