RELATIONSHIPS AUSTRALIA

Mr SIBBONS (Mitchell) (15:42): Thank you, Mother Christmas. I must say that, one of the most eye-opening meetings I have had since becoming the member for Mitchell was—

Ms Chapman interjecting:

Mr SIBBONS: Okay, the shot clock has just gone up to seven now, so we're doing well. I will start again. One of the most eye-opening meetings I have had since becoming the member for Mitchell was with representatives of Relationships Australia, a non-profit charitable organisation, the purpose of which is to support people through a variety of relationship issues. These include: family dispute resolution, domestic violence, child abuse, general and mental health, and addiction, including problem gambling.

The organisation has more than 60 years of experience in the field and offers confidential counselling and education for individuals, couples and families. When I visited Relationships Australia's Marion office recently the focus was on problem gambling and, in particular, the Consumer Voice Project which connects community groups with speakers who have overcome gambling problems to raise awareness of the issue, and I believe that greater awareness is certainly needed in our society today.

When we think about problem gambling many of us think that it is an issue that will never affect us. Many of us think that a problem gambler is a stereotypical person, mostly unemployed and undedicated and that they come from a low socioeconomic background, and that is simply not true. The picture fails to tell the full story. Problem gamblers may have highly-paid jobs, be very respected in our community and be in powerful positions. Most have a university education and live in lavish homes.

As gambling takes over their lives and impacts upon those close to them, they lose respect for their family, they lose respect for their job, and they lose respect for their home and assets. The debts which can be racked up may lead to a number of illnesses—depression and mental illness. They may turn to substance, they may turn to criminal activity, they may also be very deceptive with family members and, ultimately, it can lead to unfortunate suicide.

The Department for Families and Communities' problem gambling website explains that when gambling begins to consume more money and time than a person can afford it can affect many parts of their lives and, as I mentioned earlier, that includes the physical side, the emotional side, the financial side, relationships, work and also study.

The extent of problem gambling is difficult to measure, as people caught in its web are often very skilful in hiding their addiction from those close to them. However, over time the impacts may become increasingly obvious and very serious. The South Australian Gambling Prevalence Report 2005 lists our state's rate of problem at moderate or high risk gambling as 1.6 per cent of the population of 18 years and over. This number may seem small, but Relationships Australia believes this figure is just the tip of the iceberg.

Often, problem gamblers do not seek help until they hit rock bottom and lose all hope. Family members and friends often do not catch onto what is happening until the situation becomes dire. Also, when you take into account that, for every problem gambler a further five to 10 people are affected, you begin to grasp the true magnitude of the problem. So, with an estimated minimum of 290,000 Australians with a gambling problem, it means that there are more than two million Australians being hurt by this problem.

Importantly, Relationships Australia offers help and advice to everybody affected by problem gambling. Today I wish to commend them for their important work in this area. Our communities and our families benefit tremendously from their expertise and assistance. I also wish everybody in the house a very merry Christmas, and I certainly remind members opposite that they have another three more years at least still over that side.