Cassy O'Connor MP | Greens Leader and Treasury spokesperson
The EMRS opinion poll on poker machines confirms that the overwhelming majority of Tasmanians do not support the proliferation of these addictive machines in our communities.
Tasmanians clearly recognise that pokies are a social and economic poison.
Too many Tasmanians have been hurt by these machines. People have lost their jobs, their families, their homes and tragically, in some cases, their lives.
Calls for the Liberals to rule out an extension of the Federal Hotels monopoly Deed are becoming louder and louder.
The government cannot ignore these concerns and they can no longer pretend the Deed is of value to the State.
Over the years, the Deed has taken from the people of Tasmania much more than it has given back to the State.
Anglicare and the community sector are right, and Brighton Council is on the money. The Deed must not be extended. That is the only socially and economically responsible course for the Liberal Government to take.
The government has no mandate to do anything but to rule out an extension in this term and take its policy on the Deed to the people at the next election.