Member Services
- Text Decrease
- Text Increase
- Print Page
Baillieu Government opposes vital public health initiative
6 August 2011
The Baillieu Government’s failure to support mandatory pre-commitment for poker machines is a threat to the health of Victorians, said AMA Victoria President Dr Harry Hemley.
“Problem gambling is a serious public health issue in Victoria. The Baillieu Government should be welcoming the Commonwealth’s move to introduce mandatory pre-commitment for poker machines, not fighting against it,” said Dr Hemley.
Dr Hemley’s comments were made in response to the Victorian Minister for Gaming, Michael O’Brien’s threat to mount a High Court challenge against the Commonwealth’s pre-commitment scheme. AMA Victoria has written to Minister O’Brien to call on the Baillieu Government to support a mandatory pre-commitment scheme.
“It is disappointing that the Victorian Government has chosen to oppose this important public health initiative,” said Dr Hemley. “Mandatory pre-commitment technology requires gamblers to select an amount they are willing to lose before they start gambling. This will make sure gamblers think twice before betting and will help prevent problem gambling.”
The Productivity Commission’s 2010 report, Gambling, recommended the introduction of mandatory pre-commitment technology for poker machines. This recommendation was endorsed by the Parliamentary Joint Select Committee on Gambling Reform earlier this year.
“AMA Victoria supports the implementation of mandatory pre-commitment as gambling addiction continues to be a significant public health issue for Victoria. The co-morbidities associated with problem gambling include depression, suicidal ideation, and substance abuse,” said Dr Hemley.
“A six-month study of patients at a major Victorian hospital found that one in five suicidal patients were problem gamblers. The poverty and financial hardship associated with problem gambling results in addicts and their families having less money to spend on vital health services. There is a clear link between problem gambling, financial hardship and poor health outcomes.
“There is a consensus forming in the Australian community that mandatory pre-commitment is a necessary public health measure — it is time for the Baillieu Government to listen. If gamblers are required to contemplate how much they can afford to lose, and forced to stick to those limits, they are less likely to spend beyond their means.
“The Baillieu Government’s commitment to invest 100 percent of the proceeds from the sale of poker machine licences in a health infrastructure fund was welcome. However, the Coalition must ensure that it is not paying for our hospitals with money from the pockets of gambling addicts.”
In response to AMA Victoria’s calls, Minister O’Brien reaffirmed the Baillieu Government’s commitment to a voluntary, rather than a mandatory, pre-commitment scheme. The Joint Select Committee found that there was a low take-up of voluntary pre-commitment schemes trialled interstate and overseas.
Premier Baillieu and Prime Minister Gillard will meet at the next COAG meeting on 18 August.
Victorian Medical Directory
Quick Reference Links
Networks
Preferred Providers
Next
Prev