[Greens-Media] Greens take on big parties in fight for Local Council's right to tackle problem gambling

[Adele.Pedder at parliament.vic.gov.au]

The Victorian Greens are taking on both big parties in an effort to retain 
Local Council's right to charge increased rates to pokies venues so as to 
tackle problem gambling in their communities.

Current debate in parliament is revealing that both Liberal and Labor will 
be supporting the Local Government Legislation Amendment Bill 2012 which 
prevents Local Councils charging differential rates. Differential Rates 
enables Councils to charge higher rates to pokies venues so as to tackle 
the problem gambling and social issues that arise. 

"Pokies create addiction that destroys people’s lives.  We should be using 
every measure we can to discourage and minimise the damage" said the 
Victorian Greens Gambling Spokesperson Colleen Hartland.

"Greens and Labor Councillors have been working together at both Moreland 
and Darebin councils to fund community efforts to prevent and treat 
problem gambling".

"Local Councils are taking brave steps to address problem gambling yet 
both Liberal and Labor are looking like trampling these positive efforts". 


"Moreland, Darebin and Ballarat councils have raised hundreds of thousands 
of dollars by charging higher rates to pokies venues and this money has 
been invested in their communities".

"If Liberal and Labor vote to see the passage of this Bill it will be the 
nail in the coffin for these Council initiatives that turn lives around. 
They will also be preventing other Councils across Victoria taking on such 
initiatives in the future. The misery caused by problem gambling will be 
on their heads" said Ms Hartland.

For comment: Colleen Hartland – 0417 445 845


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Adele Pedder

Electorate Officer
Greens MP Colleen Hartland 
Ph: 9689 6373. Mob: 0422 108 539
colleenhartland.org
75 Victoria Street Seddon 3011
 


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Parliament of Victoria                                                                                                                    . 
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