Dr WOODRUFF question to PREMIER, Mr ROCKLIFF
The pokies industry has influenced Liberal and Labor politicians for decades and it is not a surprise to see it happening again. Even your former deputy called out the pokies lobby’s efforts to pressure your colleagues. The THA has unashamedly thrown its weight around, but many Tasmanians have been wondering what is happening behind closed doors. They are sickened and concerned by the conflict of interest in the Finance minister’s office.
Then there are political donations. We know the Tasmanian Liberal Party has received at least $700,000 in gambling industry donations since 2017, but we have such weak laws and we have no idea what has happened since July last year. We will not get the full picture until 26 February.
Will you come clean, tell Tasmanians what the quid pro quo was for walking back on your policy and how much are the gambling industry donating? How much did it take for you to commit to this craven treachery?
The SPEAKER – Before the Premier answers the question, I remind members that substantive motions would need to be made if you wish to allege or impugn particular behaviours. I will allow the question because it is a matter of significant public interest, but there are forms of the House to make a substantive allegation in line with some of the things that were in the question. The question is allowed.
Dr Woodruff – We are aware of those, Speaker. Thank you.
ANSWER
First, I reject the disparaging remarks. Shame on you for the personal attacks, which are hurtful to individuals.
Dr Woodruff – Let us talk about vulnerable Tasmanians.
Mr ROCKLIFF – Yes, and there is no bigger supporter of vulnerable Tasmanians than me, equal to everyone else in this room, I am assuming. Thank you very much. I have built a career on it.
I reject the assertion about conflict. The Treasurer, Guy Barnett, will oversee the regulatory component of gaming that sits within the Treasury department to ensure the appropriate balance is achieved between community harm minimisation, regulation and industry. I reject that part of the question and the assertion that you made.
I have an enormous amount of confidence and faith in our Minister for Community Services and his relationship with the community sector when it comes to developing and strengthening a harm minimisation package.
The most significant reforms made for decades to electoral donation laws were made by the Liberal Government.
Dr Woodruff – How much did they pay you?
Members interjecting.
Mr ROCKLIFF – I reject that. That is a matter for various political party organisations. I am assuming you also get support from sectors as well. Let us not play that silly game.
Dr WOODRUFF – Point of order, Speaker, Standing Order 45, relevance. The question is: how much money did the Liberal Party get from the pokies industry in the last year?
Mr Barnett – That is out of order.
The SPEAKER – Actually, it is in order to ask the Premier to be drawn to the question, which, notwithstanding the statements that were given in the question, was, ‘What was the quid pro quo; what did it take?’ Premier, you will now address that question.
Mr ROCKLIFF – We will comply with the law when it comes to donation law and disclosures, and that is a matter for the organisations of respective parties about who supports and who does not. I have been very engaged on this issue to ensure that we get the balance right between jobs in regional Tasmania, particularly, vulnerable Tasmanians, and aligning with our election commitment of 16 February 2024.
The SPEAKER – The Premier’s time for answering the question has expired.
SUPPLEMENTARY QUESTION
Dr WOODRUFF – A supplementary question, Speaker?
The SPEAKER – I will hear the supplementary question.
Dr WOODRUFF – On the question, Premier, how much in gambling industry donations did it take for you to give in to the pokies industry and walk away from the promise to Tasmanians? How much did you get in donations in the last year?
The SPEAKER – The Premier can address the part about the amount of donations – that is within the question – and he will ignore the imputations in that question. There are forms of the House that the member is quite able to use. I should imagine we may see some of them used today.
Mr ROCKLIFF – Honourable Speaker, as I said, you comply with the law. That is a matter for various political parties and organisations themselves in terms of what entity, business or community group or whatever it might be, individual, provides to Tasmanian political parties at election time or others. I am ignoring the imputation in the question.
Members interjecting.
The SPEAKER – Order, members on my left.
