VICTORIAN RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT 2018–2019
A VICTORIA FREE FROM GAMBLING-RELATED HARM The Honourable Marlene Kairouz MP Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gaming and Liquor Regulation Level 26, 121 Exhibition Street Melbourne Victoria 3000
Dear Minister I am pleased to present the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation’s annual report for the year ending 30 June 2019 in accordance with the Financial Management Act 1994.
Julie Ligeti Chair
20 September 2019
© Copyright Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation, September 2019 This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Australia licence. You are free to re-use the work under that licence, on the condition that you credit the State of Victoria as author. This licence does not permit the creation of derivative works or use for a purpose intended for or directed towards commercial advantage or private monetary compensation. The licence does not apply to any images, photographs or branding, including the Victorian Coat of Arms, the Victorian Government logo and the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation logo. Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation Level 6, 14–20 Blackwood Street North Melbourne Victoria 3051 PO Box 2156 Royal Melbourne Hospital Victoria 3050 Tel +61 3 9452 2600 Fax +61 3 9452 2660 ABN: 72 253 301 291
Cover image: Maribyrnong Park Football Club members, photo by James Henry Design: Alexander Vasic Typesetting: Ben Galpin Photography and story credits: for full details, contact Strategic Communication & Marketing branch, Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation CONTENTS
A MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER 2 OVERVIEW 5
OUR WORK 7 WHAT WE DO 7
STRATEGIC PRIORITY 1 Prevent gambling harm through a public health approach 8
STRATEGIC PRIORITY 2 Work in partnership with those who share our vision to improve community health and wellbeing 30
STRATEGIC PRIORITY 3 Build a collaborative and respected centre of expertise to deliver our mission for all Victorians 38
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS 46
OUR ORGANISATION 53 GOVERNANCE 53 OUR PEOPLE 60 STATUTORY REPORTING RESPONSIBILITIES 65 ATTESTATION STATEMENT 69
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 71
DISCLOSURE INDEX 100 A message from the Chair and Chief Executive Officer
In 2018–2019, the Foundation continued to work in partnership with the community, government and industry sectors to pursue our strategic priorities and work towards our vision of a Victoria free from gambling harm.
We also welcomed the continued support of the Victorian STRATEGIC PRIORITY 1: Government through the 2019–20 State Budget commitment Prevent gambling harm through a of $153 million over four years – the largest investment of any public health approach Australian jurisdiction – to tackle gambling harm. The Foundation: The Government’s budget allocation provides assurance to our partners and stakeholders that the Foundation will continue to ■■ made an evidence-based and detailed submission to the support a range of research, prevention, early intervention and Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System, professional support activities. And it means that we can offer including recommendations to better support people with hope, backed up with action, to Victorians at risk of, or already a mental health issue experiencing gambling harm experiencing, gambling harm. ■■ entered into a three-year partnership agreement with Alfred Health to deliver the Mental Health and Gambling HIGHLIGHTS OF 2018–2019 Harm Program, a statewide multidisciplinary service supporting clients experiencing mental health and While continuing to implement the programs and services that gambling difficulties are our core business, the Foundation sought to strengthen our response to gambling harm in Victoria. ■■ implemented a three-year flexible funding model for local Gambler’s Help partners to deliver tailored therapeutic Notably, we intensified our efforts to position gambling harm and financial counselling, and community engagement as a public and mental health issue, underpinned by growing activities evidence of the causes and consequences of this challenging issue. ■■ launched our five-year research agenda We also embedded into our day-to-day work the advice ■■ submitted our first Reconciliation Action Plan to and guidance – particularly in relation to stigma and help Reconciliation Australia for review seeking – offered by those who generously share with us their ■■ delivered the inaugural Gambling Harm Awareness Week, lived experience of harm from their own or someone else’s which included 63 community events involving more than gambling. 2250 attendees, who embraced the theme ‘Talk.Share. And we strove to enhance our performance as a collaborative, Support.’ values-led organisation. ■■ became the AFL Players’ Association’s key gambling harm prevention partner, delivering rookie player education sessions to all 18 clubs Australia-wide.
VICTORIAN RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING FOUNDATION 2 STRATEGIC PRIORITY 2: STRATEGIC PRIORITY 3: Work in partnership with those who Build a collaborative and respected share our vision to improve community centre of expertise to deliver our health and wellbeing mission for all Victorians The Foundation: The Foundation:
■■ established a Lived Experience Advisory Committee, ■■ delivered a highly successful Gambling Harm Conference chaired by a Foundation board member and empowered to in Geelong with the theme Taking action for change, advise and guide our work program attended by more than 400 national and international ■■ implemented our refreshed Sporting Club Program with delegates from 120 organisations a focus on interrupting the normalisation of betting in ■■ awarded early career researcher grants for independent, sport for young people, and underpinned by strengthened investigator-initiated gambling harm research projects in partnerships with elite clubs and community sports a variety of disciplines organisations ■■ developed a draft Performance and Reporting Framework ■■ piloted a program with RSL Victoria to prevent gambling for review and implementation in 2019–2020 harm among venue staff, a known vulnerable population ■■ launched digital consumer support and professional ■■ undertook a review of the reach and effectiveness of development programs, including the new 100 Day our School Education Program, which will inform a new, Challenge app and Foundation Course. youth-based strategy ■■ piloted a program with the Alannah & Madeline COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Foundation to inform parents about the convergence of During 2018–2019, we made progress towards reorienting gaming and gambling our services towards prevention, in line with the terms of the ■■ hosted a cross-sector workshop on people-centred Ottawa Charter. support for clients experiencing multiple issues, such Following the release of our Stakeholder Engagement as poor mental health, substance use, family violence, Framework in early 2018, the Foundation is also putting financial distress and gambling harm engagement with our partners and stakeholders at the centre ■■ engaged with government agencies in Victoria, nationally of our prevention activities. Building on the flexible funding and internationally to improve approaches to preventing model for local Gambler’s Help partners introduced this year, and reducing gambling harm. the Foundation is encouraging our service delivery partners to draw on health promotion principles to achieve greater impact and positive outcomes for individuals, families and communities. Our engagement framework aims to raise awareness of the risks and harms associated with gambling, promote Gambler’s Help services, and focus prevention activities on at-risk populations.
ANNUAL REPORT 2018–2019 3 A key aim is to identify and respond to the drivers of gambling IMAGE: Board chair Julie Ligeti and CEO Shane Lucas hold harm through place- and population-based initiatives to the board-endorsed Uluru Statement from the Heart. prevent gambling harm. This could include, for example, working with other community and health organisations to deliver recreation and other activities that reduce social isolation and provide alternatives to prevent or reduce harm within at-risk populations. CHANGE WITHIN Former Chief Executive Officer Louise Glanville departed in October 2018, having made an enormous contribution to transforming the way we work in partnership with communities and organisations across Victoria. Her legacy is an outward-looking, stronger Foundation that is more strategic, focused and partnership-oriented in our approach to preventing gambling harm. Louise began a new role as managing director of Victoria Legal Aid, where she continues to drive a strong social justice agenda. The stewardship of interim CEO Janet Dore enabled the board to conduct a thorough executive search and selection process to identify our next chief executive. We thank Janet for her leadership during what could otherwise have been an uncertain time for staff and stakeholders alike. In March 2019, we welcomed new CEO Shane Lucas, an inclusive and action-oriented leader whose extensive experience in executive roles in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors will help us maintain the Foundation’s momentum in 2019–20 and beyond. In the year ahead, we will continue to support our partners to develop strategies to build on existing networks Julie Ligeti Shane Lucas and relationships, and we will maintain and establish Chair Chief Executive Officer collaborations with other local community and public health organisations. We will continue to work with people with lived experience, with governments at all levels, and with industry, to inform and improve our approaches to preventing and reducing gambling harm in Victoria.
VICTORIAN RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING FOUNDATION 4 Overview
ABOUT THE FOUNDATION The Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation is a statutory authority created by the Victorian Parliament specifically to address gambling harm in the Victorian community. OUR VISION A Victoria free from gambling-related harm. OUR MISSION To improve the health and wellbeing of Victorians by working with our communities and government to deliver effective, evidence-based initiatives and innovative approaches to prevent gambling harm and provide support for those seeking help. OUR STRATEGIC PRIORITIES FOR 2018–2021 STRATEGIC PRIORITY 1: Prevent gambling harm through a public health approach STRATEGIC PRIORITY 2: Work in partnership with those who share our vision to improve community health and wellbeing
STRATEGIC PRIORITY 3: Build a collaborative and respected centre of expertise to deliver our mission for all Victorians
ANNUAL REPORT 2018–2019 5 Singers and community members at the 2018 Community Cultural Christmas Festival organised by Mungabareena Aboriginal Corporation and partners OUR WORK
What we do The Foundation takes a public health approach to gambling harm, which recognises we all have a role to play in addressing this complex social issue.
