Former Treasurer Michael Ferguson has accused Federal Group of hypocrisy over its opposition to the state government’s plan to fast-track the Macquarie Point stadium.
Ferguson said it was “ironic” that the company is calling for “respecting existing laws and processes” while at the same time pushing back against poker machine reforms.
“I’m glad the company is raising issues of due process and fairness, even if its motives are unclear,” Ferguson wrote online.
“But if Federal is serious about the public interest, it should stop undermining the government’s nation-leading poker machine reforms.”
The state government shelved those reforms six months ago. They included plans for a mandatory player card that would let gamblers set their loss limits before they play.
Ferguson’s comments came after Federal Group released polling it commissioned from EMRS, showing 50% of Tasmanians asked oppose the government’s move to sidestep the Tasmanian Planning Commission on the stadium project.
The poll also found that 70% of respondents are against the government spending beyond its $375 million cap and 62% believe the opposition and independents should vote down the fast-track legislation if that cap is broken.
Federal Group’s Daniel Hanna said the findings should give the government pause.
“The proposed stadium is already a very divisive project,” Hanna said.
“Abandoning the Tasmanian Planning Commission process in favour of fast-track legislation will make that division even worse.”
“Every developer in Tasmania must comply with the existing laws and processes. The Tasmanian community clearly wants the Tasmanian Government to play by the same rules.”
Ferguson, now a backbencher, insisted poker machine reforms are still moving ahead.
“Despite delays caused by industry pushback, our policy remains. The reform will be implemented. The only question is when,” he said.
“Other states are moving ahead. Tasmania was first to announce it, but we’ve lost our lead – for now. Still, I’m confident we’ll get there.”
“And when we do, I’ll be proud to have continually stood with strength and grace against the powerful vested interests to deliver reform that protects a person’s right to gamble, but will stop them losing everything.”
The stadium legislation is expected to be debated in parliament in the coming weeks.
