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Liberals To Double Funding To Gamblers HelpA Liberal Government will double funding to the Gamblers Help Line and counselling services, Shadow Minister for State Development Philip Davis said today. By Phillip Davis - 6th September 2006 - Back to News Mr Davis said current Bracks Labor Government funding for problem gambling services was clearly inadequate and problem gamblers were suffering without help.
"Despite lining its own coffers with more than $1 billion revenue from gaming machines, the Bracks Government only allocates $8 million each year to the Gamblers Help which operates a help line and counselling," Mr Davis said.
"It is often the case that people in extreme distress about their gambling habits call Gamblers Help Line for assistance, but must wait weeks before anyone is available to provide face-to-face counselling to assist them.
"During our first term, a Liberal Government will double the funding available to Gamblers Help.
"This extra funding will enable Gamblers Help to operate a single 1800 number across Victoria, allowing all problem gamblers to have access to this service.
"Counsellors will be provided in every municipal area, or in clusters of suburban municipalities, 24 hours a day, seven days a week to provide immediate initial counselling.
"The funding will also allow Gamblers Help to determine whether further counselling and assistance is necessary, and if so, make it available within 24 hours in most cases."
Mr Davis said translators for languages other than English were also important, for those in our community from migrant backgrounds.
"Counsellors from non-English speaking backgrounds will be trained to work in their own communities, because research has found that a disproportionately high number of migrant-background Australians frequent gaming machines.
"A Liberal Government is committed to assisting those with gambling problems, regardless of their backgrounds.
"We will therefore provide the necessary funds to provide counselling to all problem gamblers who seek assistance."
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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