Juliana ADDISON (Wendouree) (18:58): I am pleased to stand today in support of the Gambling Legislation Amendment (Pre-commitment and Carded Play) Bill 2024, which introduces further reforms to minimise gambling harm in our community and across Victoria.

Like many in this place, I like to have a bet when I am at the races. I like to tip in to a punters club when I am at the track or just have an interest in a race for a bit of fun, but I know that gambling harm is a significant issue for far too many Victorians. According to the Australian Institute of Family Studies, around 18 per cent of Victorians who gambled or 8 per cent of all Victorians were classified as being at risk of or already experiencing gambling-related problems.

When I refer to gambling harm, I am not only talking about the loss or damage to a person’s financial position, their bank balance or the money they have. Gambling harm does not just impact someone’s finances. Gambling harm can impact all aspects of their life. It can have a serious impact on people’s relationships with their partner, their families, their friends, their work colleagues. Gambling harm can impact people’s work, their housing, their physical and mental health and their wellbeing. The member for Melton talked about people taking their own lives or attempting to as a result of the disastrous impact of gambling.

Gambling is legal in Victoria, and electronic gaming machines are easy to access at local pubs and clubs in my community. Hospitality venues, pubs and clubs, hold an important place in Victorian community life, but there is a balance that must be struck.

Business interrupted under sessional orders.

You can take a look at more of my contributions to Parliament here.