The Public Health Association of Australia (PHAA) has written to sitting New South Wales Labor parliamentarians, urging they improve their party’s position on gambling before the 25 March election to protect people from the many health harms of gambling addiction.
Adjunct Professor Terry Slevin, CEO, Public Health Association of Australia says that Labor’s current policy stance on gambling machine reform is “woefully inadequate”.
“It focuses on a trial on 500 machines out of more than 86,000 machines across the state, and falls far short of what the Liberal Party is offering.
“By avoiding evidence-based policies like a built-in mandatory pre-commitment cashless card system with daily, monthly, and yearly upper limits, the NSW Labor Party, if elected, will be responsible for encouraging gambling harms. These harms include the physical, social and mental health of communities, families and individuals.
“We are asking incumbent NSW Labor MPs to lobby their leader Chris Minns and Shadow Minister for Health Ryan Park to commit to an evidence-based stance, rather than watered-down policies that preserve a harmful industry.
“Those most harmed by the current gambling policies are largely in traditionally Labor-voting electorates, most prominently in southern and western Sydney.
“These are the very people whose votes NSW Labor is seeking. They’re being asked to trust that Labor will protect their interests and wellbeing if they form government.
“Based on their current gambling stance, we think that trust is misplaced. And that is extremely disappointing.
“NSW Labor must act to improve their current policy position and do so very quickly, because lives and livelihoods are at stake.
“Effective reform starts with mandated cashless gaming machines with a built-in mandatory pre-commitment scheme, among other harm minimisation measures,” Adjunct Professor Terry Slevin concludes.
The PHAA NSW Branch is calling for all parties to commit to several actions ahead of the state election:
· Implementing a universal pre-commitment cashless card system with upper limits per day, month and year;
· Prohibitions on inducements, advertising and marketing; and penalties to deter breaches of such regulation and legislation;
· A one button self-exclusion mechanism;
· Refusal of pre-election agreements with the gaming industry
Public Health Association of Australia works to promote the health and well-being of everyone in Australia. It is also a proud member of the Alliance for Gambling Reform.
