Media Release - Andrew Barr MLA: Nation leading problem gambling service officially launched in the ACT

Today Mission Australia officially opened its new office in Canberra from where it is providing the ACT’s nation leading Problem Gambling Support Service which commenced on 1 July 2011.

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.

This service is an Australian first, with a focus on both preventing gambling problems and supporting those currently experiencing problems.

It will provide counselling services - both problem gambling and financial - educational information on problem gambling, self-help techniques and important links to other services such as family guidance, alcohol and drug assistance as well as housing and employment opportunities.

Another important element of the service will be outreach services to other locations in the ACT. This will include providing support to clubs to help club staff deal with patrons who may be experiencing gambling problems.

Mission Australia is also working with the Australian National University, the ACT Gambling and Racing Commission and industry stakeholders to assist with research on the causes and effective treatment of problem gambling.

The support service is being funded through the Problem Gambling Assistance Fund. All gaming machine licensees are required to contribute to this fund and it also includes voluntary contributions from ACTTAB and Casino Canberra.

Mission Australia was selected from a competitive public tender process and currently provides gambling counselling services at 13 sites across NSW. The service has six full time staff who between them have 30 years of counselling experience.

Clients can access the support service in a number of ways including face to face and over the phone. The number for the service is 1800 858 858.

The service will extend to provide support through e-mail and online contact in the future.

Media release issued on the 4 August 2011 by Andew Barr MLA, Deputy Chief Minister, Treasurer, Minister for Economic Development, Education and Training, Tourism, Sport and Recreation in the ACT Legislative Assembly

Media coverage - ABC: 'One-stop-shop' to tackle problem gambling

The ACT Government says its new gambling support service will serve as a 'one-stop-shop' for problem gamblers and their families.

The Government has announced Mission Australia will run the service, providing help for people already struggling with problem gambling as well as running proactive services to help those at risk of developing an addiction.

It is due to be up and running next month.

Economic Development Minister Andrew Barr says it is a unique, nation-leading arrangement.

"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," he said.

Mr Barr says the service will include face-to-face, phone, email and online contact with clients.

He says Mission Australia will also 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.

Mr Barr says it is part of the Government's broader plan to tackle problem gambling.

"That encompass everything from assistance for those who have demonstrated need and perhaps those who we haven't been reaching with previous assistance models, through to some more direct action in relation to the number of poker machines in the Territory, ATM withdrawal limits and the national work around precommitment," he said.

The service is being funded by a 0.6 per cent levy on gambling revenue, an idea initiated by an ACT Greens bill.

Mission Australia's Leonie Green says it will be a diverse program.

"Not only will we be offering financial and gambling counselling services but we will be also providing training for other service providers," she said.

"We'll be able to provide therapeutic services to families and individuals so that they can start looking and addressing all of the other issues. We'll be working in schools raising awareness of gambling."

Story originally published 7 June 2011 at ABC.net.au

Further reading:

• Owen Craigie passes on smart gambling message
• Government Media Release: Tackling problem gambling in Australia
• Previous MA news - gambling

Media statement - Andrew Barr MLA: ACT takes national leadership in tackling problem gambling

Today I announced Mission Australia has won the tender to provide the ACT's nation leading Problem Gambling Support Service which commences on 1 July 2011.

Mission Australia is a large national organisation that has been operating in Australia for over 150 years. The organisation provides gambling counselling services at 13 sites in NSW and is highly qualified to deliver similar services in the ACT.

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