Former premier Paul Lennon’s pokies play for Federal Hotels

FORMER premier Paul Lennon has been hired as a lobbyist by Tasmania’s monopoly pokies operator.

FORMER Premier Paul Lennon has been hired as a lobbyist by Tasmania’s monopoly pokies operator.

Mr Lennon, who was deputy premier at the time the Federal Group’s current monopoly on pokies was extended, has been engaged by the company as the State Government determines how to regulate the gaming industry after 2023.

Former premier Paul Lennon.

Mr Lennon’s consultancy firm Paramul has listed Federal Group as a client on the Tasmanian lobbyist register.

Federal Group spokesman Daniel Hanna yesterday confirmed the appointment.

“As a company, we engage many consultants to provide us with expertise and assistance on a range of matters,” he said.

“Paul is well regarded and provides the company with strategic advice and advocacy support.”

Mr Lennon did not return the Mercury’s calls yesterday.

Greens leader Cassy O’Connor said Mr Lennon was an unusual choice given the divisive nature of the pokies issue during his time as premier.

“Tasmanians who want Federal’s poker machines pulled out of pubs and clubs will remember that, during his time in politics, Mr Lennon and the Labor Party were a big part of the problem,” she said.

Denison MP Andrew Wilkie said Federal’s engagement of Mr Lennon demonstrated the symbiotic relationship between the poker machine industry and Tasmanian politicians.

“Hiring Mr Lennon is also testimony to the increasing community pressure for poker machine reform and the fact that the industry feels it needs to wheel out the big guns,” Mr Wilkie said.

Brighton Mayor Tony Foster, a strong anti-pokies campaigner, said the state now had information about the harm of pokies that it did not have in 2003.

“Paul and I are pretty good friends, but it is probably the only thing that we have differing views on,” Mr Foster said.

Originally published as Former premier Paul Lennon’s pokies play for Federal Hotels