The newly released Deloitte Report looking at the Tasmanian Liquor and Gaming Commission-recommended mandatory precommitment card for poker machines provides a comprehensive endorsement of this critical reform.
This report shows a mandatory pokies precommitment card is a no-brainer. It would significantly reduce the number of problem gamblers, lead to more job creation, improve a range of social outcomes, and reduce costs to the State Budget.
The Rockliff Government has come up with plenty of excuses as to why they’re now rejecting this important reform. Backed by extensive evidence, this report demonstrates that none of those excuses stack up.
Deloitte don’t just show that a pokies card would lead to a huge reduction in the harm caused by pokies. It also shows how beneficial it will be for our community, businesses, and the economy. In fact, the parts of the state that would have the biggest reduction of pokies use would actually see the biggest increases in employment and economic activity.
This report has made it crystal clear: Tasmania would be much better off if the pokies card was introduced. No other steps the government is taking will reduce pokies harm to this extent, or have the same, community-wide benefits. Worryingly, some of what they’ve announced today may only make the problem worse.
With the evidence for action now stronger than ever, the Liberals need to stop focusing on maximising the profits of pokies barons, recommit to the introduction of this card and immediately kick off the introduction of this nation-leading reform.
