Australia adopts national approach to problem gambling

“This has been the first meeting in two years of the MCG. The outcomes of the meeting demonstrate what state and federal governments working together can achieve. I am confident the national approach that has been embraced here today and a subsequent range of new initiatives will enable us to make further headway,” Aird said.

Aird said it was clear Tasmania was already leading the way with a cap on the number of poker machines and a ban on ATMs and note accepting in clubs and pubs. “The Tasmanian Government takes the issue of problem gambling very seriously however I recognise there is always more that can be done."

Initiatives announced following today's meeting include: A single national website for the online treatment of problem gamblers. The service will provide 24-7 access to counselling and is expected to appeal to people who may not otherwise be reached through traditional face-to-face counselling.

It also includes a single national 1-800 gambling hotline that will automatically switch the caller through to a councillor in the state or territory in which the call is made and a National Work Program to tackle problem gambling.

Aird affirmed that the Ministers had agreed on a number of priority areas for new work to reduce harm from gambling. These include helping individuals set their limits, responsible gambling environments through staff training and problem gambler identification, a review of gaming machine standards and developing mechanisms for better consumer protection. “What we have set in motion today will provide a solid evidence base for future national action,” concluded Aird.