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Elimination of Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation jeopardises vital treatment services and public awareness efforts

Allan Labor government plans to dissolve the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation, despite its vital role in providing treatment services and raising awareness. Critics argue this move will hinder assistance for those with gambling problems.

By news@gippsland - 30th April 2024 - Back to News

The Allan Labor Government is pressing ahead with a plan to axe the state's agency tasked with protecting Victorians from gambling harm. As foreshadowed in the State Budget last year, the Victorian government has today introduced legislation dissolving the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation (VRGF).

Danny O'Brien condemns cutting the Responsible Gambling Foundation, urging the Premier to ensure its funding continues for essential services

Save gambling support

The VRGF was established by the former Liberals and Nationals Government in 2012 and provides vital treatment services such as the Gambler's Help program, raises public awareness of gambling harm and conducts gambling related research. Shadow Minister for Casino, Gaming, and Liquor Regulation, Danny O'Brien, said axing the dedicated VRGF will only place additional hurdles in the way of people with a gambling problem seeking assistance.

"Putting an important program like the Responsible Gambling Foundation on the chopping block is unconscionable. Labor has put help further out of reach for Victorians with a gambling problem. Problem gambling only affects a small proportion of those who like a punt, but it has massive impacts on those affected and their loved ones," he said.

Mr O'Brien added, "This is not a program the Labor Government should be cutting at a time when more households and individuals are under financial pressure and the risks of gambling harm are heightened. "Despite being sold as 'reform' this is clearly a cost-saving exercise because the Allan Labor Government can't manage money and Victorians are paying the price," he said.

Pictures from La Trobe University website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Eastern Victoria MP Melina Bath and firearm owner Ryan Weeratunge launch e-petition urging Labor to enforce existing gun laws, avoid rushed changes, and consult law-abiding owners to ensure community safety.
• Peri Urban Councils urge state government to invest in infrastructure and support housing growth across regions
  Peri Urban Councils Victoria is urging government investment in infrastructure after a new report recommended 40% of new homes be built in regional Australia, highlighting housing demand, high costs, and infrastructure pressures.
• Darren Chester slams Albanese government veterans medal review limit, undermining Tribunal independence
  Shadow Minister Darren Chester has condemned Labor's legislation imposing a 20-year limit on veterans' medal reviews, arguing it undermines the Tribunal's independence and disenfranchises veterans and families seeking fair recognition.
• Gippsland Water invests $550,000 to upgrade Peterkin Street sewer pump station, ensuring reliable wastewater services for Traralgon
  Gippsland Water is investing $550,000 to upgrade Traralgon largest sewer pump station, replacing ageing pipes to ensure reliable wastewater services for 5,200 households. Works are underway and due for completion in September.
• Coalition demands Albanese government regulate veterans’ advocacy sector after damning Senate committee report release
  The Coalition urges urgent laws to regulate veterans’ advocacy, citing unethical practices, rising commercial providers, data risks, and unmet Royal Commission reforms to better protect vulnerable veterans and their families.
• Danny O’Brien says July-September 2025 data shows Labor continues failing Gippsland’s critical emergency response
  Ambulance Victoria data shows Gippsland response times well below targets, with urgent calls for the Allan Labor government to improve staffing, resources, and performance to protect regional communities.
• East Gippsland Shire backs $15M Bairnsdale Airport upgrade to boost emergency response and healthcare services regionally
  East Gippsland Shire Council has backed a $15 million Bairnsdale Airport upgrade, extending the runway to boost emergency response, healthcare services, and regional aviation, supported by government funding and health agencies.
• West Gippsland Landcare awarded $337,250 to transform landscapes, protect species, and enhance community green spaces statewide
  West Gippsland Landcare volunteers received $337,250 from 2025 Victorian Landcare Grants to restore landscapes, protect endangered species, enhance waterways, plant 30,000 trees, and engage communities in conservation projects.
• David Littleproud says new mapping reveals Labor's renewables damage, strengthening the call for nuclear energy
  The Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal has accused the Albanese government of removing veterans' rights to review bravery awards, warning proposed reforms undermine fairness, independence, and recognition of Australia's war heroes.
• East Gippsland Council reminds pet owners to register pets, ensure safety, cleanliness, and enjoyable public spaces for everyone
  East Gippsland Council urges pet owners to register animals, ensuring compliance, quick safe returns, and supporting responsible ownership for cleaner, safer, and more enjoyable community spaces.
• Bass Coast Council leaders advocating events, infrastructure, recreation, coastal protection, public transport, and environmental conservation
  Bass Coast Council leaders held 12 Parliament meetings, advocating for events, infrastructure, recreation, coastal protection, public transport, and environmental conservation, seeking government support and funding for key community projects.
• Gippsland’s growth at risk without urgent government investment in housing, infrastructure, warns One Gippsland Chair
  One Gippsland warns growth could stall without urgent investment in housing and infrastructure to support workforce, energy projects, and address social, affordable housing shortages across the region.