10 April 2001

Gambling Initiatives Sound - Roll Back Needed Now.

UnitingCare Wesley Adelaide enthusiastically greeted the Premier's announcements today about the Government’s intentions to start controlling gambling in South Australia.

“After 7 years of pokies pain in South Australia, that has seen the number of problem gamblers grow to at least 22,000 people, we at last have some positive moves by the State Government,” said Mark Henley, Senior Policy Officer with UnitingCare Wesley Adelaide.

“We are particularly supportive of the creation of the Independent Gambling Authority because we believe that this body will be able to develop an excellent understanding of the real extent of gambling in South Australia. It will also be able to review all activities with a view to harm minimisation” said Mr. Henley

“Harm minimisation, including consumer protection, is the appropriate role for government to be taking with regard to the gambling industries.”

“After seven years of unacceptably rapid growth in gambling, since the advent of pokies, the continuation of a cap is appropriate, and draws a useful line in the sand. However ACM is convinced that there are still too many pokies and too much gambling in South Australia and so will be looking for a roll back of the number of pokies over the next 5 years. We are convinced that this will lead to a reduction in the unacceptably high number of people with gambling problems in the State” said Mr Henley

 

For Further Comment
Mark Henley Senior Policy Officer	(08) 8202 5135 (b) 0404 067 011 (mob) (08) 8370 1112 (ah)