Gamblers Rehabilitation Fund

In reply to the Hon. C. BONAROS (14 May 2019).

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK (Minister for Human Services): The Department of Human Services has advised:

1. During 2017-18, approximately $5.8 million was spent on the provision of front-line Gambling Help Services (GHS) to assist South Australians with gambling addictions. The current service model requires services to provide flexible face-to-face and online therapeutic responses for those impacted by problematic gambling, including online gambling.

In 2017-18, an additional $52,000 was provided by the Gamblers Rehabilitation Fund (GRF) for the National Gambling Help Online service to support South Australians impacted by problematic gambling behaviours.

It is not possible to quantify the funding actually spent assisting people impacted by online gambling behaviours, as the overall funding for front-line services is provided to address all forms of gambling addiction. It is commonplace for gambling clients to access front-line services with issues related to multiple forms of gambling, including online gambling.

2. In the six months from July 2018 to December 2018, $2.9 million was spent on front-line services to assist people impacted by gambling behaviours, including those with online gambling addictions. In addition, a further $26,000 was provided for the provision of the National Gambling Help Online service.

3. The GRF funds 28 GHS across South Australia, which are divided into two streams to ensure services are provided for targeted population groups and across all metropolitan and country areas.

The following sixteen targeted GHS provide gambling support for specific cohorts:

Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) GHS

Cambodian GHS (Relationships Australia)

Chinese GHS (Overseas Chinese Association)

Multicultural GHS (Relationships Australia)

Vietnamese GHS (Vietnamese Community in Australia—SA Chapter)

Aboriginal GHS

Aboriginal Gambling Therapy Service (Southern Adelaide Local Health Network)

Berri/Barmera Aboriginal GHS (Aboriginal Family Support Services)

Ceduna Aboriginal GHS (Ceduna Koonibba Aboriginal Health Service)

Murray Bridge Aboriginal GHS (Aboriginal Family Support Services)

Northern and Western Metropolitan Aboriginal GHS (Flinders University)

Port Augusta Aboriginal GHS (Aboriginal Family Support Services)

Port Lincoln Aboriginal GHS (Aboriginal Family Support Services)

Southern Metropolitan Aboriginal GHS (Flinders University)

Other Targeted GHS

Criminal Justice GHS (Offenders Aid and Rehabilitation Services)

Intensive Therapy GHS (PsychMed Pty Ltd)

Lived Experience Gambling Program—peer support (Relationships Australia)

SA Gambling 24-7 Helpline (Eastern Health)

Metropolitan and country targeted GHS are funded to enable greater geographical coverage to ensure that South Australians impacted by gambling have access to front-line service delivery.

The 12 services are delivered by:

Relationships Australia—Adelaide Hills GHS, Murray Mallee GHS, Eastern Adelaide GHS, Fleurieu and Kangaroo Island GHS, Southern Adelaide GHS, Barossa GHS, Northern Adelaide GHS and Western Adelaide GHS

Lifeline South East—Limestone Coast GHS

Uniting Country SA—Far North GHS, Yorke and Mid North GHS and Eyre and Western GHS.

The Department for Human Services, through the Office for Problem Gambling, will be consulting with stakeholders (GHS, government agencies and the gaming industry) about the results of the 2018 South Australian Gambling Prevalence Survey, and the sorts of programs and treatment programs that are needed in this area.