The Greens have given notice of a motion in Queensland Parliament to disallow a regulation quietly proposed by the LNP Government, which would extend a tax discount for pokies sales.
The Greens say the tax break for pokies licensees is “sickening” while ordinary Queenslanders struggle with cost of living pressures, and say it reflects the corrupting influence of political donations from the gambling industry to both major parties.
Background
- The Government has proposed a Gaming Machine Amendment Regulation change that would extend a discount on State taxes paid on the sale of pokies licenses for three years. Instead of the usual 33% paid to the State when a pokies authority is transferred between licensees in Queensland, the rate is reduced to 15%.
- The payment rate was “temporarily” reduced to 15% from 30 June 2022 by the then Labor Government. It was intended to expire after 12 months but has been twice extended, and was due to expire on 30 June 2025. The LNP’s subordinate legislation seeks to extend the “trial” by another three years.
- The only consultation listed on the Explanatory Notes for the amendments is with the Queensland Hotels Association and hotel licensees.
- The Greens’ Disallowance Motion is expected to be debated in the next Parliamentary sitting.
Quotes attributable to Greens MP for Maiwar Michael Berkman:
“The LNP wants to quietly extend Labor’s 50% tax break for pokies operators, well the Greens won’t let them get away with it.
“While every ordinary Queenslander sucks it up and pays their tax, political donors like the Hotels Association and corrupt casino operators like Star get a discount. It’s sickening.
“Instead of extending tax handouts for pokies operators, the Government should make them pay their fair share, and focus on supporting Queenslanders who need housing, schools and healthcare.”