Clear and sustained opposition to pokies …

The Tasmanian Greens today welcomed results from the Mercury’s Great Tassie Survey ( Readers say it’s all about jobs ) which showed that Tasmanians wanted pokies removed from their communities.

Greens Gaming spokesperson Kim Booth MP said that the results, while not surprising, sent a clear message to the parliament that MPs who do not support rolling back pokies are not representing the wishes or best interests of constituents.

“Polls taken on the issue of pokies continually return data that shows the Tasmanian public are sick of these destructive, life wrecking machines,” said Mr Booth.

“The Greens would like to see pokies completely removed from our communities, however the Liberal and Labor parties are not even open to stronger harm minimisation measures.”

“Just this week, Finance Minister Scott Bacon conceded that the State did not have to pay any compensation to the Federal Group for legislating to reduce bet limits from $10 to $5 in 2009. There is no excuse for failing to reduce the bet limit down to $1.”

“We cannot continue to pour approximately $200 million into these dead-end collection devices every year, it’s not economically or socially responsible,” Mr Booth said.

• LEGISLATION LAGGING MODERN SOCIAL VALUES

Survey Results Indicate We Need to Get on With it

Greens Leader Nick McKim MP, today welcomed results returned from the Mercury’s Great Tassie Survey which showed that the majority of respondents support marriage equality and voluntary euthanasia

Mr McKim said it was heartening that so many Mercury readers shared a vision for a tolerant Tasmanian society that is inclusive and accommodating of a diverse range of values.

“It is deeply heartening that this survey has shown such strong support for marriage equality and voluntary euthanasia,” Mr McKim said.

“However, it is not surprising. It has been clear for years Tasmanians want change in these areas to reflect modern community values, and the Premier and I are working to achieve this.”

“I urge all state MPs to take note of this latest expression of community support when these issues next come before them in the Parliament.”

“Legislating for modern social values will actually strengthen our society and will better position Tasmania to capitalise on modern economic opportunities.”

“But ultimately marriage equality and voluntary euthanasia should be supported because they are the right thing to do based on human rights and the principle that Parliaments should not unreasonably curtail freedom of choice.”

“I will continue to work to deliver these reforms that mean so much to so many Tasmanians,” said Mr McKim.