years. A parliamentary enquiry called for a significant reduction of machines, and changing the deal with Federal Group. It is estimated that clubs only take in 10-30% of all pokies losses, with the majority going to Federal Group, for which they pay a minimal amount to the government in taxes. 2018 election and potential pokie ban In August 2017, Federal Group agreed to give up their monopoly on the poker machines, if in return they would receive a reduction in their taxes (which are already the lowest gambling taxes in Australia). The Liberal government also stated that they agree to the presence of the pokies but they will not necessarily grant those licences exclusively to Federal Group. In December 2017 the Labor Party opposition under its new leader, Rebecca White, announced that if elected they would phase out all poker machines from pubs and clubs by 2023. The reasons cited were the health implications, and that Tasmanians could not afford to lose the more than $110 million it loses every year. In response Federal Group attacked the plan as dangerous and that it would lead to job losses, and said they would stop donating to the Labor Party. The Liberal Party mostly fell in line with Federal Group, even using Federal Group's own promotional material to attack Labor. Over half of the Liberal Party's declared donations, over $400,000, for the election were given to them by gambling interests. There has been wide spread support for the Labor policy. The Greens have been calling for the pokies ban for many years, and the Jacquie Lambie Network also coming out in support. Others in support include David Walsh, the owner of the MONA gallery, and major opponent of the pokies. Public opinion also strongly supports either a reduction or phasing out of pokies. Former interests Strahan Village Freycinet Lodge Cradle Mountain Hotel Gordon River Cruises West Coast Wilderness Railway Tourist accommodation Wrest Point Hotel Casino Country Club Casino The Henry Jones Art Hotel Saffire-Freycinet MACq01 Hotel (2017) See also 1968 Tasmanian casino referendum Kevin Lyons Rebecca White References 1885 establishments in Australia Hotel chains in Australia Companies based in Tasmania Gambling companies of Australia Family-owned companies of Australia