Voters are ‘fed up’ with major parties’ silence on poker machines, says Kristie Johnston

The “gaming industry cheer squad” is desperate to keep poker machines under the radar this election, says an independent candidate who wants to see major reforms in the industry.

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THE two major parties are attempting to remain as quiet as possible on the issue of poker machines this election, says independent candidate for Clark Kristie Johnston.

It was revealed last month that Labor signed a secret deal with the Tasmanian Hospitality Association in February pledging its support for poker machines, Keno and other forms of gambling to continue in pubs and clubs.

It came after the party dumped its 2018 election policy of removing poker machines from non-casino venues.

The agreement backs the government’s proposed gambling arrangements and promises a regimen of education — rather than enforcement — for employers who do not abide by award conditions for their workers.

Kristie Johnston has hit out at the major parties’ silence on poker machines during this election campaign. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Ms Johnston said the public was talking about the pokies issue “a lot and they are fed up”.

“The gaming industry cheer squad has been desperate not to make poker machines an issue at this state election,” she said.

“There’s simply too much money to be made to let little things – like bankruptcy, family breakups, domestic violence, mental and physical ill health, crime, drug and alcohol abuse, and self-harm – get in the way.

“But despite the efforts of Labor and the Liberals to be as quiet as possible on the issue, the community are talking about it a lot and they are fed up. They can see the harm it causes and they want pokies out of pubs and clubs in our community.”

Ms Johnston said if she was elected, should would introduce legislation to reform poker machines and phase them out.

“Reforms like $1 maximum bets, slower spins and lower jackpots need to be brought in urgently,” she said.

“It will be fascinating to see how many parliamentarians grow a backbone and support me, and more importantly, support the community.”