Gambling harm can have significant implications stigma means the family and friends of a person for the health, wellbeing and economic security of experiencing harm may also bear a huge burden. people who are affected, yet it is not included in In contrast, initiatives that encourage people to Victoria’s public health and wellbeing, mental health talk openly about gambling harm can help alleviate or suicide prevention plans and strategies. stigma, inform communities about the early signs of Complex and nuanced policy, regulatory and harm, and empower those affected to seek support. programmatic responses are required to prevent The Foundation seeks to improve the health and gambling harm and provide support where harm wellbeing of Victorians. In collaboration with our occurs. Hence, our public health approach has us partners, we inform people about the risks of working with many partners, including communities, gambling harm; support effective, evidence-based not-for-profit organisations, service providers, initiatives and innovative approaches to prevent advocacy groups, governments, and industry harm; break down barriers to seeking support; and organisations. provide professional services to those affected by People who are affected by gambling harm are the harm. human face of an issue that is estimated to cost Our work is underpinned by a strong and growing Victorians $7 billion a year. knowledge base. The Foundation supports research Each year, about 550 000 adults in Victoria into a range of gambling-related issues and our experience negative consequences from their policy advice and gambling harm prevention gambling. Damaging attitudes to, and perceptions strategies are based on robust research findings. of, gambling harm increase the rejection, We also offer professional learning and development discrimination and exclusion of people who programs, resources and expertise to support those experience it, and affect self-esteem and self- we fund so that they can provide the best possible perception. Stigma is reinforced by feelings of support in their communities. failure, shame and guilt, which are common and may act as a barrier to seeking support. In this report, we demonstrate the impact of the Foundation’s work on Victorians across 2018–2019 It is estimated that for each person who experiences through the stories of individuals, communities severe gambling harm, up to six others are and our partners who are making a difference. affected, most often close family members and These stories are told in relation to our three friends. In some cultural groups, gambling-related strategic priorities.
ANNUAL REPORT 2018–2019 7 OUR WORK PREVENT GAMBLING HARM THROUGH A PUBLIC HEALTH APPROACH Prevent gambling harm through a public health approach STRATEGIC PRIORITY 1 STRATEGIC Gambling can place a major burden of harm on individuals, families, communities and society. Harm is generated through a range of political, legislative, commercial and interpersonal actions. It therefore follows that measures to reduce gambling harm The submission made recommendations in relation to: should encompass a range of population-based approaches ■■ the inclusion of gambling harm within Victoria’s public supported by regulation, legislation and funding. health and wellbeing, mental health and suicide Along with New Zealand, Canada and some European nations, prevention plans Victoria is leading global efforts to better understand harm ■■ improvements in intervention and treatment via mental from gambling. health and Gambler’s Help services working more closely A public health approach to reducing gambling harm focuses together on the community as a whole. It recognises that gambling ■■ improvements in intervention via: harm requires a comprehensive, integrated and sustained approach built on an evidence-based public health framework. »» support in electronic gaming machine (i.e. pokies) venues and the operation of self-exclusion programs This involves a broad consideration of both responsibility and for people with observable behaviours indicating a actions. It aims to prevent harm and promote wellbeing, while mental health condition also ensuring that support is available when harm does occur. » the development and trial of robust third-party What this looks like is a complex suite of innovative services » exclusion models for people with a diagnosed mental and supports delivered in a coordinated manner to address health condition that is causing them and/or their the lived experience of gambling harm in individuals, families family significant harm. and communities. To support these recommendations, the submission put forward an evidence-based case highlighting strong CREATING AWARENESS AND associations between mental health issues and gambling UNDERSTANDING harm. This includes that 39 per cent of Victorians with a gambling problem have been diagnosed with an anxiety ADVOCATING FOR RECOGNITION OF disorder and that, in general, nearly 75 per cent of people GAMBLING AS A PUBLIC HEALTH ISSUE seeking treatment for problem gambling have some form of The Foundation made a submission to the Royal Commission psychological disorder. into Victoria’s Mental Health System in early July 2019. Of 32 research citations included in the submission, 13 came Gambling harm is estimated to account for 22 per cent of directly from five Foundation-commissioned research projects. the Victorian mental health sector’s total costs. The cost to the community in emotional distress due to suicidal ideation and other emotional and psychological harm is estimated at approximately $1.59 billion a year.
VICTORIAN RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING FOUNDATION 8 OUR WORK PREVENT GAMBLING HARM THROUGH A PUBLIC HEALTH APPROACH
IMPROVING OUR KNOWLEDGE The Foundation’s five-year research agenda was established In 2018–2019, data collection and the draft report of the following an extensive consultation process, which determined latest Victorian Population Gambling and Health Study were the following as priority areas for research: monitoring completed, guided by a steering committee of key expert and surveillance; harm; gambling products; gambling academics and those working in policy and prevention. environments; and recovery and support. The study provides robust population-level data on gambling Research grants are awarded through competitive funding participation, frequency, harm, product preferences, mental rounds to address current knowledge gaps and contribute to health and a broad range of other variables. It is the only the evidence base. All research is peer-reviewed to ensure it study that can estimate prevalence rates and give an accurate PRIORITY 1 STRATEGIC is robust. representation of gambling in Victoria. Not all themes are funded in the first year and some complex The academic peer review process will result in a final report research projects may take up to three years to complete. in 2019–2020.
100 DAY CHALLENGE
The 100 Day Challenge was developed with guidance ‘The 24/7 aspect of 100 Days appealed to me – I can log on from the University of Auckland’s Dr Simone Rodda and at midnight if I want,’ she said. ‘In the early days, reading Behavioural Insights, a company that analyses behaviour what people were saying on the forum really helped with my to improve policy and systems. The program supports urges: there’s a subtle shift and the urge subsides. I’ve got people who want to take a break from, cut back on, or quit somewhere to go, I’ve got someone to talk to. There are so gambling, by offering 100 alternative activities to gambling many lovely, caring, supportive people there. over 100 days. ‘New people join regularly and it continues to gain In 2018–2019, 7499 participants signed up and 527 momentum. You bare your soul on the forum, and get to completed the challenge. There were 7419 posts in the know everyone so well, even though it’s anonymous. online community, a peer support forum, which attracted ‘It lifts the fog like nothing else. It’s part of my life. Now 30 569 comments. I’ve got money in the bank, many more interests and much Ann Smith had completed the 100 Day Challenge twice less anxiety.’ and was participating a third time when she spoke to Inside gambling.
Ann Smith
ANNUAL REPORT 2018–2019 9 OUR WORK PREVENT GAMBLING HARM THROUGH A PUBLIC HEALTH APPROACH
LOVE THE GAME, NOT THE ODDS
With advertisements, promotions and offers delivered At the elite level, Harry Taylor from the AFL’s Geelong Cats continuously via smartphone, TV, online and at sporting agrees that ‘we owe our fans the opportunity to enjoy matches, it’s no wonder so many young sports fans soak up matches without constantly being bombarded by betting industry marketing messages about gambling and believe odds, to be part of something of greater value than lining it’s both normal and without risk. the pockets of betting companies’.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY 1 STRATEGIC Partnering through our Love Western Bulldogs captain the Game Sporting Club ‘In Australia, I’ve seen that so many Easton Wood is also a strong Program with elite soccer, kids know about betting. For any kid, it’s advocate. ‘It’s important for rugby union, cricket and all so important that they’re in an inclusive players, coaches and any 10 Victorian AFL clubs, as environment. Whether it’s football, adult with influence to help well as community sporting netball, whatever it is, they’re there to young people understand clubs, the Foundation enjoy the sport. It’s not about the result that sport and betting don’t continues to interrupt and the bet that comes with it.’ have to go together,’ he the normalising effects Collingwood Magpies netball player Geva Mentor says. of advertising and alert Talented Mooroopna Cats young people to the risks of gambling. In turn, these clubs junior Kydan Atkinson was drafted into Richmond Football are reducing the exposure of children and young people to Club’s Next Generation Academy, an AFL initiative providing sports betting advertising. opportunities for children from Indigenous and multicultural In 2019, all partners committed to having no sports betting backgrounds to enter elite talent pathways. As part of the sponsorships. The Geelong Cats committed to GMHBA Love the Game program, education on sports betting was Stadium being free from gambling advertising, as did the delivered to players by Sport and Life Training (SALT). Western Bulldogs at Mars Stadium in Ballarat. ‘Betting makes a lot of people worry about winning,’ says The catch-cry of the Foundation’s flagship sporting program the canny 15-year-old. ‘They should just watch the game – Love the game, not the odds – has increasing resonance. and try to enjoy it.’
