Gambling reforms defended amid criticism of 'cowardly' outcome

Tasmania's Treasurer Eric Abetz has faced criticism for abandoning a mandatory pre-commitment gaming card in favor of alternative measures aimed at curbing gambling-related harm. The upper house inquiry into the proposed reforms heard from anti-gambling advocates, including Mark Kempster from the Alliance for Gambling Reform, who called the government's approach "cowardly."

The treasurer defended the decision, stating that any improvement in harm minimisation is better than maintaining the current system. The government previously committed to a national approach with a cashless card that would cap losses at $100 a day or $5,000 a year. However, this policy was abandoned in favor of alternative measures like facial recognition technology, ATM withdrawal limits, and a "ticket in, ticket out" system.

Abetz argued that operational complexities would have delayed implementation and increased costs, and that the reforms make a "substantial improvement" compared to the status quo. Anti-gambling advocates argue that the proposed measures would have minimal impact, and some, like Kempster, urge the government to reinstate the cashless card.

The treasurer acknowledged that the reforms still represent a "positive change" to the current system, but denied any industry influence in the decision-making process.