ed’s letter

In our cover story today, Federal Group chief Greg Farrell says he is as proud of his gambling businesses as he is of his luxury hotels. We have wanted to interview the low-profile 58-year-old for some time, keen to know more about the man who has made a great fortune from poker machines in the state’s clubs and pubs and built world-class tourism ventures such as Saffire Freycinet. When Farrell finally agreed to our interview request not long before he fronted the Joint Select Committee on Future Gaming Markets, which is taking evidence about the way gambling should be licensed in Tasmania once the Federal Group’s monopoly expires in 2023, we weren’t sure what to expect. And Farrell in person certainly came as a surprise to writer Sally Glaetzer. Also this week, we share the refined thoughts of former Governor-General Quentin Bryce on her new book; and slightly less refined musings on why bogan culture is still revving. We hope you enjoy the mix.