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Gambling Industry


Line of Electronic Gaming Machines (Pokies)

TT-Line - Gambling

Are you able to update the committee on whether there is gaming on the machines at the moment, who the operator is and what the plan is going forward?

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  1 Dec 2022


Line of Electronic Gaming Machines (Pokies)

Gambling Harm Minimisation

For 50 years the gambling industry has dominated politics, society and economy on this island.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  28 Sep 2022


Line of Electronic Gaming Machines (Pokies)

THA Tantrum Confirmation Gambling Industry Banks on Pokies Addiction

The Greens welcome the Rockliff Government’s decision to put people first and introduce mandatory pre-commitment cards for poker machines.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  16 Sep 2022


Bureaucracy, Professional with Paperwork

Treasurer – Gambling Harm Minimisation Measures

Minister, are you able to update the House on the work of the Tasmanian Liquor and Gaming Commission in relation to harm minimisation measures?

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  7 Jun 2022


Line of Electronic Gaming Machines (Pokies)

Treasurer – Electronic Gaming Machines

On 27 May this year, the day the Budget was delivered, you were on ABC Radio Hobart, where you claimed that the federal group had taken a $20 million hit.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  7 Jun 2022


Line of Electronic Gaming Machines (Pokies)

Gambling Harm Minimisation Technologies submission

We strongly encourage the Tasmanian Liquor and Gaming Commission to adopt a mandatory card-based system that is as close as possible to the Norwegian model.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Submission  |  6 May 2022


Wrest Point Casino, Federal Group, Tasmania

Gaming Control Amendment (Future Gaming Market) Bill 2021

It is very distressing to have spent some two days speaking on this bill. This bill has been a really long time coming. It has been years.

Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  27 Oct 2021


Line of Electronic Gaming Machines (Pokies)

Gaming Control Amendment (Future Gaming Market) Bill 2021

What this legislation does is embed poker machines and new forms of gambling in pubs and clubs across Tasmania forever.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  27 Oct 2021


Line of Electronic Gaming Machines (Pokies)

Gaming Control Amendment Legislation - Government's Position

The toxic by-product of your Government and Labor's cosy, supplicant relationship with the gambling industry is on its way to the Legislative Council.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  28 Oct 2021


Line of Electronic Gaming Machines (Pokies)

Labor and the Liberals Sell Out Tasmanians on Pokies

Under the cover of darkness, Labor voted with the Liberals more than 40 times to push this sickening and parasitic Bill through the Lower House.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  27 Oct 2021


Wrest Point Casino, Federal Group, Tasmania

Gaming Control Amendment (Future Gaming Market) Bill 2021

Our opposition to this bill, which entrenches a rotten, life destroying, poker machine empire in disadvantaged communities has been long and consistent.

Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  14 Oct 2021


Line of Electronic Gaming Machines (Pokies)

Gaming Control Amendment (Future Gaming Market) Bill 2021

As we know, the proliferation of poker machines in areas of socio-economic disadvantage across the state has had a profoundly harmful impact.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  14 Oct 2021


Line of Electronic Gaming Machines (Pokies)

Gambling Losses from Poker Machines

Between August last year and August this year Tasmanians lost $205 million to poker machines. Fewer Tasmanians are losing more of their money to these machines.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  14 Oct 2021


Wrest Point Casino, Federal Group, Tasmania

Gaming Industry

I want to talk about the unhealthy relationship between the gambling industry and the two major parties in this state.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  12 Oct 2021


Line of Electronic Gaming Machines (Pokies)

Estimates Reply – Minister Ferguson

We went back and forth a bit at the table about this government's dishonesty over the tax rate for electronic gaming machines in casinos.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  14 Sep 2021


Line of Electronic Gaming Machines (Pokies)

Hospitality and Events - Gambling Reforms

What was the date on which you first became aware of the advice of the planned tax rate for poker machines in casinos?

Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  7 Sep 2021


Line of Electronic Gaming Machines (Pokies)

Finance - Gambling Reforms

All through the state election campaign, both the Finance Minister and Premier refused to tell Tasmanians what the casino pokies tax rate was.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  7 Sep 2021


Line of Electronic Gaming Machines (Pokies)

Treasury - Gambling Reforms

The Government negotiated the casino EGM tax rate, at the latest, on 9 December last year - months before they went to an election.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  6 Sep 2021


Wrest Point Casino, Federal Group, Tasmania

Federal Group - Casino Tax Rates

All the way through the last state election campaign the Premier refused to tell voters what the casino tax he had negotiated with Federal Group would be.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  24 Aug 2021


Line of Electronic Gaming Machines (Pokies)

Liberals' Election Pokies Lies Exposed

The cat is now well and truly out of the bag, with RTI documents obtained confirming the Gutwein Government negotiated the casino pokies tax rate last December.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  18 Aug 2021


Wrest Point Casino, Federal Group, Tasmania

Gaming Legislation Reform Submission

Greens submission to the Future Gaming Market consultation on the draft Gaming Control Amendment (Future Gaming Market) Bill 2021.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Submission  |  9 Aug 2021


Corruption, Handing over Envelope

Gutwein Has No Mandate for Casino Pokies Tax Rate

The Liberals’ secret casino tax agreement with their major donors, Federal Group, has finally been made public today.

Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP  |  Media Release  |  7 Jul 2021


Line of Electronic Gaming Machines (Pokies)

Liberals’ Gambling Spin

The Liberals are spinning faster than a roulette wheel on the latest data over the social impact of gambling.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  1 Jul 2021


Line of Electronic Gaming Machines (Pokies)

Day 5 of the 2021 Election Campaign and Still No Answers on Pokies

We’re five days in to an election, called one year early and Tasmanian voters are none the wiser about the casino pokies tax deal until 2043.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  30 Mar 2021


Line of Electronic Gaming Machines (Pokies)

​​​​​​​Labor and Liberals Must Come Clean on Casino Tax Rate Support

With both the Liberal and Labor parties now set to back in the extension of pokies in pubs and clubs until 2043, more transparency is needed.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  28 Mar 2021


Line of Electronic Gaming Machines (Pokies)

Estimates Reply – Minister Ferguson

There are currently negotiations taking place between Mr Gutwein, Mr Ferguson and representatives for the Farrell family.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  1 Dec 2020


Line of Electronic Gaming Machines (Pokies)

Finance – Pokies

Yesterday the treasurer confirmed that the government are in negotiations with the Federal Group about the casino tax rates that will apply.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  24 Nov 2020


Line of Electronic Gaming Machines (Pokies)

Pokies Harm to Continue Despite Legislation Delay

Minister Ferguson confirmed in Budget Estimates profound social harm caused by pokies is set to continue, despite legislation being delayed.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  24 Nov 2020


Wrest Point Casino, Federal Group, Tasmania

Treasury – Gambling Reform

There are social welfare advocates who have said that policy will cause enormous social and economic harm.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  23 Nov 2020


Line of Electronic Gaming Machines (Pokies)

The Reopening of Gambling Venues is a Travesty

Tasmania’s pubs, clubs and casinos reopened their doors to patrons, including long suffering gambling addicts who’ve had a three month reprieve.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  26 Jun 2020


Preferential Voting, Ballot Paper

Donations Disclosure Laws

The Government appears to have walked away from any strengthening of Tasmania's nation-leading weakest donations disclosure laws.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  4 Mar 2020


Line of Electronic Gaming Machines (Pokies)

THA Quid Pro Quo Continues

The next installment of the Tasmanian Hospitality Association’s quid pro quo has been unveiled by their Liberal partners in government.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  9 Dec 2019


Line of Electronic Gaming Machines (Pokies)

Joint Select Committee on Future Gaming Markets

Tasmanian Greens submission to the Joint Select Committee on Future Gaming Markets, examining the future of pokies policy and the Federal Group's monopoly deed.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Submission  |  8 Dec 2016


Line of Electronic Gaming Machines (Pokies)

Get Ready for Labor and Ogilvie to Sell Out Gambling Victims

Tasmanians who have suffered gambling addiction are set to be abandoned by both State Labor and former Labor MP Madeleine Ogilvie.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  3 Dec 2019


Line of Electronic Gaming Machines (Pokies)

Gaming Control Amendment (Wagering) Bill 2019

This is all about the money the Government makes from gambling and satisfying corporate interests.

Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  14 Nov 2019


Wrest Point Casino, Federal Group, Tasmania

Gaming Control Amendment (Wagering) Bill 2019

This bill was tabled on Tuesday. This is the Gaming Control Amendment (Wagering) Bill 2019. It was tabled 48 hours ago.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  14 Nov 2019


Line of Electronic Gaming Machines (Pokies)

Gambling Harm

The Government has an opportunity to move away from the monopoly deed, a special deal that was never supported by people in Tasmania.

Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  12 Sep 2019


Wrest Point Casino, Federal Group, Tasmania

Gambling Harm

It is obvious to any observer of Tasmanian politics that in this place it is the Greens who raise the issues of the harm caused by poker machines.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  12 Sep 2019


City Planners Around Table

Devonport Gaming Licence for Proposed Hotel

You may be aware that last year the people of Devonport lost more than $10 million in the city's poker machines.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  12 Sep 2019


Money, Australian Dollars, Notes

Gambling Policy Changes

Cassy O'Connor questions the Treasurer on the tax deal being negotiated with Federal Group.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  12 Sep 2019


Line of Electronic Gaming Machines (Pokies)

Liberals and Labor in Lock Step on Pokies

The lies and corruption at the heart of the 2018 State Election were laid bare by the sudden closure of the Glenorchy RSL a fortnight ago.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  31 Jul 2019


Corruption, Handing over Envelope

Electoral Donations Disclosure Framework

Cassy O'Connor questions the Premier over delays in delivering donation reforms.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  21 Mar 2019


Line of Electronic Gaming Machines (Pokies)

Liberals and Labor Put Gambling Interests Ahead of Public Interest

The Treasurer confirmed today he has written to the Federal Group and plans to introduce legislation to progress the Liberals’ pokies policy. 

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  20 Mar 2019


Line of Electronic Gaming Machines (Pokies)

Labor Caves on Pokies Policy

Rebecca White made it clear on ABC radio today that her party has abandoned its policy on the removal of poker machines from pubs and clubs.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  8 Feb 2019


Corruption, Handing over Envelope

Greens to Move for Independent Commission of Inquiry on Kevin Lyons and Federal Group Bribery Allegations

The Greens will move for an Independent Commission of Inquiry to fully investigate the seedy history of the Federal Hotels monopoly deal. 

Andrea Dawkins  |  Media Release  |  25 Jan 2018


Line of Electronic Gaming Machines (Pokies)

Liberals' Pokies Policy the Worst Case Scenario for Community

The Liberals policy will entrench the harm caused, and ignite a competitive marketplace for addiction.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Media Release  |  9 Jan 2018


Line of Electronic Gaming Machines (Pokies)

Community Pokies Campaign Yields Fruit

The Greens welcome the decision from Labor to finally commit to removing pokies from pubs and clubs.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Media Release  |  13 Dec 2017


Burnie, North-West Tasmania

Burnie City Council Reflects Community Concern about Pokies

Burnie City Council’s decision to seek feedback from local businesses on the future of pokies in their community is timely.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Media Release  |  22 Nov 2017


Line of Electronic Gaming Machines (Pokies)

Small Business Council's Call to Reduce Pokies Welcome

The Greens welcome the Tasmanian Small Business Council’s policy to reduce poker machines in Tasmania.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Media Release  |  4 Nov 2017


Corruption, Handing over Envelope

Federal Group - Election Campaign Donations

Andrea Dawkins asks the Premier whether he will rule out his party accepting donations from Federal Group.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  1 Nov 2017


Line of Electronic Gaming Machines (Pokies)

Pokies-Free Pembroke Petition Tabled

In Parliament this morning, ahead of the Pembroke by-election, the Greens tabled a petition expressing community concern about the impact of poker machines.

Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP  |  Media Release  |  2 Nov 2017


Wrest Point Casino, Federal Group, Tasmania

Premier Deflecting on Donations from Federal Hotels

Pokies baron, Greg Farrell, has said his company will be offering donations to both Labor and the Liberals to help them “articulate” policy.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Media Release  |  1 Nov 2017


Wrest Point Casino, Federal Group, Tasmania

Gambling Inquiry Report Backs in Pokies' Profits Over People

The Future Gaming Markets Inquiry report tabled today has failed Tasmanians by backing in the status quo.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Media Release  |  28 Sep 2017


Logged Forest, Tarkine

Mr Lennon and Mr Gay - Alleged Meetings with Government

Former Labor premier Paul Lennon is on the Farrell family payroll in a bid to protect the obscene profits they make off the back of human suffering.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  13 Sep 2017


Line of Electronic Gaming Machines (Pokies)

Poker Machines - Liberals' Position

In recent days, the Premier and the Treasurer have accused Labor of having no position on pokies. This may or may not be true.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  17 Aug 2017


Wrest Point Casino, Federal Group, Tasmania

Poker Machines - Agreement

has the Treasurer met with representatives from Federal Hotels and/or the THA to discuss the agreement which was flagged on the ABC this morning?

Andrea Dawkins  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  17 Aug 2017


Line of Electronic Gaming Machines (Pokies)

Poker Machines - Agreement

A significant majority of Tasmanians want poker machines removed from pubs and clubs. They want the Federal monopoly deed extinguished.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  17 Aug 2017


Line of Electronic Gaming Machines (Pokies)

Labor and Liberals Must Listen to Business and Community on Pokies

The open letter from 75 Tasmanian businesses implores both Labor and the Liberals to listen to the deep concern within the community about pokies.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Media Release  |  14 Sep 2017


Hobart, Tasmania

Liberal Backbencher Sings to Donor's Tune

Liberal backbencher, Nic Street, is demonstrating what political influence decades of donations from the Federal Group has bought.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  27 Aug 2017


Wrest Point Casino, Federal Group, Tasmania

Three and Half Years' Silence from Ogilvie on Pokies

Ms Ogilvie has been silent about poker machines, and the serious harm they cause, for three and a half years.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Media Release  |  27 Jul 2017


Wrest Point Casino, Federal Group, Tasmania

Liberals' 'Individual Responsibility, Corporate Entitlement' Pokies Plan

Both the Premier and the Treasurer delivered a disappointing and underwhelming response to questions on the future of the Federal gambling monopoly.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Media Release  |  5 Jun 2017


Line of Electronic Gaming Machines (Pokies)

UTas Liberals' Voice Welcome on Pokies

The Greens congratulate the UTas Liberals for their stance on poker machines in Tasmania.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Media Release  |  15 Feb 2017


Line of Electronic Gaming Machines (Pokies)

Clear Message to Parliamentary Committee on Pokies' Harm

The Joint Select Committee on Future Gaming Markets begins tomorrow, with an overwhelming number of submissions wanting pokies out of pubs and clubs.  

Andrea Dawkins  |  Media Release  |  6 Feb 2017


Corruption, Handing over Envelope

Donations' Disclosure Needed Before State Election

Following Prime Minister Turnbull's encouraging comments about exploring 'more timely' political donations disclosure, Premier Hodgman should follow suit.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Media Release  |  2 Feb 2017


Line of Electronic Gaming Machines (Pokies)

Community Consultation on Pokies Only the First Step

The Gaming Control Amendment (Community Consultation) Bill is a good first step to including the wider Tasmanian public in decision-making.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Media Release  |  25 Oct 2016


Line of Electronic Gaming Machines (Pokies)

Glenorchy Pokie Licence Shows Need for Moratorium

The news today that yet another licensed venue in Glenorchy has applied to operate poker machines beggars belief.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Media Release  |  5 Oct 2016


Line of Electronic Gaming Machines (Pokies)

Committee Should Investigate Pokies Plebiscite

Tony Foster’s suggestion that we bring the question of poker machines in our pubs and clubs to a plebiscite highlights Tasmania's distaste for pokies.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Media Release  |  16 May 2016


Line of Electronic Gaming Machines (Pokies)

Concern over Pokies Terms of Reference Falls on Gutwein's Deaf Ears

Yesterday, the Treasurer accused the Greens of playing politics with pokies when we called for the expanded terms of reference.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  7 Apr 2016


Line of Electronic Gaming Machines (Pokies)

Terms of Reference Just Liberal Policy

Each poker machine in Launceston, excluding the casino, takes $52 170 from the local community.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  6 Apr 2016


Wrest Point Casino, Federal Group, Tasmania

Will the Public Get a Say on Pokies?

