CAOG Project
:. In
January 2006, the Minister for Gaming announced the approval of a grant
to the community group CAPP (Community Action on Pokie Problems) with the Victorian
Local Governance Association auspicing the establishment of a state–wide,
independent, Community Advocacy on Gambling program.
This includes funding for a full–time Community Advocate on Gambling,
and a part–time Research and Support Officer.
The Aims of the Project are:
- Providing an accessible, community based advocacy service for advancing current, emerging and broader issues and trends associated with responsible gambling and problem gambling.
- Identifying and recommending actions and priorities required from both the public and private sectors to achieve responsible gambling in Victoria.
- Providing a clear channel for government to listen to community concerns about gambling in their region or suburb and across the state.
- Facilitating community participation and input to reviews including the state’s EGM Licensing Review and any other such reviews the government may initiate from time to time.
- Contributing and where appropriate, providing social and economic impact analyses of proposals relating to the provision of gambling activities in the state, and recommend strategies to minimise harmful impacts and promote positive consequences.
- Acting as a focal point for community based consultation on gambling across Victoria with community groups, non–government organisations and local Councils for issues associated with gambling advocacy needs.
- Engaging with and advocating on behalf of people with gambling problems, their families and community of interest to government and industry stakeholders.
- Providing a broad based community advocacy service that is complimentary to Gamblers’ Help personal client advocacy support function.