Instead of simply telling gamblers that they’re losers, the government’s taken the easier path of TV ads that really don’t say anything at all.
Typically, the web link for previewing the ads displays an invalid security certificate…
Cassy O’Connor, MP
Minister for Human Services
Friday, 18 February 2011
New problem Gambling Media Campaign
The Minister for Human Services, Cassy O’Connor, today launched a new gambling community awareness campaign.
Ms O’Connor said while gambling reforms have a high profile at the State and National level, efforts continue to remind the public that people affected by problem gambling often need help – and that it is okay to seek it.
“We want to let Tasmanians who have a gambling problem, or are being hurt by the gambling addiction of someone they care about, to know that help is available and can turn lives around,” Ms O’Connor said.
“We increasingly understand the effect of problem gambling on family members and the television advertisements reflect this.
“One of the advertisements shows the strains that young children have to deal with when, in this case, a dad is a heavy gambler.
“The other shows how young men can be affected, and how a good mate can support a friend to get on top of his gambling problems.”
Ms O’Connor said the Productivity Commission found that five to 10 other people can be directly affected to varying degrees by the behaviour of a problem gambler.
The campaign includes television advertisements which will begin airing on Tasmanian television stations next week.
The Tasmanian Government is investing $2.394 million this financial year on programs to assist problem gamblers. This includes $1.2 on community education including this campaign costing $200,000.
Gamblers Help services include the 24 hour Helpline 1800 858 858, an online service www.gamblinghelponline.org.au and face to face personal, financial, group and family support accessed through the Helpline.
The ads can be viewed at:
https://my.jwt.com/dropbox/home.do?viewProject=EFB6C5BgCFCPBlBRDkBABjCHAOAeCSDp
http://www.media.tas.gov.au/release.php?id=31656
