Tell us the proposed tax rate for casino pokies: Greens
Gaming opponents say the state election is the perfect time to talk about the pokies and future deals with Federal Group, “the Liberal Party’s biggest donor”. HAVE YOUR SAY >>
Politics
Don't miss out on the headlines from Politics. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The Tasmanian Greens have called on the Premier to tell voters what tax rate will be charged on poker machines in Federal Hotels’ two casinos under proposed legislation yet to come before parliament.
“The Liberals were going to give a special deal to the pokies industry through legislation that was to be tabled in this term of the parliament,” Greens leader Cassy O’Connor said.
“Labor told Tasmanians it was going to back the removal of poker machines from pubs and clubs. The Greens’ position against these machines, of course, has been oxygen clear for a very long time.
“We’re in a very different position now.
“With both the Liberal and Labor parties now set to back in the extension of pokies in pubs and clubs until 2043, more transparency from Peter Gutwein and Rebecca White is needed.
“We know, from an answer the Premier gave in parliament last week, that should he win he will introduce amendments to the Gaming Control Act into parliament in the first half of this year.
“The Premier needs to tell Tasmanians what tax rate he’s decided Federal Hotels will pay on poker machines in their casinos under the new laws.”
Author of Losing Streak James Boyce said the Federal Group was the Liberal Party’s biggest donor.
“The gaming industry proposed before the 2018 election a cut in the tax on casino poker machines to the lowest in the nation – just 10 cents in the dollar,” Mr Boyce said.
“It was proposed as compensation for Federal giving up their monopoly despite the contract expiring anyway. The Tasmanian people don’t owe the Federal Group a cent in compensation.
“This legislation will make the Liberal Party look like it has been bought and that is the reality and that's why they don’t want to talk about poker machines this election.”
Labor Leader Rebecca White said the government’s gaming reform Bill had not been delivered but should have been debated and dealt with before the election.
Finance Minister Michael Ferguson said the legislation would be introduced soon.
“As the Premier said on Friday our position on the gaming legislation has been very clear and that legislation will be introduced as soon as it can be after this election,” Mr Ferguson said.
Inside the pokie reform feud: Ex-Treasurer lifts the lid
The former Treasurer has lifted the lid on the pokie reform divide, exposing his views on claims made by the THA that a card scheme would harm businesses. Here’s what he says.
Spirit availability a ‘nightmare’ for Hobart fisherman
Businesses having invested big to capitalise on new Spirit capacity promised for this summer are suffering a ‘nightmare’ situation, Labor says. Here’s how it’s impacting one business.