MEDIA RELEASE: “Responsible Wagering Australia (RWA) is disappointed by the Tasmanian Liberal Government’s decision to introduce one of the highest taxes on wagering anywhere in the world,” said the Hon Nick Minchin AO, Chairman of Responsible Wagering Australia.

“This tax is almost double that introduced by Victoria’s Labor Government and the Tasmanian Liberal Government now holds the dubious honour of taxing Tasmanians at a higher rate than any other Australian state.

“The 15% Point of Consumption Tax introduced in South Australia threw a handbrake on that State’s racing industry and has almost brought it to its knees. In South Australia, prizemoney has been cut, field sizes have shrunk, participants have fled interstate and jobs have been lost. Starting off a much lower base, the Tasmanian Government has today put that same handbrake onto Tasmanian racing and thrown its future into massive uncertainty.

“The evidence is now well-settled when it comes to the deleterious impact of these punitive taxes on racing and jobs. That is why it is so disappointing the Tasmanian Government has ignored the evidence and decided to hit ordinary Tasmanians with this new tax.” Said Mr Minchin.