Love the Game Sporting Club Program co-branded promotion
VICTORIAN RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING FOUNDATION 10 OUR WORK PREVENT GAMBLING HARM THROUGH A PUBLIC HEALTH APPROACH
Geva Mentor and Collingwood Magpie supporters STRATEGIC PRIORITY 1 STRATEGIC
Geelong’s Harry Taylor with AFL Barwon fans
Todd Sigalas (left) and Kydan Atkinson
Certainly, enjoyment was front and centre during the 2019 There is stronger integration of the elite and local program AFL Love the Game round, the most successful since the components, with 120 new clubs signing up to the revised broader Love the Game program began in 2014. The round Love the Game Charter in just four months. This takes the was promoted by all Victorian clubs on their social media number of clubs in the program to more than 400 across the channels, with parents encouraged to have ‘the talk’ about state, with more than 250 participating in SALT workshops the risks of gambling with their children. Free-to-air media to learn about the risks of gambling harm. coverage with an estimated reach of almost 1.9 million The Foundation has also strengthened our relationships and about 306 000 views of our Love the Game round video with sporting sector stakeholders such as Sport and further amplified the message. Recreation Victoria and Vicsport. This round was the first since a 2018 independent review That’s a lot of Victorians playing ball with the Foundation. of the comprehensive Love the Game program, which led to the decision to focus the program on young people (aged 12–17) via the influential adults in their lives, including parents and coaches.
ANNUAL REPORT 2018–2019 11 OUR WORK PREVENT GAMBLING HARM THROUGH A PUBLIC HEALTH APPROACH
INFLUENCING BEHAVIOUR The campaign targeted moderate-risk gamblers, who typically dismiss any signs that their gambling is causing DIGITAL ENGAGEMENT them harm. They consequently also ignore traditional help- seeking messages. The Foundation’s digital marketing strategy is designed to effectively engage the estimated half-a-million Victorians Implicit in the campaign was the recognition that behaviour experiencing harm from gambling. modification in this group would need to be on their terms. Language such as ‘help seeking’ or ‘Gambler’s Help’ was ‘We are testing a range of messages with our audiences and therefore avoided. constantly refining our approach,’ says Roberta Donovan,
STRATEGIC PRIORITY 1 STRATEGIC branch head of Strategic Communication & Marketing at the The Foundation’s market research showed that during the Foundation. ‘Developing audience profiles will lead to better campaign, 60 per cent of the target group thought about tailoring of content to visitors to our websites and social their own gambling during the previous six months (up from media channels.’ 45 per cent). A total of 43 per cent of the target group reported that they took action in relation to their gambling (up from Almost a third of visitors to the Gambler’s Help website look 22 per cent). at the ‘Real stories’ section, while 27 per cent access the ‘Get help and support’ pages. The number of personal stories GAMBLING HARM AWARENESS WEEK of gambling harm uploaded by visitors has significantly To encourage community discussions about the oft-hidden increased. Their insights can inspire others and lead them to public health issue of gambling harm and why it matters, seek support: ‘If they can do it, so can I.’ in 2018 the Foundation changed the name of Responsible Reach and engagement on our social media channels Gambling Awareness Week to Gambling Harm Awareness Week continues to grow. Facebook engagement almost doubled due and promoted it under the theme ‘Talk.Share.Support’. to increased reach through paid activity and more frequent The renaming reflects the Foundation’s greater focus on and relevant posts. Love the Game promotions are consistently gambling harm prevention, including building community the highest performing content. awareness about the early signs of harm, overcoming stigma, THE ‘EFFECTS OF GAMBLING’ CAMPAIGN encouraging those affected to seek support, and inspiring communities to consider the significant role they can play in The ‘Effects of gambling’ campaign ran during May and reducing harm. June 2019 across metropolitan and regional Victorian media outlets. It was tested with mainstream audiences and shared During the week (8–14 October 2018), the Foundation in advance with all culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) undertook an awareness campaign and media activity, and Gambler’s Help services for their supported more than 60 community feedback. events across the state, triple the ‘The theme was clear and number of the previous year. These The Foundation’s 2018 Community easy to promote. It was also ranged from seminars and panel Attitudes Survey found that positive in that it took the discussions to movie screenings 48 per cent of Victorians are not focus from the individual and and sporting events, and had aware that gambling can have made it a community effort.’ an estimated 2250 attendees. adverse emotional side effects. A quarter of the events were in The campaign aimed to increase Spokesperson, Primary Care Connect regional Victoria. Eleven were awareness that gambling can held in CALD communities with lead to negative emotional participation by Aboriginal communities. consequences such as feeling stressed, guilty or just a bit down for no apparent reason. Newly translated brochures about support for family and friends, financial counselling and self-exclusion were The advertising focused on the insight that ‘It doesn’t matter launched during the week in Arabic, Greek, Italian, simplified how often you gamble or how much you spend, gambling and traditional Chinese, Spanish, Turkish and Vietnamese. can affect how you feel,’ and encouraged people to reflect on whether this may be true for them.
VICTORIAN RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING FOUNDATION 12 OUR WORK PREVENT GAMBLING HARM THROUGH A PUBLIC HEALTH APPROACH
ARABIC WELFARE EMBRACES TALK.SHARE.SUPPORT.
Gambler’s Help partner Arabic Welfare, with Meadow welcome escape from language difficulties, loneliness and, Heights Education Centre in Melbourne’s north-west, in many cases, grief and trauma from experiences overseas. participated in Gambling Harm Awareness Week with a Australian culture can be very different, and gambling may health and wellbeing forum and mini-workshops for the even be seen as a way to integrate. Arabic-speaking community. Focusing on self-care as an ‘In the lead-up to the Melbourne Cup, a newly arrived important part of preventing and reducing gambling harm,
Arabic-speaking refugee told me Australia has a PRIORITY 1 STRATEGIC activities included massage, nutrition, mindfulness, Zumba “Saint Horse” because they have a day off to celebrate and Tai Chi. Local health promotion and support agencies betting on horses,’ says Amal. ‘This was his reason for were also there to chat with people about the services starting gambling.’ they offer. A survey conducted at the end of the event found that Arabic Welfare Executive Manager Amal El-Khoury says 51 per cent of participants had increased their knowledge of settling in a new country can make people particularly Arabic Welfare and how to access local community supports. vulnerable to gambling harm. Gambling might offer a
Participants enjoy the Arabic Welfare event during Gambling Harm Awareness Week
ANNUAL REPORT 2018–2019 13 LIVED EXPERIENCE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ANNA BARDSLEY ANNA BARDSLEY
AN ACCIDENTAL ADVOCATE
When the pokies first came to Victoria, they advertised The shame of my secret gambling held such power on TV: ‘Cheap and cheerful. Come and have a over me that it was impossible to ask for help. I flutter.’ I used to go with five women. We never lost thought I needed to suck it up and just stop doing it. more than $20 and we’d just walk away. Out of that I didn’t understand that the machines had rewired group, though, probably four of us ended up with my brain. gambling addictions. I had periods of stopping, but I’d be triggered by One night I had a huge argument with my husband. It something as simple as being in the wrong lane when was cold and wet with nothing open until I drove past I drove home and turn into a venue car park. I set one of the venues I’d been to with my friends. I knew limits and meant to stick to them. it was safe for women on their own and I also knew Then I went to a social inclusion group that provided how it worked. The machine calmed me down. The people with alternative activities over a year. That led symbols appeared and the music played and I stayed into serious counselling which has been central to my for hours. recovery. Group work and group support have also I didn’t know then that I was dealing with an addictive been a huge help. product. I lost 10 years of my life to the pokies. It was I’d long been an advocate for Compassionate Friends, a clear pathway to the solution becoming the problem. a group for bereaved parents. Lived experience gave I grew up as the oldest girl of six me a voice then and I’m using children so I was a little mother. it again to speak up about Then I married young and had I was disconnected gambling. I’ve become an five children, the first two by the accidental advocate, talking on time I was 21. In the midst of all from everything national radio and television for that, I never learned to look after all those tens of thousands of myself. Two of my children died, and everybody. people who can’t. the first when I was 25, and it felt Recovery is hard. It’s more than like nothing was safe. just stopping. I’ve had to face up I told myself I deserved a break when I went to to myself. I’ve come out. The best part of my life now the pokies. I had no idea how to listen to what I is not pretending to be what I’m not. really needed. I was disconnected from everything and everybody.
