Government wants ATMs out of gaming venues

Australia - The federal government wants ATMs removed from all venues where there are poker machines to try and control problem gambling.

Treasurer Peter Costello says following a Productivity Commission inquiry the Australian government set up a commonwealth-state ministerial forum on gambling to deal with consumer protection, counselling and research, and the reform to regulatory governance.

He said this ministerial council has now agreed on a national framework to respond to problem gambling.

"We look forward to cooperation from the states in relation to that matter and in some matters there have been positive steps, such as warnings in relation to gambling for people who might be problem gamblers and an increase for counselling services for those that suffer this addiction," Mr Costello told parliament.

But he said more can be done, particularly in restricting the availability of ATMs in venues where there are poker machines.

"The ATM does represent a real temptation for a problem gambler with a fixed sum of money, gone through it, and now found that it's easy to go to the ATM to continue their addiction," he said.

"We would ask all of the states to cooperate with the commonwealth in its active program to deal with this scourge, an area where the commonwealth has taken leadership, even though it has no legislative power and we would ask all of the states to cooperate in dealing with this matter."

The treasurer noted that Opposition Leader Kevin Rudd has also expressed his concern about poker machines and his regret of being part of the Queensland government's decision to introduce them when he was working there.

"I think it is a matter of concern the way in which state governments in the late 80s, early 90s embraced poker machines, seeing them as an easy way in generating tax revenue and not looking at the social consequence that where involved," Mr Costello said.

"So I welcome the fact that the leader of the opposition has changed his position in relation to poker machines and I do look forward to getting bi-partisan support for the government's position in relation to this social ill."

He said there is no reason why Australia would need more pokie machines.

"There is no reason why we need anymore, no reason for any state government whatsoever to believe the introduction of Keno or other forms of interactive gambling could actually add to the social cohesion in our country.

"We ask those state governments that are contemplating such a move not to go ahead with this."

courtesy Sydney Morning Herald

News Added: 20 September, 2007

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