An alleged letter in which Tasmanian Upper House leader Michael Aird expressed concerns to Premier Paul Lennon about problem gambling has created a stir in the Tasmanian Legislative Council.
Reportedly written in April and brought to the council on Monday by independent Huon MLC Paul Harriss, the letter also warned Lennon of growing community unrest over perceptions that the government had grown too close to big business and specifically cited the government's relationships with Federal Hotels and timber company Gunns Ltd.
Aird, meanwhile, denies writing the letter, but acknowledges that he had held concerns six months ago about betting exchange provider Betfair obtaining a license in Tasmania.
As reported by The Mercury, Aird maintains that he is "100 percent satisfied" with the government's approach to Betfair.
Harriss, however, said he did not find Aird's explanation very plausible.
The unsent letter also claimed a new Betfair agency would make it difficult for the government to meet Tasmania's target of reducing problem gambling by 0.5 percent by 2020.
Harriss asked Aird three times during questioning on Monday what his views were on the granting of a Betfair license and whether he had written to the supposed letter on April 6, but Aird declined to answer on the grounds that the unwritten "rules" of the chamber agreed upon by all members did not allow such questions without notice. He also declined to address repeated requests to deny he had written the letter.
"I don't know what Mr. Harriss is talking about," Aird said. "I've got nothing to say."
Aird declared Monday night, however, that the entire debacle was a dead duck.
"The sentiments expressed in the letter in no way reflect my opinions," he said in a media statement. "End of story."