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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.
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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