One word in gambling policy sparks debate at Glenorchy Council meeting

One word in Glenorchy City Council’s updated gambling policy triggered feisty scenes at this month’s meeting, with the mayor describing the debate as “embarrassing”.

Glenorchy City Council has adopted a revised Statement of Commitment on Gambling Harm Reduction

One word in Glenorchy City Council’s updated gambling policy triggered feisty scenes at this month’s meeting, with the mayor describing the debate as “embarrassing”.

On Monday, councillors voted to adopt a revised Statement of Commitment on Gambling Harm Reduction, outlining council’s intent to reduce harm, including through “advocating, partnering and engaging” with community organisations.

But it was one part of the statement – its emphasis on forming partnerships – that sparked resistance from deputy mayor Russell Yaxley and Alderman Shane Alderton.

Mr Alderton argued the language could impose a “huge financial burden on ratepayers”, while Mr Yaxley described the focus on partnerships as an “overreach” and unsuccessfully moved to have the term removed.

“Partnering is a step too far,” Mr Yaxley told council.

“As an advocate … we can play our role but there are many degrees of separations away from being a partner.

“There’s a level of expectation from those that we partner with that we bring and deliver equal investment, effort, resources, and time.”

Sue Hickey Mayor of Glenorchy. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Mayor Sue Hickey criticised the debate, calling the discussion “embarrassing”.

Her remarks led Mr Yaxley to accuse her of “scoffing” at his amendment motion.

“There is nothing in that phrase that says we commit anything other than time and care and trying to be best practice in local government,” Ms Hickey said.

“Our citizens are being hurt (by gambling), and I find it really embarrassing we’re having this conversation and playing semantics.”

The Mercury reported in July that Glenorchy remains Tasmania’s slot-machine capital, accumulating almost $5 million in losses in the first quarter of this year – surpassing both Launceston and Hobart.

Alderman Stuart Slade, a former police sergeant, said his frontline exposure to gambling harm made him proud to see council back the statement.

“This statement does not mean council is going to run around on the street with a big speaker saying you’re a harmful person if you gamble,” he said.

“I couldn’t care if the word partnership is used … I think we can actually contribute (and) be a part of that jigsaw”.

Replacing the original 2020 statement, the updated policy aims to reflect evolving gambling landscape, particularly the growth of online gambling.

Ms Hickey said Council had a “key leadership role” in advocating for gambling-harm reduction.

“This updated commitment reflects current evidence, changing community expectations, and the broader shifts in gambling behaviour,” she said.

“It articulates a clearer and more contemporary approach to harm reduction, with strengthened advocacy positions and an expanded focus on collaboration across government, service providers, community organisations and research partners.”