Pokie lobby’s $6.8m win

A FULL list of Liberal Party policies released after the state election includes a $6.8 million package for poker machine lobbyists, the Tasmanian Hospitality Association.

A Liberal policy titled Taking Hospitality to the Next Level pledges $1.7 million annually over four years to “join forces” with the Tasmanian Hospitality Association on several “key initiatives”.

The hospitality policy was quietly announced last month in a media release highlighting $200,000 on a campaign against one-punch attacks.

Also included in the policy are: $2.8 MILLION for the Great Customer Experience training program. $800,000 to support clubs and RSLs. $3 MILLION for the association’s strategic plan and workforce development. A HOSPITALITY unit within the Department of Premier and Cabinet.

Justice Minister Elise Archer announced the beefing up of one-punch attack laws on February 19.

A $200,000 campaign “to send the strongest possible message that these acts of violence and cowardice will not be tolerated” was included as part of the Liberal hospitality policy.

A link to the policy was provided in the media release but there was no fanfare around the hospitality association package.

“Tasmania’s hospitality industry is the backbone to our visitor economy, providing visitors with professional service which adds to their experience while visiting the state,” a government spokesman told the Mercury yesterday.

The Liberals allocated $1.5 million over four years to the association at the 2014 election.

Association chief executive Steve Old said the latest allocation had nothing to do with Liberal support for poker machines remaining in pubs and clubs.

Mr Old said a detailed policy position had been put to both major parties outlining workforce development and departmental support needs.

The association was required to report on how the money was spent every six months, he said.

“There’s a thorough process we have to go through in relation to that money,” Mr Old said.

The revelation comes after the re-elected Hodgman Government was accused of secrecy for failing to publicly release a policy easing firearms restrictions before Saturday’s poll.

When it appeared in the media, Premier Will Hodgman said only 100 of 300 Liberal policies had been made public.

The party released a full list of policies on Wednesday, including a raft of minor financial commitments to sporting and community groups.

Labor went to the election promising to remove pokies from pubs and clubs by 2023.

It also pledged $1.4 million over four years to the Great Customer Experience program and a memorandum of understanding with the association.