Gaming Social Impact Inquiry

The Hon. R. T. M. BULL: I address my question to the Treasurer, Minister for State Development, and Vice-President of the Executive Council, representing the Premier. Is the Minister aware that the Premier has failed to announce the clubs’ problem gambling policy, due on 31 May; failed to announce the gaming inquiry, passed by this House more than one month ago; and failed the problem gamblers of this State by allocating the majority of May’s round of funding from the
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community benefit fund to projects that are unrelated to gambling? When will the Carr Government take the problems associated with gambling seriously?

The Hon. M. R. EGAN: The delay in commencing the gaming inquiry, which was established by legislation passed by this House, is all my own fault. I simply had things like budgets to prepare and introduce. It is not a matter I have forgotten about and I am aware that the inquiry needs enough time to conduct its work and report to Parliament by November. It is a matter I will attend to in conjunction with my colleagues the Premier and the Minister for Gaming and Racing in the very near future.