Queensland’s gambling initiatives on track
Posted by editor (editor) on Jul 22 2010
2010 >>

According to the Productivity Commission, Queensland is heading in the right direction when it comes to gaming regulation.

Minister responsible for gaming regulation, Peter Lawlor MP, commented on the Commission’s final report on gambling which he says reaffirms the Queensland responsible gambling strategy.

“The Productivity Commission has recommended a number of initiatives to be rolled out nationally that are already part of the Queensland Government’s strategy to minimise gambling related harm,” said Minister Lawlor.

“Initiatives recommended for a national roll-out include, pre-commitment, mandatory training and patron education – all of which are on the Queensland gambling regulatory agenda.”

As further confirmation of Queensland’s response to problem gambling, the 2008-09 Queensland household gambling survey results revealed a steady decline in the problem gambling rate since the introduction of the responsible gambling strategy.

“In 2001, problem gambling affected 0.83 per cent of the Queensland population – our most recent figures show just 0.37 per cent are affected,” said Minister Lawlor.

“The Queensland Government has long recognised that problem gambling affects a small minority of people, but one problem gambler is one too many.

“That is why we have focused delivery of a range of effective harm minimisation measures on regular, at risk gamblers and problem gamblers.

“In April this year the Bligh Government also extended a moratorium for a further two years on the capped number of gaming machines in Queensland hotels to allow time to consider the report’s findings.

“Queensland will continue to collaborate with other jurisdictions to develop a nationally harmonised approach to gambling harm minimisation, particularly in relation to developing national standards for gaming machines, pre-commitment initiatives and training,” said Minister Lawlor.

The final report of the Productivity Commission’s inquiry into gambling will inform updates to Queensland’s gambling policy framework, as well as the co-operative work already occurring at a national level.

“This much-anticipated report is a solid contribution to the ongoing policy debate that will help shape the best approach to minimising harm from gambling,” said Minister Lawlor.

Last changed: Jul 22 2010 at 11:08 AM