11th December, 2013
The Australian Christian Lobby has expressed disappointment federal politicians look set to repeal modest gambling reforms introduced by the previous Gillard government.
Legislation to repeal 2012 reforms which included an ACT trial of mandatory pre-commitment technology, limiting gaming venue ATMs to $250 and the establishment of a national gambling regulator was introduced by the Coalition Government last week.
Noting that the new legislation looks like it will be supported by Labor in the Senate, ACL managing director Lyle Shelton says leadership is needed from both sides of politics on the issue and described the Gillard Government reforms as "modest" but a "step in the right direction".
“We can”t ignore the harm of poker-machines and the fact that there are 95,000 problem gamblers addicted to poker machines," he says.
Mr Shelton says that while reforms foreshadowed by Social Services Minister Kevin Andrews, including more counselling for problem gamblers, were welcome, "it is widely accepted that tougher measures to limit losses such as mandatory pre-commitment or limiting machines to $1 bets are what is needed to help addicts."
“There is enormous impact on the community from problem gambling. Problem gambling can ruin families, harm children, cause gamblers to lose their jobs and homes and can affect their health."
– DAVID ADAMS
