Worries over government's commitment for Tasmania’s Poker Machine reform

Tasmania's plan to introduce cashless gaming cards with mandatory loss-limits was heralded as nation-leading. For the former deputy premier it was about doing something good for the state. “I've been in public life and in politics for two decades. You don't get many days where you are able to deliver on something really significant.” The Tasmanian hospitality association immediately opposed the reform. It was revealed in parliament yesterday the government has commissioned a report on the policy's impact on the tourism and hospitality sector. With Mr Ferguson on the backbench there are concerns the card will be watered down. “Are you ditching default loss limits? Are you allowing more than one card per person or is that you're no longer going to make this system universal across all venues?” “There are a number of issues to be worked through in implementing a brand new statewide cashless player card system and there are concerns around the economic impact on jobs that we must consider.” “Will you finally admit that you're no longer intending to introduce a mandatory pre-commitment card as promised to Tasmanians to save Tasmanians lives?” “We remain committed to the pre-commitment card” but when quizzed on whether they'll retain promised features. Like the spending caps of up to 100 dollars a day and five thousand a year. The government won't comment on the details. It's not the first time the party's commitment has been put under the spotlight “So to be absolutely clear you're committed to the limits that?” “We're committed. I've said. We're committed.” “To the limits?” “we're committed.” To the limits?” To the limits? “we're committed.” The implementation of the scheme has already been delayed until the end of next year. So, it could be a while until the details are clear. “I can forecast that there'll be bumps in the road along the way, but we need to remain committed to this because it's going to help people and it's going to protect people's freedom to play and spend their own money how they wish.”