State government unable to guarantee future for Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation

The future of a major service for treating gambling harm is in doubt after the Andrews government would not guarantee it would be funded beyond the next 12 months.

The future of a major service for treating gambling harm is in doubt after the Andrews government would not guarantee it would be funded beyond the next 12 months.

Gaming Minister Melissa Horne was asked at budget estimates on Wednesday why the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation (VRGF) only had money allocated to it for the 2023-24 financial year.

The authority was created by the Baillieu government in 2011 and was part of the Coalition’s pitch to reduce the risk of Victorians developing serious gambling problems.

It provides treatment services, educates about the dangers of addiction and also conducts research into new trend.

But in this year’s budget, the Andrews government revealed it had split its funding commitments for reducing gambling harm between two different organisations, the foundation and the newly-created Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC).

It also did not spell out money for the VRGF past the next 12 months, despite Labor’s previous post-election budgets detailing funding for the foundation over four years.

Victorian Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Melissa Horne. Picture: Ian Currie

Ms Horne said there was a “constrained budgetary environment” and a decision was made to provide a single year of finances.

But when asked if she could guarantee the foundation would be funded beyond 2023-24, the minister said it would be “subject to future decisions of government”.

“The VRGF provides a range of really important services, but we’ve augmented that too, with harm minimisation now being at the core of the VGCCC,” Ms Horne said.

“So we’re taking a multi a multifaceted approach to minimising harm to some of our most vulnerable people.”

Ms Horne would not say where she could guarantee funding for the VRGF. Picture: Ian Currie

Opposition gaming spokesman Danny O’Brien said the government had failed to rule out axing the vital service.

“Putting an important program like the Responsible Gambling Foundation on the chopping block is unconscionable,” he said.

“The Premier should come out immediately and guarantee ongoing funding for this important program.

“Problem gambling only affects a small proportion of those who like a punt, but it has massive impacts on those affected and their loved ones.

"This is not a program the Labor Government should be cutting at a time when more households and individuals are under financial pressure and the risks of gambling harm are heightened.”