The Gaming Minister, Mr John Pandazopoulos, said the proposal was one of many ideas being considered by the gaming round table of industry and community representatives.
It is based on a South Australian scheme, yet to be passed by Parliament, where a problem gambling order could allow money to be deducted from gamblers wages or direct them to return money and property to family members.
It could also enable family members to seek intervention orders banning problem gamblers from venues.
The Rev Tim Costello, of the Inter-Church Gambling Taskforce, said he gave “tentative support” to the proposals as they offered the families of problem gamblers greater rights.
Mr Costello said docking the wages of problem gamblers could give families some protection, while also being a “reality check” for the gamblers.
But he said there was a danger the proposals could divert attention from the need for government reform of the gambling industry.
“If theres reform of the industry there will be far fewer problems gamblers,” Mr Costello.
“The spin rates of poker machines in Victoria are seven times faster than those in Great Britain.”
While confirming the proposal to dock gamblers pay was under consideration, Mr Pandazopoulos said it contained serious legal and civil liberties issues.
The taskforce was considering many other proposals, including support for community education campaigns.
The Government would wait on the reports of the round table and the Advocate for Responsible Gambling before making any decision.
Mr Pandazopoulos defended the States gaming record, after national statistics last week showed Victorians lost an average of $1180 a year on gaming in 2001-2002.
The report, by the Tasmanian Gaming Commission, also showed the Victorian Government reaped $1.4 billion from gambling revenue.
Mr Pandazopoulos said newer statistics showed gaming had declined in Victoria for the first time in 13 years by almost |9 per cent.
Taken from The Border Mail
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