• ABC Fact Check says the Liberals are “wrong”
• Hodgman misleading Tasmanians over his poker machine policy
• Liberals giving away $250 million worth of licences
Premier Will Hodgman is misleading Tasmanians when he says he’s putting the future of poker machines out to tender.
As the ABC’s Fact Check exposes the Liberal lies over jobs, Shadow Treasurer Scott Bacon has called on the Premier to tell the truth.
“The Liberals aren’t putting the pokies out to tender like they promised they would,” Mr Bacon said.
“Instead they are gifting $250 million worth of licences, mostly to big businesses like Woolworths and the Federal Group.
“The only part of the operation being put out to a competitive tender is the network, which is a tiny slice of the pie.
“Will Hodgman was exposed not knowing his own policy and now he’s trying to mislead Tasmanians.
“He’s signing Tasmanians up to a dud deal that entrenches poker machines, and the harm that comes with them, in Tasmanian communities until 2043.
“The Premier needs to explain why he’s prepared to give away enormously lucrative licences for free.
“He’s been bought and corrupted by the poker machine industry and is desperate to hide how much they’re pouring into his campaign.
“And both the Premier and Treasurer have been prepared to lie about the employment associated with poker machines in Tasmania.
“ABC Fact Check has confirmed the Liberals have been lying about the number of jobs attached to poker machines in pubs and clubs.
“Peter Gutwein and Will Hodgman have been caught out trying to scare people.
“With a week left until Tasmanians go to the polls, it’s time the Liberals started telling the truth.”
Scott Bacon MP Shadow Treasurer 23 February 2018
