Welcome to the state election 2018. The election that is yet to be called, but is already dominating political news.
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Now that parliament has finished, we are looking towards at least three months of election promises – both big and small. Labor has provided the first issue that could be a decider for the election outside of the usual suspects of health, jobs and education. On Wednesday the party announced a $55 million five-year phase to remove pokies from all Tasmanian pubs and clubs. The pokies would remain in Tasmanian casinos. This means 2375 machines would be removed by 2023.
Alternatively the Liberals have pledged to cap the number of pokies. This would include a reduction from 3680 to 3530 machines. A public interest test for any new machines into clubs and pubs would be introduced. The Greens are in support of no pokies in Tasmania and argue that a $1 bet limit should be implemented.
Pokies has the potential to divide the community. On one hand we have those employed at these venues. The direct jobs that benefit from people heading along to have “a poke”.
Tasmanian social welfare groups have been campaigning for years to remove pokies. They cite social costs to Tasmania in excess of $180 million a year. Studies show that gambling addiction is linked to depression, family violence, debt, crime and further addictions. Unemployment also has these links.
Labor’s plan is a bold move. It would make Tasmania the first state to restrict pokies from anywhere bar our casinos.
It could be argued that the policy would create a nanny state. Adults not making responsible decisions for themselves. Much like smoking, people know the consequences of their actions. Smoking is primarily individualistic in the moment – it could take decades before serious repercussions of that behaviour catches up to the person and of course their family.
Pokies has the potential to have an immediate impact on families. With money disappearing behind the bright lights and the bells and whistles.
Tasmania’s future is based around innovation and initiative. Therefore we want these qualities in our government. While the issue of pokies is still to be decided, it’s important to note that both major parties during this quasi-election campaign have demonstrated some bold visions for Tasmania.