Statements
Premier Refuses Monopoly Deed Public Process
In Question Time today, the Premier, who once described the Federal Monopoly Deed as a ‘mates’ deal’, refused to commit to a public process that involves Tasmanians in the discussion over the future of gambling in Tasmania.
He also refused to commit to taking any extension of the Deed to the people at the next election.
To date, the Liberals in government are proving themselves just as captive to their political donors – Federal Hotels – as Labor was before them.
The difference is that the Liberals now have a real opportunity here to break the social stranglehold poker machines have on disadvantaged Tasmanians, and deny Federal Hotels an extension on the Deed which has caused so much harm.
It is up to the Premier to show leadership, to reduce the harm caused by poker machines and to support MONA in its bid to become more financially viable in the longer term.
Cassy O’Connor MP | Greens Leader