VICTORIAN RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING FOUNDATION 14 OUR WORK PREVENT GAMBLING HARM THROUGH A PUBLIC HEALTH APPROACH
COLLABORATING TO SUPPORT The Prevention Partnerships Program works with community- based, not-for-profit, local government and public health AT-RISK COMMUNITIES organisations across Victoria to trial a range of tailored local responses to reduce gambling harm. A key element of the Foundation’s gambling harm prevention framework is a grants program that enables ideas to prevent Total funding of $3.8 million was allocated to 14 organisations gambling harm in at-risk communities to be more effectively across 2017–2018 and 2018–2019 for a range of projects exchanged, developed and tested. to build social connection and resilience among all communities, including those in rural, regional and outer metropolitan areas. STRATEGIC PRIORITY 1 STRATEGIC
NOT A DOLLAR MORE
Banyule Community Health was funded under the Prevention podcasts covering topics that included alcohol, drugs, and Partnerships Program to produce a series of podcasts gambling; affected others; getting help; and managing using storytelling to support gambling harm prevention and relapses, triggers and urges. recovery, and reduce stigma. The project is in keeping with The ‘Not a dollar more' podcasts were the brainchild of the Foundation’s priority to elevate the voices of people with Shayne Rodgers, a member of the Foundation’s Lived personal experience of gambling harm to better inform our Experience Advisory Committee (see his story on page 45). work and that of our partners. ‘We’ve had so much good feedback from professionals Following consultation with other Foundation-funded working in this space and from gamblers,’ says Shayne. initiatives such as Three Sides of the Coin and the Peer ‘One of the young guys I speak to through Peer Connection Connection Program, 26 people were interviewed. While told me that he didn’t feel alone when he listened to it. That the majority had experienced gambling harm, others were was a very emotional moment.’ academics and Gambler’s Help staff. The result was nine
Shayne Rodgers presenting the podcast
ANNUAL REPORT 2018–2019 15 OUR WORK PREVENT GAMBLING HARM THROUGH A PUBLIC HEALTH APPROACH
OUTER METRO, REGIONAL AND RURAL COMMUNITIES The Prevention Grants for Rural and Regional Victoria program In 2018–2019, five organisations were funded a total of aims to raise the awareness of professionals and community $247 000 to undertake projects with these objectives. members about gambling harm as a public health issue. A key achievement across this grants round was an increase Marks of a successful project include reducing and preventing in the quantity and improvement in the general quality gambling harm while encouraging conversations that break of applications. down stigma and promote help seeking. STRATEGIC PRIORITY 1 STRATEGIC MUNGABAREENA SPREADS THE WORD
The 2018 Cultural Greetings Christmas Festival in Albury Several organisations are now involved in the festival, saw members of the local Aboriginal, African, Bhutanese, which Stephanie says has been run with ‘minimal funds Croatian, Filipino, Indian and Iranian communities share and yet has grown each year’. She is keen for it to serve as their cultures and food. an example to other organisations that might wish to stage something similar in their own communities. This was the fifth year of the festival, founded by the Mungabareena Aboriginal Corporation in Wodonga. With a Mungabareena was one of the five projects funded in 2018 focus on togetherness, the event includes information from under the Foundation’s Prevention Grants for Regional and local health services such as Gambler’s Help. Rural Victoria. It was awarded $50 000 to develop a Koori event kit for building partnerships to improve community ‘All of our community love having Gambler’s Help there,’ health and wellbeing, including raising awareness of the says Stephanie Suter, access and support worker at risks of gambling, and of Gambler’s Help services. Mungabareena. ‘Especially when they are there with Elders who might otherwise be sitting on the slots instead of The content of the kit places a strong emphasis on cultural coming to a community event.’ and social connection, while an art component saw local artists create a banner for use at future gambling harm awareness activities.
Dancers at the 2018 Community Cultural Christmas Festival organised by Mungabareena Aboriginal Corporation and partners
VICTORIAN RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING FOUNDATION 16 OUR WORK PREVENT GAMBLING HARM THROUGH A PUBLIC HEALTH APPROACH
ABORIGINAL COMMUNITIES The Aboriginal Gambling Harm Reference Group comprises This year, the group continued to oversee the development of Aboriginal community leaders who advise the Foundation our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), which also had input on engagement with Aboriginal communities. The group from the Wurundjeri Traditional Owners and the Aboriginal is chaired by our board deputy chair, Belinda Duarte, who Community Controlled Health Organisations we partner with has been instrumental in guiding the Foundation on how to deliver the Aboriginal Communities' Gambling Awareness to implement the principle of self-determination and build Program (ACGAP). This living document was endorsed by stronger relationships with Aboriginal communities. Reconciliation Australia in July 2019. STRATEGIC PRIORITY 1 STRATEGIC ULURU STATEMENT FROM THE HEART
Some members of the ACGAP network, from left, Greg Semmler, Andrew Atkinson, Kevin Kropinyeri, Sarah MacLean, Darlene Thomas (obscured), Tom Skoroplas, Tiffany Griffin, Fallon Harris, Carol Cann, Dea Morgain, Kathleen Maltzahn, Ashlee Robertson, Linley Kensitt, Esther Gregory
In the introduction of our RAP, the Foundation’s board ‘Our vision for reconciliation is a just and inclusive society, offers a formal commitment to the Uluru Statement from which respects and celebrates Aboriginal and/or Torres the Heart, declaring: ‘We support the Uluru Statement from Strait Islander cultures and communities, and is truthful the Heart as a nationwide process of moving forward and about our country’s histories. addressing past injustice.’ ‘We believe that this vision will be achieved by working In following this recommendation from Reconciliation with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples and Australia, the Foundation’s position aligns with the communities whilst respecting and supporting their rights Victorian Government, which is working towards the to self-determination. statement’s goals through the Treaty process. ‘We recognise achieving social justice, community inclusion, The commitment is also in keeping with the Foundation’s cultural respect and self-determination as the basis to vision for reconciliation, self-determination and truth telling addressing harm from gambling in Aboriginal and/or Torres in the RAP. Strait Islander communities.’
ANNUAL REPORT 2018–2019 17 OUR WORK PREVENT GAMBLING HARM THROUGH A PUBLIC HEALTH APPROACH
YOUNG ABORIGINAL PEOPLE GET THE FACTS ON GAMBLING HARM
The Healthy Lifestyles team within the Victorian Aboriginal VAHS piloted YAPAP as part of a Koori Krew program for Health Service (VAHS) raises awareness about health Aboriginal youth, where topics like drugs, alcohol, tobacco and wellbeing issues, including gambling harm. The and gambling are discussed. team engages with community members at different life The Foundation designed YAPAP in close collaboration with stages and in various environments – from early childhood the four organisations that deliver Aboriginal Gambler’s activities to adults’ groups and sports carnivals.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY 1 STRATEGIC Help services across Victoria: Gippsland and East Gippsland The 2018 Foundation launch of Love the Game – Young Aboriginal Co-operative (GEGAC), Rumbalara Aboriginal Aboriginal People’s Awareness Program (YAPAP) provides Co-operative, Mallee District Aboriginal Services (MDAS) the service with tools to help participants gain a realistic and VAHS. understanding of the risks associated with gambling. GEGAC initiated development of the program by expressing The program’s interactive workshops show participants particular interest in offering a version of the Foundation’s that sports betting has become commonplace and explore Love the Game School Education Program to young the role of advertising in making it seem normal. The Aboriginal people. GEGAC and Rumbalara then worked with young people observe how some digital games resemble the Foundation to adapt the program to make it culturally real gambling apps, which can also lead to a perception appropriate. that gambling is normal. With room to consider whether In addition, the Foundation and VAHS have committed to a gambling might be a problem for them or someone they partnership to undertake a $200 000 research project, to know, they also learn about the services available to support be led by VAHS. The research will investigate the experience Aboriginal communities. and knowledge gained by VAHS in the delivery of culturally informed gambling harm support services over 10 years.
