- Published:
- Sunday 22 October 2017
The Andrews Labor Government is backing an innovative problem gambling project targeting apprentices working in Victoria’s building and construction industry.
Minister for Gaming and Liquor Regulation Marlene Kairouz joined apprentices from Incolink’s Apprentice Prevention Education Project to launch Responsible Gambling Awareness Week (RGAW) 2017 at RMIT University.
Education programs are vital for industries like building and construction, which employ large numbers of young people at risk of gambling-related harm.
The project is funded by the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation and holds workshops for first and second-year building and construction industry apprentices at TAFEs throughout metropolitan and regional Victoria. It has reached more than 3500 apprentices at 25 TAFE campuses across Victoria.
Victoria is home to more than 500,000 low and moderate-risk gamblers who account for 85 per cent of the total harm from gambling experienced in the state. Almost three-quarters of moderate-risk gamblers are male.
Minister Kairouz also launched the Foundation’s new Keep it well played television commercial, which encourages low and moderate-risk gamblers to reflect on their gambling and whether they need to change their behaviour.
RGAW is a partnership between the Foundation, local government, and community groups. It runs from 23-29 October 2017.
The Labor Government has committed $148 million over four years to the Foundation, one of the largest funding commitments to address problem gambling and promote responsible gambling in Australia.
For more information Responsible Gambling Awareness week, visit rgaw.com.au.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Gaming and Liquor Regulation Marlene Kairouz
“We know that young men are more likely to take risks – especially when they gamble. Workshops like these are vital in reaching out to an industry that employs huge numbers of young men across Victoria.”
“The program helps to combat messages that normalise gambling just as many apprentices are starting to earn real money.”
“During Responsible Gambling Awareness Week, we’re encouraging everyone to have a conversation with the young people in their lives about how to prevent bad gambling habits.”