Labor sells out on gambling reform

For broadcast on 2CH Sydney, 15 Dec 2013.

The Australian Churches Gambling Taskforce is extremely disappointed by Labor Party support of the Abbott Government’s repeal of the National Gambling Reform Act 2012, historic legislation passed by the Gillard Labor Government.

The Taskforce continues to be deeply concerned about the social and economic impacts on the community of all forms of gambling, particularly electronic gaming machines, and remains concerned about problem gambling and other gambling harm.

Repealing the very modest consumer protections of the National Gambling Reform Act 2012 is a clear signal to the gambling industries that consumer protection is unnecessary.

Australian Christian Lobby Managing Director Lyle Shelton said Social Services minister Kevin Andrews had foreshadowed reforms that would include more counselling for problem gamblers.

“This is welcome but it is widely accepted that tougher measures to limit losses such as mandatory pre-commitment or limiting machines to $1 bets are what is needed to help addicts,” he said.

I’m Rod Benson for the NSW Council of Churches.