Wyndham City is calling for feedback on its Draft Gambling Harm Prevention Policy Statement that aims to guide ongoing efforts to prevent harm from gambling in Wyndham.
The Statement replaces Council’s Gambling Harm Minimisation Policy and Action Plan 2018-2022 and is underpinned by a public health approach, which focuses on prevention, rather than treatment alone.
The Draft Policy Statement includes four themes representing Council’s policy role as – partner, advocate and lead, and in implementing evidence-based practice. The four themes are:
- Partner with the community in preventing and minimising gambling harms and promoting health and wellbeing
- Advocate in collaboration with partners including community for systemic and legislative change to address gambling harm
- Continue to be a state-wide leader and innovator in reducing gambling harm
- Demonstrate Council’s commitment to protecting those most at risk of gambling related harms through its statutory roles in assessing social and economic impacts of gambling.
Wyndham Mayor, Cr Susan McIntyre said the Draft Policy Statement aims to address the complex issues related to gambling while at the same time promoting healthy communities.
“This is done by working with partner organisations and advocating on behalf of the needs of our community, continuing our leadership role in working towards education and change, while also protecting those at risk.”
“The effects of gambling include poverty and financial pressure, personal distress, family violence, and homelessness.”
“Family violence also continues to be a major health and safety issue for Wyndham, representing a significant concern and priority for the community.”
Wyndham Councillor Adele Hegedich, Council’s Healthy City portfolio holder said Wyndham residents lost over $124.9 million using Electronic Gaming Machines in the 2022-2023 financial year, representing the seventh highest in losses per municipality in the State of Victoria.
“The draft Policy Statement recognises that sports betting and internet gambling are fast growing in the community, the advertising and normalisation of sports betting and online gambling and the resultant community impacts are of concern to Council.”
“While mostly controlled at the Federal Government level, there are points of influence that Council can use, particularly around supporting education efforts in the community – as a Council we continue to lead in this area to help our community.”
“We have launched this consultation to coincide with Gambling Harm Awareness Week which runs from 16 to 22 October, with this year’s theme being ‘Talk. Share. Support’ and we encourage residents to share their experience with us as part of the consultation.”
For more information and to provide feedback by 30 October visit: https://theloop.wyndham.vic.gov.au/gambling-harm