Local gambling reform advocates from Canberra Gambling Reform Alliance (CGRA) and the ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) say they are relieved that the Labor government has delivered on its election promises today to address gambling harm, but say aspects of the reform package are fragile and may prove insufficient.
"Clubs have been on notice since prior to the election that a Labor government would legislate a major reform package," said Jeremy Halcrow, Co-Chair of CGRA. "It shows the health of our local democracy that a party is elected on a clear gambling reform platform and then executes that platform once in government."
ACTCOSS CEO Dr Devin Bowles said preventing cash withdrawals at venues was an important measure which would ensure the safety of the government's proposed card-based cashless model.
"The removal of ATMs and EFTPOS withdrawals from clubs is a commonsense measure that will protect thousands of Canberrans experiencing gambling harm. ACTCOSS congratulates the Government for this important step in the face of industry opposition," Dr Bowles said.
Nonetheless, CGRA and ACTCOSS are disappointed with aspects of the reform package, namely that it:
- Will not legislate specific timeframes for breaks in play;
- Does not appear to include mandated loss limits; and that
- Poker machine venue close-down periods are shorter than what was promised in the last term of government under Minister Shane Rattenbury.
"Breaks in play are one of the most well evidenced measures to reduce harm from gambling, and Canberrans are entitled to the protection they offer," said Dr Bowles. "It is important that the Government execute this part of their gambling reform election platform as effectively as they will complete the other parts. It is important that no technological impediments on pokies manufactured by the gambling industry stop the ACT Government from protecting Canberrans."
A major concern for both CGRA and ACTCOSS is that the government has not explained why it has dumped default load up limits. They are calling on the government to be transparent with the public and release the technical advice they relied on to decide not to proceed with loss limits.
"It's frustrating to see measures proposed that don't go far enough to protect people from the gambling industry," CGRA Co-Chair Kate Seselja said. "Unfortunately a failure to deliver loss limits is an enormous missed opportunity for better safeguarding."
CGRA is calling for evaluation of the measures after 12 months to ensure they don't worsen harm to the community.
"Some aspects of the proposed approach have not been implemented elsewhere so it is important we assess whether the interventions are actually working," Jeremy Halcrow from CGRA said.
Meanwhile, both advocacy organisations also welcomed the ACT Greens policy announcement seeking to establish an independent fund for community contributions to fund local community sport, mandating that clubs pay their entire 8% community contribution in cash rather than in-kind venue hire.
"This is consistent with the long term policy position of CGRA," said Mr Halcrow.
Media contact
- Kate Seselja, Co-Chair CGRA — 0404 059 462
- Jeremy Halcrow, Co-Chair CGRA — 0401 533 266
- Dr Devin Bowles, CEO ACTCOSS — 0413 435 080
