Summary:

paul mallett believes more must be done to reduce the harmful impact of gambling on the community. As a former Community Service Manager responsible for the Tasmanian Gambler’s Help program, paul has both professional and familial first hand knowledge of the impact of gambling on individual’s, their families and the broader community.

From what/where (Horizon 1):

Currently, money stolen and subsequently lost through gambling remains with the gambling business as profit. There is no mechanism to see the return of the funds to the victims of the original crime.

To what/where (Horizon 3):

Po: Enact a law that requires gambling companies to return money that has been stolen and then lost to gambling to the victims of the original theft via a Federal Court order. The law would also require the gambling companies to satisfy themselves that money being gambled is not stolen, and to report to AUSTRAC if they have reason to believe a customer is gambling with money obtained illegally.

How to get there (Horizon 2’s):

Via amendment to the gambling control laws of Tasmania.

Why/For Facts Sake:

• Gambling businesses currently profit to the detriment of victims of crime. Very few other businesses can operate in this manner.

When/how much:

Urgently required.

Counterarguments/counterfactuals:

• The gambling sector has consistently argued against such measures in order to preserve their profits.

History of previous attempts/change leaders:

Federal Independent Member for Clark, Andrew Wilkie, and State Independent Member for Clarke, Kristie Johnson are both pursuing legislative change to make gambling businesses accountable. Other jurisdictions, including New South Wales and South Australia are pursuing similar amendments to their gaming control laws.