MP urges economic and social advisory council recommend immediate pokies shutdown

Poker machines should be shut down until Tasmania’s health, social and economic conditions have stabilised, an MP says.

THE Premier’s economic and social advisory council has been urged to “urgently investigate” a spike in pokies losses following the lifting of coronavirus restrictions.

Independent Upper House MP Meg Webb has written to the chair of the council Don Challen, urging the high-powered committee to recommend an immediate shutdown of poker machines “until there is clear evidence Tasmania’s health, social and economic conditions have stabilised”.

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Government figures showed Tasmanians lost $525,000 a day once pokies were switched back on in June.

The government has previously stated that poker machines create jobs, but Ms Webb said there was “significant evidence” linking periods of economic downturn and societal challenge with increased problem gambling.

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The council will provide recommendations on immediate actions and initiatives later this month, with a fuller report to be delivered by September, to inform the development of the 2020-21 Budget.

Peter Gutwein has tasked the council, which is made up of local business, education and tourism leaders as well as community advocates, with identifying opportunities for economic and social renewal.