Federal Group’s scare tactics no surprise

It’s no surprise to see Federal Group CEO Greg Farrell complaining so loudly in the wake of Labor’s decision to join community groups, the Greens and the vast majority of Tasmanian people in calling for the removal of poker machines from pubs and clubs.

Mr Farrell is the mouthpiece of a company trying to protect its profits. Indeed, readers of his comments may have a sense of déjà vu, as Mr Farrell brought out every cliché he could think of to defend his company’s predatory business model. But no matter how he tries to dress it up, Mr Farrell knows that poker machines hurt everyday Tasmanians, they take money out of the community and they cause misery to thousands of people every day.

Mr Farrell also unintentionally highlighted Tasmania’s desperate need for political donation reform when he threatened to “review” Federal Group’s donations to Labor. His comments make it abundantly clear that the Federal Group’s donations were always intended to undermine our democracy and influence Labor’s policy decisions.

We know that the removal of pokies from pubs and clubs will put millions of dollars back into local communities, and save many more millions in public services that are currently overstretched through dealing with the destruction pokies cause. Mr Farrell’s claims are self-serving.
Andrea Dawkins MP | Greens Gambling spokesperson