Gambling Harm

Ms PATTEN (Northern Metropolitan) (12:42:48) — My question is for the Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, who is represented by Mr Dalidakis. On 24 April the minister announced a major new study into gambling and health to help prevent and reduce gambling harm in the future. Specifically the minister announced that the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation will provide $1 million to Central Queensland University to undertake research into emerging gambling products, consumer behaviours and gambling harm. We are advised that the university study of 11 000 Victorians will gather data on the prevalence of low, moderate and problem gambling in Victoria, which will be used to develop stronger, more targeted responses to gambling harm. Some of my constituents contacted me about this and they welcomed it, but the question they ask is: why was this study not commissioned before the government committed to new 20-year gaming machine licences, despite there being no rush to extend those licences, which are not due to expire until 2022?