White stares down pokies exit critics
LABOR leader Rebecca White has stared down her critics from the gaming industry in a tense Q & A with business and community leaders.
Ms White fielded questions from Federal Group and Tasmanian Hospitality Association representatives following a keynote address for the Committee for Economic Development of Australia in Hobart yesterday.
The Labor Leader had delivered a speech that focused on health, housing and jobs, but which also did not shy away from the party’s pledge to rid pubs and clubs of pokies by 2023.
“I acknowledge the people in this room who work in the gaming industry,” Ms White told the audience.
“My message to you, and to all of the employees in your industry, is that we will work with you through this transition.
“The tourism and hospitality industry is booming and we regularly hear that the industry is crying out for skilled staff.
“I am confident that with government support, the industry and the workforce is well placed to adapt to this change.”
The policy prompted questions from THA president Paul Jubb and Federal Group executives Mike Davey and Daniel Hanna.
Mr Jubb said he had spent $2.5 million on his CBD venue over the past 10 years, including on gaming machines.
“My question is about compensation because it is a question that my staff have asked me, and also my bank manager, and I’d love to be able to explain it,” Mr Jubb said.
Ms White outlined Labor’s $55m transition package that includes $25m in low-interest loans, $20 million in grants and $4 million for staff retraining.
“Staff would be able to access support from day one and we would work with your business to understand what might be useful to you,” Ms White said.
Federal Group executive Mr Davey asked how Labor would fund promises such as its $560m health plan with the compensation commitment and reduced tax revenue from gaming.
Ms White said the policy would cost Tasmania $12 million to $14 million.
“The cost to the community, which is between $50 million and $144 million every year in lost productivity, crime, domestic violence, is far greater than the loss to revenue,” she said.
Federal’s Mr Hanna asked for Labor’s plan for the licences of the Wrest Point and Country Club casinos beyond 2023 to be put on the public record.
“Your policy says nothing about what the future of those assets might be,” Mr Hanna said.
Ms White said Labor only planned to review the tax arrangements for the state’s casinos under its policy.
The Opposition Leader said 20 jobs would be created from $1 million invested in hospitality, and 10 in retail, with just three if the money was spent on gaming machines.
“My personal hope is that you leave here today understanding that I represent an emerging breed of politician who is not afraid to make decisions based on evidence,” she said.
Treasurer Peter Gutwein said Ms White’s speech had failed to update Labor’s economic plan.