Thank you Woodworker for your concern with my whereabouts.
My response to the no-pokies announcement is recorded in today’s Mercury article. In essence, I’m pleased that the Tasmanian Greens have vowed to abolish all poker machines. It’s a big victory for me. Moreover, the enormous Greens backflip on this issue is evidence of the inroads I’m making into the Denison vote and suggests more than a little panic among the very small group of people controlling the party.
I would add that there is an important difference between my anti-pokies policy and that of the Greens. Whereas they want to do it in five years and are prepared to tear up the Deed between the State and the Federal Group to do it, I believe that the Deed should be allowed to run its course before the machines are abolished. My position recognises the importance of honouring contracts and giving industry ample time to transition to what would be a fundamentally different commercial environment.
The Greens are desperate to reclaim the moral high ground on this issue by appearing tougher on pokies than me. But at the end of the day it’s mostly theatre on their part. Other issues, and in particular the environment, will be the ones they’ll genuinely dig their heels in over should they have real political power after the next State election.
Andrew Wilkie
Independent candidate for Denison
www.andrewwilkie.org
Authorised by Kate Burton 208 Elizabeth Street North Hobart Tasmania 7000
