ACT takes national leadership in tackling problem gambling

In an arrangement unique in Australia, Mission Australia will offer both traditional reactive services to help those already struggling with problem gambling, and proactive services to help those potentially at risk to tackle the problem before it gets out of hand.

Mission Australia will be able to provide a 'one-stop-shop' to help problem gamblers and their families who are also often affected by the problem. Mission Australia will combine their experience in problem gambling services with the many other services they provide including financial counselling, support services for disadvantaged families and youth, support services for relationships, domestic violence, drug and alcohol misuse, mental illness, housing, and care and learning experiences for disadvantaged children.

To ensure it is able to help as many people as possible the support service will provide a range of contact methods, including face to face, phone, e-mail and on-line including outside normal business hours.

Importantly under this arrangement Mission Australia will work with the Australian National University, the ACT Gambling and Racing Commission and industry stakeholders to undertake research on the causes and effective treatment of problem gambling.

The support service is funded from the Problem Gambling Assistance Fund which raises funds from a 0.6 per cent levy on Gross Gaming Revenue. The fund is expected to raise about $1 million per year.

Mission Australia already has a presence in the ACT through its existing employment assistance operations. It will open a new office to deliver the problem gambling support service which will create six new full time jobs.

Problem gambling is an issue the ACT Labor Government takes seriously. I am looking forward to Mission Australia's contribution to combating problem gambling in the ACT.

Mission Australia will distribute their contact details closer to commencing operations on 1 July 2011. In the meantime anyone having problems with gambling can visit www.problemgambling.act.gov.au

Media statement issued on the 7 June 2011 by Andew Barr MLA, Minister for Economic Development, Education and Training, Tourism, Sport and Recreation in the ACT Legislative Assembly