Members of the Healthy Lifestyles team attend events to spread health and wellbeing messages
VICTORIAN RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING FOUNDATION 18 OUR WORK PREVENT GAMBLING HARM THROUGH A PUBLIC HEALTH APPROACH
YOUNG PEOPLE Following consultation with Gambler’s Help partners, the Bethany Community Support is playing an important role Foundation implemented a new, flexible funding model on in helping young people, particularly those in regional 1 July 2019 that will provide partners with the opportunity communities, to better understand the risks involved with to tailor their services in response to local needs. This will gambling. It is helping to build community capacity to prevent allow innovative projects such as Bethany’s ‘A Young Person’s harm from gambling in the local area, as well as letting young Message’ to expand their reach. people know that support is available. STRATEGIC PRIORITY 1 STRATEGIC YOUTH VOICE HEARD IN REGIONAL PREVENTION INITIATIVE
Young people were encouraged to spend more time with The project team listened to the participants’ views on how their family and friends, delete smartphone betting apps gambling harm among young people could be reduced and and avoid gambling clickbait as part of Bethany Community learnt how to communicate with them in a more meaningful Support’s new project, ‘A young person’s message’, way. This has added to the team’s understanding of youth launched during Youth Week. gambling in rural and regional Victoria, as well as the influences Supported by social media ‘Peer pressure can be a big that drive gambling. animations and posters, the contributing factor because goals of the initiative were to young people don’t want to ‘Peer pressure can be a big teach students about the risks miss out on the things their contributing factor because young associated with gambling and friends are doing.’ people don’t want to miss out on spark conversations about the the things their friends are doing,’ issue among young people. Bethany Community Support says Bethany Community Support CEO Grant Boyd CEO Grant Boyd. Bethany Community Support worked with peopled aged 15–25 ‘There is still a lot of stigma years in Hamilton, Warrnambool associated with gambling and Geelong as part of the project, with students from harm. However, when young people are in a setting Geelong Technical Education Centre, Deakin University, where conversation is open, they are happy to discuss South West TAFE and South Grampian Adult Education, as their thoughts.’ well as clients from Brophy Youth Services, participating in focus groups. BET$BET$BET$ BET$ Graphics created as partBET$BET$ of ‘A young person’sBET$ message’BET$ project HEYHEY
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ANNUAL REPORT 2018–2019 19 GoGo hang hang with with youryour mates. mates. DON’TDON’T GETGET $UCKED$UCKED INTOINTO THETHE BAIT.BAIT. If Ifyou you or or someone someone you you know know isis struggling struggling with with gambling gambling call call the the Gambler’sGambler’s Help Help Youthline Youthline 1800 1800 262 262 376 376 oror visit visit gamblershelp.com.au gamblershelp.com.au LIVED EXPERIENCE ADVISORY COMMITTEE PETER OWEN PETER OWEN
IT’S TIME TO STAND UP TO GAMBLING HARM
Growing up in Melbourne’s north, the thing back then The first time I was confronted about my behaviour for men was ‘a beer and a bet’. I worked in the city was in a training role at the Victoria Police Academy. and we’d knock off early on a Friday and go to the The superintendent said, ‘We’re really worried about TAB. It was a bit of fun on weekends, and I stuck to you’, and I just broke down. They were very supportive a budget. When I got into greyhound ownership, it and organised gambling counselling. escalated – midweek gambling and larger bets – but I’ve abstained from gambling I still budgeted. It was nothing for a white-knuckled month, compared to the pokies. two months, five months, before When my partner and I Within two months busting bigtime. In spite of my separated, the bottom of my relapses, the message of hope world dropped out. I was I'd lost all the money, and recovery from Gamblers emotionally immature, angry mostly on pokies. Anonymous has, ultimately, and frustrated and, it so been helpful. happened, working over the In my mid-forties, there was road from the first temporary me, living in the back room casino in Victoria. With electronic gaming, all the at Mum’s. My sister and brothers were loving and money was on your card. And when you can’t see your supportive, but knew the impact I was having, and money, you can’t see your losses accumulating. begged Mum to turn me away. But to the day she I was avoiding going home. I’d bought my partner died, Mum couldn’t say no to me. out, but the house was a reminder of the loving I’ve been in rehab five times. The last time, in 2016, it relationship we’d had. My health went downhill and was life or death. I was seriously unwell and mentally my work suffered. Gambling was a place of solitude, shattered, and had burnt so many bridges. When I a dumbing down, where I didn’t have to confront my asked my ex-partner to forgive me, she said, ‘Peter, feelings. Losses started to blow out and I sold the I forgave you a long time ago. You’ve got to forgive house to buy a unit. Within two months I’d lost all the yourself’. money, mostly on pokies. With the Lived Experience Advisory Committee, our Life became a pattern of setbacks, mostly brought on personal journeys are providing valuable insight by gambling and drinking, which I coped with by more and expertise to help other people. And that’s a gambling and drinking. positive thing.
VICTORIAN RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING FOUNDATION 20 OUR WORK PREVENT GAMBLING HARM THROUGH A PUBLIC HEALTH APPROACH
IT’S NOT ALL ABOUT THE MONEY
Mallee District Aboriginal Services (MDAS) is promoting positive conversations. Talking about services and issues healing and wellbeing through social interaction. without judgement and with humour makes people more Co-designed with Elders and other members of the Mildura, comfortable to share. They can talk about solutions and they Swan Hill and Kerang Aboriginal communities, the ‘It’s not can talk about where to from here.’ all about the money’ project is using weekly yarning circles Humour has proven so effective, MDAS is now partnering to open up community discussion about gambling.
with Aboriginal comedian Kevin Kropinyeri to deliver safe PRIORITY 1 STRATEGIC Darlene Thomas, team leader at MDAS, says, ‘It’s a circle gambling messages. In 2018, this included a roadshow in which they’re safe which can lead to really strong and during Gambling Harm Awareness Week.
Elder Yvonne Jones taking part in a yarning circle
GAMBLING HARM AND MENTAL HEALTH Gambling harm rarely, if ever, occurs in a vacuum. People approved a three-year funding allocation to the Alfred Mental who present for treatment and support often experience Health and Gambling Harm Program (which had previously co-occurring issues such as mental health conditions, misuse been funded annually) totalling $1 209 438. of alcohol and other drugs, or family and relationship conflict The certainty of longer range funding will enable expansion or trauma. of the program’s rural reach and program refinement to With a commitment to looking at the intersections between produce more effective and streamlined assessment, gambling and mental illness, the Foundation has enhanced treatment, consultation, capacity building and evaluation of our partnership with the Alfred Hospital. The Foundation Board client outcomes.
ANNUAL REPORT 2018–2019 21 OUR WORK PREVENT GAMBLING HARM THROUGH A PUBLIC HEALTH APPROACH
COMPLEX TREATMENT AT THE CROSSROADS STRATEGIC PRIORITY 1 STRATEGIC
From left, Vicky Northe and Gretta Daley
The name says it all: the Alfred Mental Health and An estimated 90 per cent of clients are referred to the Alfred Gambling Harm Program addresses comorbidity. In clinical team through Gambler’s Help, while others come through terms, ‘comorbidity’ is the simultaneous existence of mental health, drug, alcohol, housing and hospital inpatient multiple conditions. services, general practitioners and psychiatrists. ‘But it’s often impossible to determine which one comes first when it comes ‘I’m really proud of the work we do, but it can It’s a wholly collaborative, short-term to gambling and mental health be very heavy.’ service activated by, and working issues,’ says Vicky Northe, senior alongside, services that offer longer social worker at the Alfred. ‘It’s the Gretta Daley, Gambler’s Help term assistance. Southern counsellor chicken and the egg. The stress from The partnership is of great benefit to gambling losses co-exists with several the clients referred by Gambler’s Help mental health disorders. Some clients Southern counsellor Gretta Daley. say that gambling provides an escape even from psychosis.’ ‘I’m really proud of the work we do, but it can be very Vicky is the leader of a clinical assessment team made heavy,’ says Gretta. ‘We work with people with very complex up of a social researcher, a family therapist, a clinical lives and this team approach with the Alfred often brings psychologist, an occupational therapist, a consultant greater clarity. psychiatrist and a psychiatric registrar. ‘They come to know our clients’ histories and issues, so Working across Victoria, the team supports frontline their second opinion and psychiatric insight is invaluable. services with complex case discussions, diagnostic Hospitals are often strict about their criteria for access clarification and treatment planning of clients. It runs rural to public mental health services, but the Alfred team’s outreach clinics and offers clinical assessment support via psychiatrists have supported our clients to access those video link to regional Gambler’s Help branches. The team important services that are just beginning to acknowledge also strengthens inter-service links, building the capacity of gambling harm.’ Gambler’s Help services to deal with mental health issues, and mental health services to deal with gambling issues.
