Page 842 - Week 03 - Thursday, 30 March 2006
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gambling practices take place in our community. There has been great work undertaken by Clubs ACT and many individual clubs with whom I have spoken.
We must recognise that this is a problem that is not easy to tackle but is one of which those who are in the business of gaming and wagering need to be cognisant. I firmly believe there is a high level of community sensitivity on this issue. There is no question that, like a range of things in our society, whether it be alcohol, drugs or gambling, it can also inflict enormous damage on homes, individuals and families and can lead to horrific outcomes.
It is an issue in which I have obviously had past involvement. I know it is an issue on which my colleague Dr Foskey has spoken on occasions. Whilst we may differ in our view about how we might get there, I do not think we differ in our view that we need to help those who are unable to manage those habits and who cause ruination to themselves and distress to their families. If we can initiate some measures in this territory to help—sensible measures; what is termed in some other dimensions “a no-regrets policy”, where we do not simply embrace knee-jerk reactions to solve a problem because they sound popular—and embrace measures that may assist those who are struggling with their gambling entertainment, then it will be a good move.
I am not sure—and I have not ever seen empirical evidence that would say that offering pop-up information windows highlighting responsible gambling messages will change the way people behave—but logic suggests that it may assist some of those people. If we can help any people who are not managing their gambling practice and if ACTTAB is technologically able to achieve that, it would be prudent for them to demonstrate a stronger commitment in this area.
During evidence it was indicated that they had printed materials at premises to help people. But there is a body of opinion out there, probably, that would be in favour—and certainly it is the view of the committee that it would be wise to be done—of ensuring that that small percentage of people who have trouble managing their gambling activities know where to go for help and are encouraged to moderate their behaviour when they find themselves involved in gambling above and beyond their capability.
The report also contained a recommendation that the government ensure that ACT government agency heads are in attendance at annual report hearings or, in their absence, a delegate capable of answering operational questions is in attendance. This only happened in relation to one or two agencies. It is an unsatisfactory situation. We would not have sought election here if we did not take the role of the Assembly quite seriously. We have a duty on behalf of the people of Canberra to carry out a range of responsibilities.
It behoves government agencies, when there is this process of accountability through hearings of the Assembly, to ensure that they present themselves or, if there are extenuating circumstances, present a representative, not simply to disregard the work of the Assembly. It is an issue on which there is unanimity of opinion, as with all these recommendations today, and it is one on which we hope the government—and I am sure we would not have any argument from the government—would not take issue. It just needs to be reinforced across the spectrum.
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