Coalition seeks gambling reform policy input
03-November-2011
John Forrest MP -
Federal Member for Mallee John Forrest is urging comment on the Coalition’s Policy Discussion Paper on Gambling Reform.
“Compulsive gambling is a serious issue and this is an opportunity for the community to have its say and offer practical and workable solutions,” Mr Forrest said.
“All types of gambling, including the fast growing area of online gambling, are covered in the discussion paper.
“Gambling is a major problem for some, but for many others, it is a recreational activity they enjoy within personal limits they set for themselves.
“Gambling is also an industry that employs over 150,000 Australians, so the challenge for government is retaining jobs while balancing the legitimate right of adults to gamble responsibly while supporting the small number who can’t gamble responsibly.”
Mr Forrest said the Coalition’s approach to problem gambling was addressing social, economic and policy challenges essential to effective gambling reform.
“Mandatory pre-commitment sounds good at first, but there are growing doubts it will deliver on reducing problem gambling.
“We are seeking community input and copies of the discussion paper can be obtained from my offices or downloaded from: http://nationals.org.au/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=cVLbPRq7O8M%3d&tabid=61.
“It is worth a look. Main points for discussion are a national voluntary pre-commitment programme; more and better targeted counselling and support services; a nationally consistent ‘self-exclusion’ programme, including consideration of extending self-exclusion programmes to third parties such as immediate family members; prohibiting betting firms offering credit to gamblers; and prohibiting the promotion of live odds during the live broadcast of a sports event.”
A working group has been established to consider the expected responses from communities, industry, state and territory governments, and to investigate options that effectively address problem gambling.
“Feedback and submissions can be lodged on my website www.jforrest.com or my offices in Mildura or Swan Hill, and I’ll be delighted to pass them on to the Working Group,” Mr Forrest said.
“The Working Group is receiving written submissions until 31 January 2012 and is expected to report back to the Federal Leader of the Opposition by the end of February 2012.”