13th of November 2024, 12:21pm
Parliament of Victoria | Legislative Council
David ETTERSHANK (Western Metropolitan):
My question is directed to the Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation in the other place. Gambling-related harms amongst some of our most disadvantaged Victorians remain unacceptably high despite recent reforms.
The City of Brimbank is the second-most disadvantaged LGA in Melbourne and also has the highest electronic gaming machine losses of any LGA in the state, with a staggering $172 million lost on the pokies over the previous year – that is $475,000 every day. Mandatory closing hours for venues from 4 am to 10 am do not go far enough, as evidence clearly shows that the most harm is likely to be suffered by those playing between midnight and 2 am.
So I ask: will the government introduce mandatory closing times from midnight to 10 am for venues to reduce the extraordinary harms experienced by problem gamblers in my electorate?
Lizzie BLANDTHORN (Western Metropolitan – Minister for Children, Minister for Disability):
I thank Mr Ettershank for his question, which I will refer in accordance with the standing orders to the relevant minister in the other place.
David ETTERSHANK (Western Metropolitan):
I thank the minister for passing that on. Gambling organisations and electronic gaming venues receive an 8.33 per cent tax break under the proviso that this money is spent on the community and for the community’s benefit. Analysis of the industry’s community contribution shows that there are limited demonstrable benefits to the community under this arrangement and that the overall value of contributions is often inflated.
A 2023 PAEC inquiry recommended the government consider scrapping the existing community benefit arrangements and redirecting the 8.33 per cent to a publicly managed fund targeted at preventing and reducing gambling-related harm, which the government supports in principle.
I ask: when will the government implement this recommendation?
Lizzie BLANDTHORN (Western Metropolitan – Minister for Children, Minister for Disability):
Thank you, Mr Ettershank. I will, again, refer your supplementary to the relevant minister in the other place.
Written Answer
Received: 05 December 2024
Hon. Melissa Horne MP
(Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Ports and Freight, Minister for Roads and Road Safety)
From 30 August 2024, closing times for pubs and clubs gaming machine areas were extended by 50 per cent – all pubs and clubs will need to be closed from at least 4:00am to 10:00am, removing the ability of venues to stage opening hours aimed at reducing breaks in play.
The government is not currently considering further amendments to opening hours requirements.
However, the government is strongly committed to addressing gambling harms experienced across communities in Victoria, including in Brimbank. That is why we are introducing nation-leading reforms, including mandatory pre-commitment and carded play, slowing spin rates and reducing load up limits on gaming machines. The first stage of these major reforms will be in place by December 2025.
The Gambling Regulation Act 2003 states that not-for-profit clubs with gaming machines can claim expenses of certain activities for community purposes, including but not limited to donations, gifts and sponsorships, maintenance of sporting facilities and support for veterans.
In September 2024, I requested the Department of Justice and Community Safety to conduct a review of the Community Benefits Statement scheme. Targeted stakeholder consultation has commenced, which will include community stakeholders, people with lived experience of gambling harm, and industry stakeholders.
[ENDS]