VICTORIAN RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING FOUNDATION 22 OUR WORK PREVENT GAMBLING HARM THROUGH A PUBLIC HEALTH APPROACH
DELIVERING EFFECTIVE ■■ a statewide Gambler’s Help Line (and Youthline) that provides 24/7 telephone-based crisis counselling, TREATMENT AND SUPPORT support, information and referral services The Foundation is committed to offering Victorians ■■ the National Gambling Help Online and Victorian experiencing gambling harm a choice in the type of assistance Gambler’s Help websites, which collectively provide they can access. This includes telephone hotlines, online 24/7 live chat, email counselling and support, self-help self-help tools, online chat, email and peer-to-peer support, information and support materials while face-to-face counselling is available at more than 100 ■■ specialist support for Aboriginal communities, including locations across the state.
traditional cultural activities with a therapeutic benefit PRIORITY 1 STRATEGIC The Foundation funds services across metropolitan, regional and alternative social and recreational programs through and rural Victoria, which are tailored to meet the needs of the Aboriginal Communities – Gambling Awareness specific individuals and communities. Program Gambler’s Help programs operate as an integrated system ■■ culturally appropriate and in-language support to of prevention, early intervention and treatment initiatives to CALD communities, individuals, and family members tackle gambling harm. Services include: experiencing or at risk of gambling harm ■■ the Gambler’s Help program, which comprises 11 ■■ peer-to-peer telephone services, which involve people Foundation partners delivering therapeutic and financial with personal experience of gambling harm providing counselling, community engagement activities and venue non-crisis, confidential support to others affected by support in 15 geographic areas across the state gambling harm across the broader Victorian community and in language to the Chinese community, including friends and family members.
GAMBLER’S HELP COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT FORUM
The Foundation held a two-day forum in May 2019 to provide addresses the overall wellbeing of participants as a way Gambler’s Help partners with a better understanding of to empower them to make positive changes in their lives. best practice in community engagement. Other objectives Program participants reported feeling more confident and were to build the capacity of our partners to engage with connected to the community, ‘like a family’. local communities to prevent and reduce gambling harm, Gateway Health representatives spoke about their enhance the understanding of lived experience to inform our work, and establish a collaborative network. engagement over several years with CALD and Aboriginal communities around Wodonga to facilitate community- One session featured three members of the Foundation’s driven events such as a monthly ‘Culture Club’. They Lived Experience Advisory Committee and a ReSPIN speaker. also discussed a ‘Walk Together’ event involving the Our partners took the opportunity to share and discuss Mungabareena Aboriginal Corporation and Albury Wodonga feedback about the speakers’ experiences of services. The Ethnic Communities Council – ‘Australia’s First Peoples speakers emphasised the importance of prompt service welcoming Australia’s newest peoples’. delivery, appropriately matching counsellors to clients, and addressing a client’s immediate needs before discussing Matt Williams, founder of the Chin Up Project, spoke about other pathways to support. workshops that engage young people in contact with the justice system. By connecting participants with mentors Best practice presentations from across the Gambler’s Help and exploring the ways in which they are constructing their network and external representatives of the mental health, youth and CALD sectors emphasised the need to establish identity, young people are made aware of the impact of their a stable relationship as a foundation for engagement. Only behaviour on their relationships. then can specific issues such as gambling behaviour and Feedback from many forum attendees was that they felt harm be addressed. inspired to return home and pursue further opportunities In talking about their Family Wellbeing Program, MDAS for service innovation and community collaboration, having representatives highlighted intensive group therapy that made new inter-sector contacts.
ANNUAL REPORT 2018–2019 23 OUR WORK PREVENT GAMBLING HARM THROUGH A PUBLIC HEALTH APPROACH
CLIENTS COME UP FOR AIR THROUGH COUNSELLING PARTNERSHIP
Financial counsellor Sue Battle and therapeutic counsellor ‘Addiction means there are always underlying issues. There Sandra Luxford both use the word ‘rapport’ to describe the are reasons they don’t feel comfortable in their skin, but essence of their working partnership. they can only be dealt with once the immediate financial pressures have eased.’ It’s a bond making a big difference in the lives of their clients at Latrobe Community Health Service (LCHS), Clients are often present to authorise Sue through credit
STRATEGIC PRIORITY 1 STRATEGIC where the two women collaborate to help their clients negotiations, while Sandra sits alongside to ensure they’re break the challenging cycle of gambling harm. It’s a not overwhelmed by the stress. collaboration that acknowledges While Sandra emphasises that the bounce between stress and she’s ‘not a numbers person’, Sue gambling – gambling leads to stress, ‘I don’t fix people but I insists that financial counselling stress leads to gambling and back give them the tools to has ‘nothing to do with figures. and forth. help themselves.’ It’s knowing the law and holding Sue and Sandra work across a huge Sandra Luxford, Latrobe Community creditors to account through the slice of Victoria, seeing clients from Health Service counsellor National Credit Code,’ she says. ‘I Pakenham to Phillip Island, through need to understand about 25 pieces the Latrobe Valley and up to the New of legislation from bankruptcy law to South Wales border. They’re clear with their shared clients telecommunications law and children, youth and family law.’ about their specific, individual areas of expertise, and Sue cites one particularly significant success: a textbook might also work alongside LCHS drug, alcohol and family case of irresponsible lending enabled her to get all their counsellors. client’s loans and credit card debt waived by the bank. He Sandra works with clients to help them manage their went from owing $460 000 to a debt of zero. emotions, especially the stress that drives them to gamble. And so the client comes up for air, but they’re rarely the ‘I don’t fix people,’ she says, ‘but I give them the tools to only person who’s been suffering because of their gambling help themselves. They have to tackle that reflex to pick up addiction. their phone or go to a pokies venue. How do you stop them ‘We’ve had partners say that when he was gambling he was in their tracks? They learn to go to a safe space in their never really there,’ continues Sandra. ‘Now he’s present mind, but I also see their stress lessen when the financial again. What you get in the end is a person who finds stresses lessen. themselves. They regain their life.’
From left, Sue Battle and Sandra Luxford
VICTORIAN RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING FOUNDATION 24 OUR WORK PREVENT GAMBLING HARM THROUGH A PUBLIC HEALTH APPROACH
EFFECTIVE NETWORKING IN CALD COMMUNITIES In a dynamic year of outreach, the Australian Vietnamese Tanya Fletcher, branch head of Prevention & Programs Women’s Association (AVWA) either established or at the Foundation and our general counsel, says that strengthened partnerships with organisations that included AVWA’s work benefits from the rich partnerships existing in Brimbank Council, IPC Health, Western Health (specifically CALD communities. in the area of elder abuse), Ethnic Communities Council of ‘Being able to provide funding for projects that are run by Victoria, Quang Minh Temple, International Student Advisers CALD communities for CALD communities helps to break down Network of Australia, Federation of Chinese Associations, and cultural and linguistic boundaries,’ says Tanya. ‘Many of these Vietnamese-language alcohol and drug counselling services. organisations are keen to continue to collaborate with their PRIORITY 1 STRATEGIC new partners on future prevention initiatives.’
PRISONERS OF SHAME NO MORE
As project coordinator for Gambler’s Help at the AVWA in Tien runs information sessions in the Dame Phyllis Frost Melbourne, Tien Truong knows better than most that while Centre, Victoria’s women-only, maximum security jail, gambling is a widespread, socially acceptable pastime leading to growing numbers of prisoners receiving gambling across his community, talking about the associated harms counselling for the first time. isn’t. The emphasis in Vietnamese culture on reputation All the prisoners Tien currently sees are serving sentences means such troubles are usually hidden. for drug-related offences, yet none use drugs themselves. Tien first began counselling Australian-Vietnamese women The crimes they’ve committed have been to pay off crippling in jail in 2018. All the inmates he met had debts from gambling debts they were too scared or humiliated gambling and he was struck by the crushing secrecy of to reveal. their stories. Some had told only a few relatives about their In many cases, these women have lost the trust of family struggles; others had confided in no-one. None had ever and friends after borrowing money for their ‘business’ or sought professional help for their gambling before ending taking out high-interest loans while chasing losses. Too up behind bars. often they quickly found themselves under unbearable ‘Vietnamese people are scared that people will think badly pressure, gambling increasing amounts in an attempt to of them if they go and see a counsellor,’ says Tien. ‘Coming fund interest repayments owed to loan sharks totalling from a background of leaving a war-torn country, a lot hundreds or even thousands of dollars a week. of them might have symptoms of post-traumatic stress By the time they end up in jail, they are painfully aware that disorder, but they think that’s just the way life is. They don’t they do indeed need help. think, “I can get help”. ‘Sometimes there’s this relief and mental clarity and a ‘There’s not even a word for “counsellor” in Vietnamese.’ lot of them say, “I was so stupid. How could I have done Indeed, Tien’s role is described as a ‘gambling consultant’. this?”,’ says Tien. ‘They have a lot of regret over where they are now.’ With the assistance of Foundation funding, Tien plans to expand AVWA’s services into men’s jails. He’s passionate about building strong social networks to replace the allure of gambling venues, hoping to support former inmates when they return to the community and encourage international students to recognise their vulnerability to gambling harm. ‘You can address the gambling all you want,’ he says, ‘but, given the underlying issues of social isolation, I think trying
Tien Truong to promote more community connectedness is the solution.’
