Media response - gambling advocacy

Published on 29 November 2024

Approach from The Guardian

I'm emailing about the community benefit scheme for poker machines. I recall from previous stories the council has been really vocal on gambling reform. 

The latest annual report from the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission, out today, shows clubs spent $312m on community benefits - that's up from last year when we reported $184m - a 70% increase. 

Would the council be willing to provide a comment reacting to this scheme becoming increasingly popular, despite strong criticism from councils over many years, and an acknowledgement from the state government that it should be reconsidered? Clearly, the scheme is allowing poker machine losses to be reinvested to reduce tax liability.

Response

In the 2023/24 financial year, $121.4 million was taken from electronic gaming machines in Monash and we also know that losses from other forms of gambling are significant and damaging for our community. The community benefit scheme for poker machines can never repair the social and economic harm that gambling does in our community, and is simply a PR opportunity for venues.

Monash Council has a proud history of advocacy for gambling harm reform and in 2023 we took action to ensure that council spaces like sporting pavilions and club rooms are free from gambling advertising and sponsorship.

We call on all levels of government to seek reform, including reduced hours for pokies venues, changes to electronic gaming machines to introduce $1 maximum bets, introducing a stronger focus for community services under the community benefit scheme such as supporting older people and efforts to relieve poverty rather than other allowable items such as renovations and employee costs, and no gambling advertisements during sports broadcasts.

Issued: 29 November

To: The Guardian

Quoting: Mayor Cr Paul Klisaris