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Geelong Deanery |
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The 24-Hour Pokies FightThe Geelong Catholic Social Justice Committee has, with others, objected to the extension of gambling to 24 hours. The Committee believes that normal hours of operation give adequate time for any average gambler to use the pokies, but more importantly, a 24-hour operation gives problem gamblers no reason to stop and take stock of their financial position. The 24-hour access increases the possibility of their families having no food in their cupboards for the following week. Basically our concern is the wider effects of gambling on the community. However, the focus of this debate has now moved from the issue of community concern to the question of who has the responsibility to hear that concern. Gaming Minister Hallam has said that it is a Liquor Control Commission matter, whereas Commissioner Puls stated that the LCC does not have the authority to hear evidence of the social effects of gambling. In appeal to the Full Bench of the LCC, heard in early September, the City of Geelong asked the Commission to overturn the Puls decision and allow ‘community effects’ evidence to be heard. The Full Bench agreed that the social effects of gaming should be considered and the LCC will now hear the City’s evidence in mid-December. Gordon Snowdon |
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