Tasmanian doctors, nurses and researchers support Opposition’s pokies policy

The head of the influential Menzies Institute has joined doctors and nurses in voicing support for Labor’s controversial policy of pulling poker machines from pubs and clubs. ALP leader Rebecca White has consistently framed the move, which will confine pokies to casinos from 2023, as a health policy. he powerful Australian Medical Association came out in full support of the plan on Wednesday, with doctors describing it as courageous. AMA Tasmania president Stuart Day said behavioral addictions, which stimulate the chemical dopamine in a similar way to cocaine or nicotine, were serious health conditions. “These ‘rewarding effects’ positively reinforce use,” he said. “Substance dependence and behavioral addictions are chronic brain diseases and people affected by them should be treated like any other patient with a serious illness. “Those affected by dependence and addictions are also more likely to have physical and mental health concerns as well as a heightened risk of suicide.” Dr. Day said taking no action on poker machines would result in bigger health costs, higher unemployment, and more crime.