24 August 2016

Peter Gutwein, Treasurer

Parliamentary inquiry to consider a new gaming paradigm for Tasmania

Today, Parliament voted to support the Government’s proposal to set up an inquiry into the Government’s proposed new way forward for gambling in Tasmania.

The Hodgman Government has already taken the significant decision that unlike previously, for the first time the rights to operate electronic gaming machines in pubs and clubs post 2023 will be allocated and priced by a market-based mechanism, such as a tender.

We have also proposed a number of other important changes, including a reduction in the current cap on machines by 150.

The Parliamentary inquiry established today will let people have their say and I encourage anyone with an interest to make a submission.

The terms of reference for the Inquiry are as follows:

1. of community attitudes and aspirations relating to the gambling industry in Tasmania with particular focus on the location, number and type of poker machines in the State;
2. of the findings of the Social and Economic Impact Studies conducted for Tasmania;
3. of the document entitled “Hodgman Liberal Government post-2023 Gaming Structural Framework”;
4. assessment of options on how market-based mechanisms, such as a tender, to operate EGMs in hotels and clubs could be framed;
5. of future taxation and licensing arrangements, informed by those in other jurisdictions;
6. review of harm minimisation measures and their effectiveness, including the Community Support Levy;
7. of the duration and term of licences for the various gaming activities post 2023; and
8. other matters incidental thereto.

The inquiry is due to report by 30 September 2017. It’s important to note that under the current gaming deed, the earliest possible point a change can be enacted to the  existing arrangements is 2023, with 2019 the earliest possible decision point.

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