Legislative Council debate on poker machine reform adjourned amid coronavirus concerns

An MLC’s argument that the Legislative Council chamber is “not conducive to social distancing” has stalled a debate on poker machine reform.

THE Legislative Council chamber is “not conducive to social distancing”, one MLC has argued, casting doubt over future sittings.

Murchison MLC Ruth Forrest moved to adjourn proceedings during a debate on poker machine reform late on Tuesday afternoon amid coronavirus concerns.

In the House of Assembly, 15 of the 25 members sat, with a vacant chair between each under social distancing advice.

But MLCs sat closer together and shared lecterns on the first sitting day for the Legislative Council in 2020.

Murchison MLC Ruth Forrest. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

“There is no air movement in this place, members are sharing a podium and all these things are posing an infection control risk,’’ Ms Forrest said.

The State Government’s leader in the Legislative Council, Liberal MLC Leonie Hiscutt, agreed.

“It is a health issue and now is the time to vacate and get some fresh air,’’ she said.

MLCs had been considering a motion brought by independent member for Nelson Meg Webb on a push for greater scrutiny of a proposed new poker machine licensing deal and better analysis of social and economic impacts.

Ms Webb brought on a motion yesterday saying consultation of the changes has been too limited, and also called on the Legislative Council to note the harmful effects of poker machines in the state.

The Government’s first round of public consultation on the future regulation of poker machines, casinos and Keno was released for public comment last month.

The period for comment on the changes – which will apply from 2023 – ends today.

During her address to the chamber, Ms Webb said problem gambling created flow-on effects such as mental ill-health, domestic violence, homelessness, relationship breakdown and crime.

Independent member for Nelson Meg Webb. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

Ms Webb quoted various reports covering the impacts of problem gambling.

And she criticised the State Government for its approach to reform, saying Tasmanians could not trust the policy because they had not had the chance to examine it properly.

“Poker machines … are a product that puts health, families and livelihoods at risk,’’ she said.

“This is a product that will never be on the right side of history, but each of us can be.”

Tasmanian Hospitality Association chief executive Steve Old criticised the timing of Ms Webb’s push given the coronavirus crisis and its impact on the hospitality industry.

“It is an absolute disgrace in these unprecedented times that we are all facing to have a politician of any level and persuasion trying to take cheap shots at industries and jobs,’’ he said.

It comes as the Federal Group on Tuesday announced every second poker machine will be shut down as part of social distancing measures due to coronavirus.

It said the initiative would be implemented in gaming rooms at Wrest Point in Hobart, Country Club in Launceston and 12 pubs around the state.

Debate on Ms Webb’s motion will continue when the Legislative Council resumes.