Media Release by The Hon Jenny Macklin MP

Gambling reforms legislation

Tomorrow the Australian Government will introduce legislation into the Parliament for the first national reforms to help problem gamblers and their families.

We expect the legislation will now pass the House of Representatives and the Senate.

The legislation will put in place the most significant and far reaching national reforms to tackle problem gambling ever seen in this country.

It enshrines the Government’s reform package announced in January this year which requires:

  • All new poker machines manufactured or imported by 31 December 2013 to be capable of supporting pre-commitment;
  • All poker machines to be part of a state linked pre-commitment system (except small venues which will have longer) by 31 December 2016;
  • A $250 daily withdrawal limit from ATMs in gaming venues (excluding casinos) from May 2013; and
  • Electronic warnings and cost of play displays on poker machines by 2016.

In addition the legislation requires the ACT trial of mandatory pre-commitment is independently reviewed by the Productivity Commission upon completion.

Problem gamblers and their families expect us to act – and that’s exactly what we’re doing.

This legislation will give people more control when playing poker machines – helping them to set limits and keep track of their spending.

I’m so pleased we are now able to get on with the job of delivering for problem gamblers and their families.