Labor’s confusion over its position on pokies is becoming even more farcical.
Later today, Labor will have to vote on a Greens’ motion calling for pokies to be removed from pubs and clubs, which could be very difficult given they refuse to have a policy on the issue.
However, Labor’s Scott Bacon today told media Labor may vote with the Liberals.
This is a complete backflip on the earlier string of hints Labor has made that they were leaning towards supporting the Greens in removing pokies from pubs and clubs.
In July, Labor MP, Madeleine Ogilvie said that, “…I would personally prefer if they weren’t in the suburbs.” (ABC News, 27 July 2017)
Shortly after that, Labor candidate Jen Butler joined the fray, telling the Mercury that, “she believes they should be phased out of pubs and clubs.” (Mercury, 8 August 2017)
Then the Leader, Rebecca White, went a step further, saying that Labor had been discussing how to compensate pubs and clubs if pokies were removed, saying: “Of course there has been discussion about whether or not compensation is part of that conversation.” (ABC, 12 September 2017)
Before backing off and saying that they would wait for the release of the Inquiry report into gaming: “We have said repeatedly that we will wait for that report and that will help us inform our position.” (Examiner, 16 September 2017)
However, that only lasted a few days before Ms White changed her position again and said that the report was just the beginning and Labor would need to “…use that report to consult with all stakeholders to engage with them constructively to understand what their considerations might be with respect to all of those recommendations.” (Mercury, 29 September 2017)
Labor’s internal battle reached farcical levels when well-known anti-pokies proponent, Jo Siejka, was endorsed as Labor’s candidate for Pembroke. After authoring a submission to the Parliamentary Inquiry into gaming, Ms Siejka then became incapable of articulating a position. In a bizarre interview on the ABC, she said: “…my personal position, I haven’t formed yet, because I’m now representing Pembroke and I, hand on heart, that’s the truth.” Whatever that means. (ABC, 9 October 2017)
Rebecca White then confirmed that it would be months at least before Labor would release its policy: “Labor’s policy will be released before the next State election.” (Media release, 12 October 2017)
Today’s twist is just the latest in a truly strange saga.
Rather than trying to play the small target and hide from scrutiny, Labor should announce a position and be honest with Tasmanians.
More Media Releases from the Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier