The hospitality industry has expressed rounded support for a public interest test being imposed on new poker machine licenses but is strongly opposed to broader community consultation.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The government announced last year that it would apply a public interest test on new licences and seek further community input about their locations.
It has asked companies, groups and individuals how such consultation should be conducted, from a submission process to open forums.
Tasmanian Hospitality Association general manager Steve Old said there was "absolutely no need" for open forums.
"Hearings should not become anti-gaming forums around the state," he said.
"The community is given ample opportunity to provide their feedback and opinions through the submission process.”
Local Government Association of Tasmania chief executive Katrena Stephenson said a public forum was an effective consultation method but could be derailed by interest groups.
Anglicare Tasmania chief executive Chris Jones said the organisation supported the idea of community forums.
But he maintained it was in the community’s best interests to have the machines removed from pubs and clubs.
Reverend Jones said should the government not follow this recommendation, the Gaming Act should be amended so the community interest test applied to all existing poker machine licenses as well as new applications.
The Dixon Group said they were not only against open forums but submitted that applicants should not be required to consult directly with community organisations or fund any consultation method, like surveys.
“Community members should be allowed the opportunity to make submissions on the application, but they should be made to the relevant council to assist with their response to the application,” the company said.
“We do not support open hearings as they become simply opportunities for grandstanding by lobby groups, lacking discipline and consistency, and more emotive processes.”
The Federal Group said a community interest test should be simple, quick and inexpensive.
"The test should not lead to a prohibition on any new gaming venues being established,” the company said.