Stirling Griff (SA, Centre Alliance) Share this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister for Families and Social Services, Senator Ruston. New South Wales and the Northern Territory have become the first jurisdictions to restart pokies. Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced gaming venues could possibly be allowed to open as part of step 3 by July. Australians have saved $3 billion since the pokies have been shut, with many gamblers forced to go cold turkey with their pokies addictions. The money saved has been spent in other areas of the economy rather than being lost down poker machines. Advocates against gambling are concerned about significant health risks of restarting the pokies during such a vulnerable time. Does the government share these concerns that a resumption of pokies will lead to a rise in gambling related health and risks social harm?