ANNUAL REPORT 2018–2019 25 OUR WORK PREVENT GAMBLING HARM THROUGH A PUBLIC HEALTH APPROACH
INVOLVING THE JUSTICE SYSTEM An innovative health justice partnership led by Gambler’s This advocacy is helping to get some cases heard at the Help Southern is teaching the legal fraternity about gambling Assessment and Referral Court, where clients can access harm as a significant concern that is often present alongside ongoing support services. A lower rate of recidivism improves mental health issues, drugs, alcohol and homelessness. social justice outcomes for the whole community.
JUSTICE PROJECT APPROACHES THE BENCH STRATEGIC PRIORITY 1 STRATEGIC
When supporting its clients caught up in the criminal Anastasia wore her therapeutic counsellor hat and justice system, Gambler’s Help Southern wasn’t alone in presented alongside her financial counsellor and community noticing a pattern. While drug and alcohol addiction might education colleagues. be considered mitigating factors by magistrates during ‘We gave a case study of a client with a background of sentencing, gambling harm was the opposite. mental health issues and family violence who had racked ‘If anything, it’s considered an aggravating factor,’ says up a lot of e-tag fines,’ she explains. ‘We talked about clinical team leader Anastasia Sagris-Desmond. ‘In the stigma and they asked a lot of questions. legal field, gambling isn’t yet recognised as a legitimate ‘We’re raising it as a public health issue away from victim public health issue. blaming. There are societal factors such as loneliness, drug ‘We saw a need to advocate for our clients to ensure they and alcohol abuse, an abundance of gaming apps and weren’t isolated from the supports that are most likely to enticements to gamble all bundled up to entice vulnerable help them not re-offend.’ people to self-soothe. Arising from this concern, the Justice Project was ‘By working with the upper reaches of the legal profession, established as a partnership between Gambler’s Help we’re trying to alleviate some of the issues down in the Southern and a local community legal service. It’s seeking trenches.’ to create legislative reform and social change. The training has also been rolled out to community legal Fortunately, the project found an early champion in Deputy service lawyers, and Gambler’s Help Southern aims to Chief Magistrate Jelena Popovic, who facilitated an reach a wider range of staff across Corrections Victoria, information session at a professional development day for with Victoria Police also expressing interest. A standardised 80 magistrates. online training package is being developed with the Foundation’s assistance.
Anastasia Sagris-Desmond
VICTORIAN RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING FOUNDATION 26 LIVED EXPERIENCE ADVISORY COMMITTEE BRENDAN IVERMEE BRENDAN IVERMEE
BREAKING FREE
Brendan Ivermee’s father was a chronic gambler ‘When they needed support and help, I wasn’t there whose only outing with his family was to the races. for them,’ he says. Having grown up in a violent home with little money, Brendan’s second wife left him soon after he was sent Brendan chased a different life. to prison, but first she contacted Gambler’s Help at ‘I wanted the picture-book scenario, a lovely wife, a Geelong’s Bethany Community Support. Brendan says couple of kids – which fortunately I’ve got – and all the support given while he was in prison and for 18 the trimmings,’ he says. ‘But even though I always months after being freed, was life-changing. Agreeing worked, I just didn’t think I was ever going to catch up. to talk about his addiction was terrifying, but he now I knew you couldn’t beat the pokies, but I thought I knows it was the key to recovery. could beat the horseracing system.’ ‘My counsellor opened up my After Brendan’s first marriage eyes to understanding myself,’ he ended, gambling became says. ‘I have a perspective now an escape. I have a perspective that I didn’t know existed. I was hiding everything before, but I’m ‘I won tens of thousands of now that I didn’t not doing that anymore.’ dollars and I felt respected,’ he continues. ‘I developed this know existed. Since his release from prison, lifestyle, and then felt there was Brendan has been rebuilding an expectation to maintain it.’ his life and his relationship with his children. While he no longer bets, a criminal Soon he was betting, and losing, thousands of dollars conviction has made finding a job almost impossible. a week. Then he began embezzling from his employer. ‘I would lie in bed at night thinking if I can just stop Some of the friends he’s made since prison don’t now, it’s not too late. I was looking for that magical know his story, and he suspects they would, like cure so I could put the money back and keep living so many of his old mates, disappear if they knew. the life.’ But he’s determined to warn others about the false promises of gambling. In 2012, Brendan was sentenced to three years in prison. He can’t forget the devastation his gambling ‘If I can help someone get a job, or help them out of a caused to his two children. His daughter had to move gambling hole,’ he says, ‘I’ll feel I’ve done something schools to escape scrutiny when he went to prison. of value.’ His son used to call Brendan’s mobile phone just to hear his dad’s voice message.
ANNUAL REPORT 2018–2019 27 OUR WORK PREVENT GAMBLING HARM THROUGH A PUBLIC HEALTH APPROACH
GAMBLER’S HELP CLIENT OUTCOMES SNAPSHOT 2018–2019 Along with collecting stories of recovery of those accessing Gambler’s Help services, we track improvements in people’s wellbeing on their path to recovery from gambling harm. The following survey data show significant improvements in wellbeing after clients begin counselling.
LOCAL GAMBLER’S HELP COUNSELLING – SNAPSHOT OF CLIENT OUTCOME SURVEY 2018–2019 Percentage all or most of the time First counselling Three months Six months session later later
STRATEGIC PRIORITY 1 STRATEGIC During the past fortnight, roughly how much time do you think you 34.8 13.0 15.8 have spent thinking about gambling? During the past four weeks, …. your own or someone else’s gambling has affected your 40.9 11.6 10.3 relationships with your partner, family, work mates and/or friends. …. your own or someone else’s gambling has made your financial 60.7 16.4 13.9 situation worse. …. your own or someone else’s gambling has affected your ability to 18.8 7.2 6.7 work or be productive at work. ….how much of the time did you feel that everything was an effort? 34.7 17.6 16.4 …. how much of the time did you feel hopeless? 30.6 12.1 13.3 …. how much of the time did you feel nervous? 36.4 15.5 13.9 …. how much of the time did you feel restless or fidgety? 34.6 18.4 18.2 …. how much of the time did you feel so sad that nothing could cheer 30.9 12.3 10.3 you up? ….how much of the time did you feel worthless? 27.1 12.3 9.7
When they begin counselling, Gambler’s Help clients are asked what they hope to achieve. Addressing financial harm is the main objective for clients, followed by stopping gambling and addressing emotional and/or psychological harms. Other objectives include reducing harms to family relationships and/or to their connection to culture. They are then asked, at case closure, whether counselling helped them achieve their desired outcome. Where outcomes were reported, 94 per cent of client objectives were met or partially met and 95 per cent of clients felt that overall, counselling helped them meet or partially meet their desired outcome. The Foundation is working with funded partners to ensure increasingly robust reporting of this data set.
LOCAL GAMBLER’S HELP COUNSELLING – CLIENT OBJECTIVES 1 JULY 2018 TO 30 JUNE 2019 Most commonly cited objectives (TC&FC)* Percentage of objective grouped by objective type Financial 1 219 27.30 Stop Gambling 896 20.07 Emotional and/or Psychological 786 17.60 Family and/or Relationships 416 9.32 Reduce Gambling 279 6.25 Other 235 5.26 Self Exclusion 200 4.48 No Objective 193 4.32 Health and Wellbeing 157 3.52 Work and/or Study 46 1.03 Recovery Assistance Program 24 0.54 Cultural (harm) 14 0.13 Total 4 465 100
*TC = therapeutic counselling, FC = financial counselling
VICTORIAN RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING FOUNDATION 28 OUR WORK PREVENT GAMBLING HARM THROUGH A PUBLIC HEALTH APPROACH
SUPPORTING COMMUNITIES VIA TELEPHONE AND ONLINE SERVICES Access to statewide Gambler’s Help telephone and online services through our partnership with Turning Point has remained steady over the past five years, with increased online access offsetting fewer calls to the Gambler’s Help line.
