An another example of a "much-too-close relationship between the government and the pokies lobby" has come to light, independent MLC Meg Webb said.
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A Right to Information disclosure has shown the Treasurer approached the independent Tasmanian Liquor and Gaming Commission on behalf of the Tasmanian Hospitality Association, a major Liberal Party donor.
Mr Gutwein wrote to commission chair Jenny Cranston on February 27 saying, "The Tasmanian Hospitality Association has written to the Premier, the Hon Will Hodgman MP, regarding the cash withdrawal limits in gambling venues ... As the Minister responsible for gambling matters, the Premier has asked me to investigate and respond."
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Mr Gutwein sought a meeting to discuss these concerns, and after that meeting, the cash withdrawal limit was increased. On May 15, Ms Cranston wrote a letter to Mr Gutwein advising him of the regulation change, "in the spirit of alleviating the concerns raised".
Prior to the change, the EFTPOS withdrawal limit in a gambling venue was $200 for people paying for accommodation or meals, and $100 otherwise. It has been increased to a blanket $200.
The Commission said the THA presented it with five reasons for making the change, including that "venue staff, particularly casuals, find it difficult to remember what limits apply under which circumstances".
Ms Webb said it was "unacceptable for the Treasurer to be acting on behalf of the pokies industry, to the detriment of communities that he is supposed to be representing: a despicable example of that relationship that is unacceptably close."
A government spokesperson said the Treasurer did not lobby the commission.
"The industry raised concerns with Minister Gutwein as minister responsible for liquor and gaming regulation, these concerns were referred to the TLGC for consideration ... this is an entirely appropriate process," they said.
The THA donated $269,750 to the Liberal Party ahead of the last state election.