Ignoring the high costs of Predatory Gambling, an industry that only profits by creating NEW Gamblers and creating NEW Gambling Addicts, defines how blinded we have become.
Tasmanian MP Scott Bacon agrees to visit grave of problem gambler
Updated Wed Jun 5, 2013
Tasmania's Finance Minister has agreed to visit the grave of a problem gambler.
The agreement came during a clash over gaming policy during a budget estimates hearing.
The Greens want gaming machines removed from low socio-economic areas around the state.
Greens MP Kim Booth says the prevalence of problem gambling is highest in areas of disadvantage.
He asked Finance Minister Scott Bacon whether the Government would reduce the number of pokies from those areas hardest hit.
Mr Booth told the hearing people had died as a result of problem gambling.
"If you want, come down to the cemetery and I'll show you their graves," he said.
Mr Bacon replied: "I'll come with you."
He said the state already led the nation in harm minimisation strategies.
"We've got broad measures because we're worried about people right around the state."
A Government review of the social impacts of poker machines is due next year.
"We are looking to introduce measures to address problem gambling to assist any Tasmanian that's vulnerable to what can be very devastating effects from problem gambling," Mr Bacon said.
After the hearing, Mr Booth said in a statement he would be contacting Mr Bacon's office.
"It is heartening that he has agreed to visit a cemetery with me to lay a wreath in a symbolic gesture recognising that pokies are continuing to have intense social impacts within our community," he said.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-06-05/minister-agrees-to-visit-grave-of-problem-gambler/4734702
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