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.
INO Surf Centre owner Tony Laarhoven has had enough.
After the third break-in at his Barker St shop in 12 months, he is not sure what else to do.
"I've had to pay out $1800 in window replacements and had a few thousand dollars worth of stock stolen," Mr Laarhoven said.
BREAK-IN: The smashed glass that is the result of the third break-in to Casino Surf Centre in 12 months, and the 14th in Casino in April alone. Contributed
"We have all the security, including back-to-base monitoring, cameras, front and back grilles ... and they still get in."
Mr Laarhoven is not alone. A shoe shop opposite has also fallen victim to the same offender and a 32-year-old man from Tabulam has since been charged and held in custody.
Over that one night, there were five reported break-ins or thefts around Casino, including at private homes. The crimes that have been happening are more opportunistic than organised.
Overall, there have been 14 break-ins in the month of April.
In one incident, police reported two offenders breaking into a house in Hickey St while the family slept.
A large bottle of scotch and a black handbag were stolen.
Many break-and-enters occur because the offenders are able to gain access to homes too easily, a police spokesman said.
"The crimes that have been happening are more opportunistic than organised," Inspector Mick Dempsey of Lismore Police said.
"An open or unlocked door or window will make it easy for them to break in.
"People are reminded to check their locks and doors to ensure they are secure and make it difficult for these people to get in."
Another break-in was reported by Richmond police in Pratt St, Casino, about 6am Monday.
After stealing a car, a 15-year-old boy was caught and charged with driving a conveyance without consent of its owner, driving unlicensed, and breach of bail.
People are asked if they have any information to call Casino police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
A woman fined more than $340,000 for illegally trafficking abalone has told a Hobart court she will help police catch others involved in the black market.
Flora Ou from Bridgewater has been convicted of unlawfully trafficking 420 kilos of abalone with a wholesale value of about $45,000.
The court heard the 32-year-old made about $20,000 from the illegal operation and spent it all on her gambling addiction.
The court heard Ou had been the focus of a lengthy covert police investigation.
On at least two occasions she had illegally bought abalone from an undercover officer and on-sold it to a buyer in Sydney.
Her lawyer told the court Ou had promised police she would help identify and give evidence against others involved in the illegal trade.
Justice Peter Evans said activities such Ou's affected the management and preservation of natural resources.
He sentenced her to six months jail wholly suspended on the condition she be of good behaviour for two years.
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