Andrea Dawkins MP | Greens' Gambling spokesperson
The Greens congratulate the UTas Liberals for their stance on poker machines in Tasmania.
It's encouraging that the new generation of Liberals in Tasmania have an understanding of the significant social and economic harm pokies cause, and the impact on the lives of disadvantaged Tasmanians.
Pokies destroy lives every day in Tasmania and it's refreshing to hear conservative voices acknowledge that, and call for action.
It is our sincere hope that Treasurer Gutwein and Premier Hodgman will listen to the voice of the UTas Liberals when they are considering the future of pokies in Tasmania, and the policy they will take to the State election.
It's duplicitous for the Liberals to now claim no links with the UTas club. These are the same group of young people who put forward motions to their State Council in November as Liberal Party members.
The majority of Tasmanians want pokies out of pubs and clubs, and that clearly includes the young people within the Liberals' own ranks. It's past time the government listened, instead of playing deaf to community concerns while pocketing donations from Federal Hotels.
The Greens will work constructively with any Party for action on pokies. We welcome the comments from the UTas Liberals and hope Labor members will also make their views heard within their party.