Tuesday, 16 August 2022

Western Metropolitan Region

Dr CUMMING (Western Metropolitan) (12:14): (1905) My question is to the Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gaming and Liquor Regulation in the other place and is from Hume City Council. Will the minister consider reducing the operating hours of venues with electronic gaming machines? Total electronic gaming machine expenditure in the Hume City Council area in the 2021–22 financial year was $72 199 630. That is the fourth-highest loss in the state and an increase from sixth the previous financial year. Hume council accepts that residents visit gaming venues not just for gaming activities but also for affordable meals, social participation, recreation and entertainment, but it also recognises that there are harms associated with all forms of gambling, which can have a significant negative health, social and economic impact on individuals, families and communities.