· Gutwein can no longer ignore reform that would generate extra revenue
· All states except Tasmania have introduced online wagering tax
· Measure would generate up to $11 million in extra revenue for Tasmania
· Labor will do the Treasurer’s work for him if he fails to act in Budget
If Peter Gutwein fails to introduce a tax on online bookmakers in the upcoming budget, Labor will do it for him.
Labor Shadow Treasurer Scott Bacon said Peter Gutwein had squandered the good times and could no longer ignore reform that would generate up to $11 million in extra revenue for the state’s coffers.
All mainland Tasmanian states have introduced a point of consumption tax on online bookmakers.
It is projected that the levy would generate between $5-$11 million in extra revenue for Tasmania.
Mr Bacon will introduce the online wagering (point of consumption tax) legislation if the measure is not included in the upcoming State Budget.
“Since coming to Government, Peter Gutwein cannot point to a single economic reform that he implemented to aid the state’s economy,” Mr Bacon said.
“Treasurer Gutwein’s Budget is headed for $343 million in net debt in the Revised Estimates Report and this was before he flagged a massive $560 million body blow to the budget over the forward estimates last week.
“Despite this, Peter Gutwein is refusing to look at sensible reforms to improve the state’s bottom line.
“A point of consumption tax on online bookmakers would make sure Tasmania gets a fair return of revenue from online gambling companies that are invariably based on the mainland.
“All mainland states have adopted this measure, why hasn’t Peter Gutwein?
“Why is Peter Gutwein ignoring sensible policy ideas that would bring additional money into the Budget?
“Labor first called for a point of consumption tax on online gambling in November 2017.
“It would only apply to gambling companies and not punters.
“Currently Tasmanian punters do not get better odds than those in mainland states.
“Labor’s policy includes a tax-free threshold of $150,000 to make sure small bookmakers are protected.
“Labor will introduce this legislation to help improve the state’s coffers because Peter Gutwein – for some reason – stubbornly refuses to.”
Scott BaconMP
Shadow Treasurer
