Media Releases

The Coalition Government has provided $10,314 in extended funding for Campaspe Primary Care Partnership to continue its important work in addressing problem gambling in north central Victoria.

In announcing the funding, Member for Rodney Paul Weller said the grant would enable Campaspe PCP to continue building on its problem gambling workplan and research into electronic gaming machine users in the Campaspe Shire.

He said primary care partnerships supported Gambler’s Help services through developing partnerships with a broader range of agencies to extend the reach of their work.

“Campaspe Primary Care Partnership plays a crucial role in addressing the underlying causes of problem gambling at a local level,” Mr Weller said.

“I welcome the Government’s continued support for this successful local project which is delivering support to communities right across the Campaspe Shire.”

Minister for Gaming Michael O’Brien said the continued support for Campaspe PCP was part of more than $800,000 provided to support 28 initiatives across Victoria.

He said the Victorian Coalition Government set aside $150 million in its budget to establish a new Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation to deliver the government’s responsible gambling program. The commitment represents a 41 per cent increase over the former government’s program.

“Tackling problem gambling is high on the Government’s agenda, which is why we are making the largest financial commitment in Victoria's history to reducing problem gambling,” Mr O’Brien said.

"Problem gambling is a significant and complex social problem. Reducing levels of problem gambling and treating those who need support requires a coherent and integrated approach.

"The Government has committed this record funding to ensure that much more is done to tackle the serious social problems caused by problem gambling.”

Approximately 8,000 clients attend Gambler’s Help services each year for problem gambling counselling and problem gambling financial counselling services. In 2009-10, the Gambler’s Help Line received 13,237 calls.

Sixteen agencies provide Gambler’s Help services from approximately 70 locations across Victoria. For more information please visit www.problemgambling.vic.gov.au or call 1800 858 858.