Labor leader: Ruling party “sold out”
Tasmanian punters who patronize local pubs and clubs may be rooting for the return of the country’s Liberal Party when voters go to the polls in March. Liberal Party leaders have vowed to keep pokies in the neighborhood gaming halls if they are returned to power in the election.
In December, on the other hand, Labor Party leader Rebecca White pledged to remove slot machines from non-casino venues by 2023 if that party sweeps into power. White said harm from gaming machines is “widespread” and said she would take a “once-in-a-generation” opportunity to ban pokies outside casinos.
Premier Will Hodgman said gambling “is a lawful activity” that should remain available in pubs and clubs. Speaking for the Liberals, he told reporters. “We fundamentally believe that Tasmanians should be able to exercise choice and to participate in gambling activities in its various forms. We are not a government or political party that believes in dictating to people.”
The government also reiterated its plan to break a monopoly held on electronic gaming machines by Federal Group, according to Asia Gaming Brief. Under the Liberal proposal, the right to operate poker machines would be licensed to individual venues for up to 20 years from 2023.White accused the liberal leader of “selling out” to the gaming lobby.
“Will Hodgman has put vested interests ahead of families and communities,” she said in a statement.
