GAMBLERS REHABILITATION FUND

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK (14:27): Can the Minister for Gambling advise the council of the status of the grants to NGOs through the Gamblers Rehabilitation Fund, and has she received any representations about the fact that the Treasury component of the fund has not been increased in the past four years?

The Hon. CARMEL ZOLLO (Minister for Correctional Services, Minister for Road Safety, Minister for Gambling, Minister Assisting the Minister for Multicultural Affairs) (14:27): I thank the honourable member for her important questions.

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order! The minister has the call.

The Hon. CARMEL ZOLLO: Thank you, Mr President. As honourable members would know, the Gamblers Rehabilitation Fund was established in 1994 to fund services, provide support and rehabilitate people affected by problem gambling. As one would expect, both the government and the gambling industry contribute to the fund. I think the office of the Minister for Gambling was established by those opposite. In fact, I think we have the first minister for gambling in this chamber. The Hon. Robert Brokenshire held that office when he was a member of the Liberal Party.

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. CARMEL ZOLLO: If they want to interject, it is their question time. The point I am making is that the Department for Families and Communities manages that fund. So, I will refer any request for information I am unable to provide to the Minister for Families and Communities in another place. Clearly, there is good logic in having that separation between myself as the Minister for Gambling and the Minister for Families and Communities.

It is a free and confidential gambling help service, and it provides gambling and financial counselling, group support and intensive treatment. The Gambling Helpline is a free 24 hour/seven days a week information and crisis helpline. The government contribution is currently set at $3.845 million per annum, and the industry contribution is currently set at $1.61 million per annum. I understand there is an intention to increase funding, and the new codes of practice, which will require a stronger relationship between gambling help services, clubs and hotels, will be implemented in early December.

As I have said, I will bring back a response on any information that I have not been able to provide today, and I will also confer with the minister in the other place.