Overview
The explosion in poker machine numbers, their concentration in disadvantaged areas, the rise in problem gambling, the lack of council planning control over pokie venues, the negative economic impacts and the lack of independent research into the impacts of gambling have all become concerns for local governments.
Strategic Plan
Responsible gambling is informed by outcome A.1: Local government leadership of the Strategic Plan whereby the VLGA seeks to support local governments to provide leadership in their communities.
Strategies include:
- Lead and be responsive to local governments and communities to identify and act upon key issues which impact the social, economic and environmental health of stakeholders, particularly those in which democratic governance, engagement and equity are key elements
- Actively promote information development and sharing on key issues
VLGA Approach
The VLGA's
Local Government Working Group on Gambling (LGWGOG) works to:
- Share knowledge and understanding about trends and developments in the gambling industry, particularly that major segment of the industry which operates local gambling venues
- Develop innovative and relevant research projects which inform local governments about the social and economic impacts of gambling at the local level
- Develop practical policy frameworks and policy instruments to maximise the leverage of local governments in their interactions with their local communities, the State Government and the gambling industry
- Develop and share expertise and knowledge in relation to the planning process as it relates to local gambling venues
- Develop and implement appropriate campaigns to highlight relevant issues related to gambling, particularly the need for adequate planning controls and other regulation of the gambling industry
Please read the
VLGA's Response to Productivity Commission Inquiry to Gambling 2009. Supporting Local
Supporting Local Governments on Gaming Policy Project
The VLGA has appointed Emma Shepherdson as the Local Government Gaming Policy Officer to deliver the Supporting Local Governments on Gaming Policy Project. The project aims to increase the capacity of local governments across Victoria to address Electronic Gaming Machine (EGM) gambling related issues in the changing social and regulatory environment. The outcome will be greater certainty for industry, local governments and the community. The project is being informed in part by the Local Government Working Group on Gambling (LGWGOG). The nine-month project has funding until the end of June 2012, due to the generous commitments from local governments for the University of Ballarat Research project.
Changing State and Federal regulatory environments mean that now more than ever is the time to strengthen local government policy and statutory responses to gaming machines. The Supporting Local Governments on Gaming Policy Project will achieve this by providing policy support and training to increase knowledge in local government staff and councillors. Key aims of this project are to enhance planning controls and social policies around gaming, as well as training on useful tools and guides for gaming processes.
Emma will share this role with her ongoing position at Moreland City Council and can be contacted via
email or on 03 9349 7999 for policy support or general information.
Project eBulletins will be distributed to LGWGOG members on a monthly basis, and can also be viewed here:
Recent Activity
The VLGA ran two full-day courses in May 2012 with more than 55 participants attending. The comprehensive training days included representatives from the VLGA, DPCD, VCGLR, RGAC, Ferrier Hodgson and K2 Planning. The response to the training highlights the need for local governments to have resources and training in this complex area. This training was developed as part of the Supporting Local Governments on Gaming Policy Project at the VLGA, made possible through generous assistance from 28 local governments across Victoria.
The course included a comprehensive 120-page 'how-to' guide on pokies assessments and local government which includes information on gaming context and legislation, Federal and State government issues, planning processes, planning and social policy information, licensing processes, new licensing arrangements and what it means for local governments, social and economic impact assessments and a range of resources and attachments to assist local government in this area. This valuable guide is now available for purchase from the VLGA for $55.
DOWNLOAD order form
VLGA Summission, Joint Select Committee on Gambling Reform’s Inquiry into the prevention and treatment of problem gambling, March 2012
VIEW VLGA submission
VLGA Submission to the Coalition’s Policy Discussion Paper on Gambling Reform
DOWNLOAD VLGA Discussion Paper (PDF 257KB)
Victorian Department of Justice’s Pre-commitment Discussion Paper, December 2011
VIEW VLGA submission
VIEW All submissions via the Department of Justice Website
Joint VLGA and Interchurch Gambling Taskforce Submission to Inquiry into Gambling Reform
Pre-Commitment Scheme
Joint VLGA and Interchurch Gambling Taskforce Submission to State Government’s Pre-commitment on Pokies
Consultation Paper – September 2010
To read about the recent success for local government and community on the front of responsible gambling, please read:
Romsey Pokies - VCAT win for community
The VLGA's work on responsible gambling is guided by the
Local Government Working Group on Gambling.
New Resources for Local Governments and Communities
Social Impacts of Pokies
Social Impacts of Pokies.org.au is an online evidence base and data book for Victorian local government staff, community members and applicants to build their own social impact assessments. This Social and Economic Impact Assessment Framework for Electronic Gaming Machines (EGMs) was officially launched by VLGA President, Cr Samantha Dunn on 14 November 2011.
Social and Economic Impact Assessments (SEIAs) for gaming applications are complex. This Framework has been developed with the aim of creating a single resource that brings together all potential elements in one place. The Framework identifies indicators that may be considered within an SEIA, the evidence that supports these indicators and a link to the data source to for each indicator.
The Framework was developed by the Inner Northern Working Group on Gambling, a partnership including representatives from the local governments of Darebin, Hume, Melbourne, Moreland, Whittlesea and Yarra, the PCPs of North East, Inner North West and Hume Whittlesea, and the Responsible Gambling Advocacy Centre.
The Framework was presented at the
International Gambling Conference in Auckland, New Zealand in February 2012.
GAP Project: Guides to the Application Processes associated with EGMs
The Responsible Gambling Advocacy Centre developed these process guides in response to community confusion about the licence and planning processes associated with Electronic Gaming Machines (EGMs). The Guides aim to make planning and licence processes for EGMs clearer and enable communities and local government officers to develop informed responses to any application for an EGM in their community.
Practical and simple information is provided in the form of three Guides, as well as process charts and useful fact sheets with tips, case studies and information.
The Guides are accessible via online documents at:
www.egm.responsiblegambling.org.au. You can also download PDF copies of the Guides via the website.
Contact
LG Gaming Policy Officer
Emma Shepherdson
T: +61 9349 7941
E:
Send Email