The Treasurer has made it clear that he does not want to give Tasmanians a real say on the location, number, type and design of poker machines in Tasmania. 

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  6 Apr 2016


Line of Electronic Gaming Machines (Pokies)

Crucial Questions Missing from Pokies Inquiry

The Treasurer's Terms of Reference for the Joint Select Committee on gambling read more like a tax-payer funded focus group than public consultation.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Media Release  |  6 Apr 2016


Line of Electronic Gaming Machines (Pokies)

Gambling Inquiry Must Answer Real Question

We know Tasmanians want to have a say on the number, type, design and location of poker machines in Tasmania.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  4 Apr 2016


Line of Electronic Gaming Machines (Pokies)

Open, Public Consultation Needed on Pokies

Anglicare's interactive pokie map makes a strong, clear statement about the scale of problem we are tackling in Tasmania.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Media Release  |  3 Mar 2016


Line of Electronic Gaming Machines (Pokies)

Pokies Leech $15M in December

The finances of many Tasmanians look very bleak in the light of Treasury's pokie loss figures for December.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Media Release  |  1 Feb 2016


Wrest Point Casino, Federal Group, Tasmania

Federal Hotels' Refurbishment Project

Federal Hotels' pitch to link a $100M refurbishment to an extension of the pokies monopoly deed is an unashamed attempt to hold the state to ransom.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  15 Dec 2015


Line of Electronic Gaming Machines (Pokies)

Pokies Spin Won't Wash

Treasurer Gutwein isn't fooling Tasmanians. Anglicare's EMRS poll shows that, with 4 out of 5 people wanting pokies out of our pubs and clubs.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Media Release  |  18 Nov 2015


Survey, Filling out Sheet

Pokies Poll Places Further Pressure on Government

The EMRS opinion poll on poker machines confirms that the overwhelming majority of Tasmanians do not support the proliferation of these addictive machines.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  12 Nov 2015


Line of Electronic Gaming Machines (Pokies)

Brighton Mayor Tells it Like it Is on Pokies Monopoly

Brighton Mayor, Tony Foster, is a strong voice for his community on the issue of the harm caused by poker machines and the Federal Hotels' monopoly gaming Deed.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  4 Nov 2015


Wrest Point Casino, Federal Group, Tasmania

Hodgman Won't Concede Federal Monopoly on Pokies Harming Tasmanians

When the Premier sat next to Greg Farrell at MONA yesterday, did he think about Tasmania's 2,500 problem gamblers?

Andrea Dawkins  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  29 Oct 2015


Line of Electronic Gaming Machines (Pokies)

Government Must Listen to Community Sector on Pokies

The Hodgman Government needs heed the call of the coalition of community sector organisations demanding urgent action to address the scourge of poker machines.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Media Release  |  2 Nov 2015


Line of Electronic Gaming Machines (Pokies)

Pokies Built for Addiction

The documentary 'Ka-Ching! Pokie Nation', that aired on ABC last night reinforced what we have known for many years.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Media Release  |  21 Oct 2015


Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), Tasmania

Liberals Still in Bed with Federal

Treasurer Gutwein is failing to stand up for both disadvantaged Tasmanians and the cultural icon, MONA, in his acquiescence to Federal Hotels.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  16 Sep 2015


Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), Tasmania

Liberals Back Old, Destructive Loser

The Liberal Government was given a very simple choice by MONA, embrace the new Tasmanian economy or fall back into step with Federal Hotels.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  15 Sep 2015


Wrest Point Casino, Federal Group, Tasmania

Liberals Have No Mandate for Federal Deal

The Treasurer's Federal monopoly rhetoric in Parliament today remains empty and meaningless, despite its bombastic delivery.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  27 Aug 2015


Music, Hands with Guitar

Live Music Industry

A detailed model of consumer spending estimated the Live Music Industries contributed approximately $15m to the national economy last year.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  26 Aug 2015


Line of Electronic Gaming Machines (Pokies)

Pokies Need Independent Oversight

The odds are already stacked against patrons who play the pokies, and with those machines malfunctioning the losses are set to be even greater.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Media Release  |  24 Jul 2015