Poker Machines

In reply to the Hon. C. BONAROS ().18 May 2022).

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Attorney-General, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector): The Minister for Consumer and Business Affairs has advised:

The Malinauskas government remains committed to the objective of reducing the number of gaming machine entitlements in South Australia to 13,081, as prescribed as the statutory objective of the Gaming Machine Regulations 2020. At present, there remains 595 entitlements to be cancelled.

A legislated review of the approved trading system under the Gaming Machines Act 1995 was recently completed and a report on the outcome of that review, including options for consideration, was provided to the former minister on 10 December 2021. As per the requirement of the legislated review, the report must be tabled in both houses of parliament within 12 sitting days from 10 December 2021.

Since the report was tabled on 3 May 2022, as minister, I have met with stakeholders and requested the Liquor and Gambling Commissioner for briefings about the regulatory framework for the gambling industry in South Australia, information about the review of the approved trading system for gaming machine entitlements and the provision of social services to members of the community who are at risk of harm, or at risk of causing harm to a family member, because of gambling.

Careful consideration is being given to the findings of the review into the approved trading system to accelerate reaching the statutory objective. We will update the member on progress in due course.