As we know, the proliferation of poker machines in areas of socio-economic disadvantage across the state has had a profoundly harmful impact.
Between August last year and August this year Tasmanians lost $205 million to poker machines. Fewer Tasmanians are losing more of their money to these machines.
The story of poker machines in Tasmania is a tale of twin tragedies: the deep corruption of successive governments & untold harm to tens of thousands of people
The argument for another three years of monopoly operation because the company hasn’t received sufficient notice just doesn’t stand up.
I talked to Ms Courtney, as Education minister, about the concerning low investment in literacy in Tasmania.
We went back and forth a bit at the table about this government's dishonesty over the tax rate for electronic gaming machines in casinos.
What was the date on which you first became aware of the advice of the planned tax rate for poker machines in casinos?
All through the state election campaign, both the Finance Minister and Premier refused to tell Tasmanians what the casino pokies tax rate was.
The Government negotiated the casino EGM tax rate, at the latest, on 9 December last year - months before they went to an election.
All the way through the last state election campaign the Premier refused to tell voters what the casino tax he had negotiated with Federal Group would be.