[Greens-Media] Government Happy to Play with Stacked Deck

[Franks, Office]

October 18, 2011



MEDIA RELEASE


Government Happy to Play with Stacked Deck on Gambling Advice
The Greens have highlighted the David vs Goliath status of the current Independent Gambling Authority's (IGA) Review into the Code of Practice into the Advertising and Responsible Gambling Code.
"Recent submissions to the IGA Codes of Practice Review saw nine written submissions tendered.  Of these all but one were from the industry players with clear vested financial interests in gambling," said Tammy Franks, Greens SA spokesperson for Gambling.
"The deck is clearly stacked in favour of the big end of town. The only non-gambling industry body to make a written submission was the South Australian Council of Social Services (SACOSS). The only voice to speak up for those impacted by problem gambling, their one page submission said funding has simply not been made available to allow them to properly seek the views of their members," Ms Franks said.
"The Greens questioned whether the Minister can get balanced input into gambling policy without resourcing those representing the most vulnerable to have a real seat at the table?
"The Minister's strongly worded response missed seemingly missed the point -as she insisted SACOSS were capable of responding - despite their express statement to the contrary. 'They can ask for extensions' the Minister said. But the Minister seemingly has missed the point that advocates for the gambling industry are 'cashed up' whilst the voice of those who are assisting problem gamblers are legitimately crying poor," Ms Franks concluded.
To arrange comment contact Jamnes Danenberg on 0457 549 938 or 8237 9410


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