Xenophon Scoffs at New Problem Gambling Research

Tuesday 23 March, 2010 17:55

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Senator Nick Xenophon, well known in Australia for his anti-gambling laments and ramblings, has taken his disdain for this form of entertainment one step up by refusing to believe the results of a recent study.

The New South Wales Population Health Survey revealed interesting facts showing that problem gambling was actually on the decline in the country.

The study examined states and showed that problem gamblers made up just 0.4% of the population in New South Wales, compared to the 0.8% listed in a 2006 survey.

The same numbers were recorded for Queensland and South Australia.

The survey showed that Victoria has a slightly higher number of problem gamblers - 0.7% of the population.

"These findings are very encouraging and we hope it's a sign that our high quality counselling service and strict harm minimization laws are making a real difference," said the Minister for Gaming and Racing, Kevin Greene.

However, Xenophon has opted to ignore the facts and lambasted the survey instead by stating: "This survey shows just how desperate the New South Wales government is to cover up the extend of problem gambling. The NSW government is hopelessly comprised when it rakes in well over $1 billion in poker machine taxes a year."

Xenophon is a known anti gambling campaigner, who original political platform focused on the issue.

Since then, he has branched out to other matters, such as a battle against Scientology.

Xenophon has had his request to launch a parliamentary inquiry into the Church of Scientology twice, although he said this week that he was confident that an inquiry will eventually take place.

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said on Friday that he too had concerns about the church, bolstering Xenophon's confidence.

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