Ms DAWKINS question to PREMIER, Mr HODGMAN
In recent days, you and the Treasurer have accused Labor of having no position on pokies. This may or may not be true. It could be a question for the former premier and current federal lobbyist, Paul Lennon. Your Treasurer said your Government will consider the report of the committee that is examining the future of the monopoly deed, but your already stated position is to support the THA in maintaining pokies in pubs and clubs. Are you not as compromised as Labor on this issue?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for the question. Yes, it is often a little more difficult when you have a position and, yes, we have outlined that. It is a lot easier when the opposition, as they are seeking to do, literally has a bob each way. They are all over the shop. You have candidates and members saying things on social media in complete contravention to what you have said. Talk about a party divided, that does not know what it stands for, is trying to have a bob each way and does not have the strength of its convictions.
We told Tasmanians what we think might be the way forward for the gaming industry. We have stated our position. If we did not, we would be accused of not having one, as the Leader of the Opposition is rightly being accused of. Our approach is unlike some of the members and candidates who are telling anyone who wants to listen, including, on Facebook no less, what their positions are. It seems the only person who does not have a position is the Leader of the Opposition, who purports to lead a party divided.
We have laid down our position and our guiding principles. We have done so earlier than was expected. We want Tasmanians to be involved in this community conversation. We will listen to what the committee recommends. It would seem the Greens position will not be altered at all by what the committee hears or finds, but we look forward to its finding.