STATE-WIDE GAMBLER’S HELP TELEPHONE AND ONLINE SUPPORT 2013–2019 2018–19 2017–18 2016–17 2015–16 2014–15 2013–14 Calls to Gambler’s Help line 7 560 8 442 9 337 9 604 11 992 10 539 (including Youthline) Gambling Help Online
Visits to gamblinghelponline.org.au 60 217 53 677 53 998 38 920 34 783 50 804 PRIORITY 1 STRATEGIC Chat and email counselling contacts 2 681 2 613 2 627 1 858 516 448
Our challenge remains encouraging people who are experiencing gambling harm to access support. The most recent population study of gambling participation and behaviour in Victoria (2015) found that only 22 per cent of people experiencing severe gambling harm seek support, either from a professional or informally from family and friends. This drops to around two per cent for people experiencing moderate harm from gambling. Our partners report that financial problems, mental health conditions, drug and alcohol addiction, and family and relationship issues often lead people to subsequently seek support for gambling harm. Local Gambler’s Help counselling services provided support within five days of referral to 95 per cent of those who sought help, within the accepted range of the target, and delivered 93 per cent of contracted counselling hours, well exceeding the 85 per cent target set in accordance with industry standards.
LOCAL GAMBLER’S HELP THERAPEUTIC AND FINANCIAL COUNSELLING 2013–2019 2018–19 2017–18 2016–17 2015–16 2014–15 2013–14 Therapeutic counselling Hours 50 365 50 134 51 205 56 521 48 987 46 173 Sessions 23 091 23 135 22 604 27 340 24 111 22 322 Clients 3 972 4 289 4 389 4 280 4 431 4 355 Financial counselling Hours 18 805 17 669 19 526 19 049 17 580 18 278 Sessions 10 413 9 210 10 573 10 915 6 892 5 856 Clients 2 013 2 257 2 262 2 152 2 531 2 403
SUPPORTING CULTURALLY AND LINGUISTICALLY DIVERSE COMMUNITIES As our CALD partners focus on community engagement and awareness-raising activities that reduce stigma related to gambling harm and help seeking, we expect an increase in demand for counselling services. The popularity of single-session Arabic language finacial counselling to address a backlog led to an exceptional rise in 2017–2018 client numbers. While those numbers dropped in 2018–2019 from the previous year’s surge, they were consistent with the overall upward trend counted over five years.
CALD GAMBLER’S HELP CLIENT NUMBERS 2014–2019 2018–19 2017–18 2016–17 2015–16 2014–15 Clients 484 542 445 267 241
Where outcomes were reported within CALD Gambler’s Help, 97 per cent of client objectives were met or partially met, and 98 per cent of clients felt that counselling helped them achieve their desired outcome. The number of people accessing the Aboriginal Communities’ Gambling Awareness Program (ACGAP) has increased slightly as a result of more people participating in support groups. The four ACGAP partners provide a mixture of community engagement activities and clients services. The services vary between partners and may include therapeutic and financial counselling, individual support and healing groups. Each partner develops services in response to the culture, needs and aspirations of their community.
ANNUAL REPORT 2018–2019 29 OUR WORK WORK IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THOSE WHO SHARE OUR VISION TO IMPROVE COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELLBEING Work in partnership with those who share our vision to improve community health and wellbeing STRATEGIC PRIORITY 2 STRATEGIC The Foundation takes a partnership approach to addressing the challenge of preventing and reducing gambling harm in our community. In partnership with communities, government and industry, we deliver innovative initiatives that prevent or reduce EXTENDING OUR REACH gambling harm, overcome stigma and other barriers to help ADDRESSING STIGMA IN CALD seeking, and offer professional support services to those who COMMUNITIES experience harm. The Foundation’s Prevention Projects for CALD Communities To stimulate new ideas and bring together people with varied grants program supported projects in a range of emerging expertise, we engage and collaborate with a diverse range of and established communities, including Cambodian, Greek, groups across the state, nationally and internationally. This Serbian and Somali groups. Research shows that although includes our stakeholders in outer metropolitan, regional and people in CALD communities in Australia tend to gamble less rural areas, Aboriginal and CALD communities, local councils, than the general population, those who do are more likely to young adults, schools, sporting clubs, academics and health experience gambling harm and barriers to accessing help. professionals. Together with the growing body of gambling research and evidence, stakeholder engagement activities underpin everything the Foundation does.
CULTURAL NUANCE KEY TO PREVENTING GAMBLING HARM
For many older Greek-Australians, gambling on cards and PRONIA’s family and community services manager, Mary backgammon or tavli are precious links to their traditions Sophou, says people in her community have a ‘love/hate and strengthen vital social connections. For some, however, relationship’ with gambling. community gambling can take a darker turn, affecting ‘We know gambling harm is an issue that needs a lot of relationships, finances and health. community education and awareness, and that we, as an To start a conversation about this rarely discussed problem, organisation, need to advocate and take a stand against it,’ particularly among older Greek-Australians, the Australian she says. Greek Welfare Society, PRONIA, established the ‘Gambling While gambling has traditionally been the domain of older – secret no more’ project. It involved a series of gambling Greek men, Mary says services like PRONIA are facing awareness information sessions highlighting the risks of new challenges. Younger people are flocking to online gambling harm and the culturally-specific help at hand, betting. Some of the thousands of migrants who have fled including PRONIA’s range of family, financial and health the economic crisis in Greece since 2014 are turning to support services. gambling to dull the stress of resettlement. PRONIA’s busy counselling and support staff also encounter increasing
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numbers of older Greek women facing financial difficulties ‘Unless you have information that is culturally and because of pokies. Their traditional responsibilities in linguistically relevant, people tune out. They need long-term running households mean ‘women gamblers are even more consistent messaging to change their behaviour; that is the of a hidden topic – it’s even more shameful,’ says Mary. challenge we face.’ The difficulty in talking about gambling harm was starkly The year-long project was one of 12 the Foundation funded revealed when Mary and her colleagues tried to tap into in 2018 for CALD communities. the network of Greek senior citizens clubs in Whittlesea and Monash; areas with both large populations of Greek-
Australian residents and heavy annual gambling losses. Not PRIORITY 2 STRATEGIC one of the more than a dozen clubs PRONIA contacted was ‘Unless you have information willing to host education sessions. that is culturally and linguistically relevant, people Undeterred, PRONIA approached two women-only senior tune out. They need long-term citizens clubs, which hosted two forums attended by the consistent messaging to change mayors of both municipalities, and where more than 100 their behaviour; that is the women heard from a range of Greek-speaking experts. challenge we face.’ The bilingual setting and cultural nuances of those Mary Sophou, family and community services discussions, and of other information sessions, community manager PRONIA activities and coverage in the local Greek media, were critical, continues Mary.
Mary Sophou (left) from PRONIA with team members from the project 'Gambling – secret no more'
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GAMING TO GAMBLING A pilot project co-designed by the Foundation and the Alannah in a positive way. The partnership combined the Foundation’s & Madeline Foundation (A&MF) – ‘Gaming: keep calm and expertise in gambling harm prevention with A&MF’s track continue parenting’ – aimed to equip parents with the skills to record in child cyber safety. help their kids navigate the new online gaming environment
HELPING YOUNG PEOPLE NAVIGATE THE RISKS STRATEGIC PRIORITY 2 STRATEGIC
New technologies, monetised reward systems and the people, who can be hooked by the lure of “easy money”,’ rise of the ‘professional gamer’ have changed how young Foundation CEO Shane Lucas said at the program launch. people play, watch and spend money on games. These same ‘The normalisation of gambling through gaming – whether features are bringing online gaming and gambling ever through loot boxes, exposure to gambling advertising or closer. YouTube influencers promoting unrealistic odds – is a Commonly found in free games, ‘loot boxes’ are like virtual particular concern. It makes gambling seem fun and risk- treasure chests, where players pay for the chance to win free to young people. randomised rewards, such as ‘skins’. These can be traded ‘We want parents to feel confident talking to their kids about for cash or online gambling credits through third-party their online activities, which include risks and potential websites, often without verification that a person is 18. harms, as well as positives such as the development of The program ‘Gaming: keep calm and continue parenting’ hand-eye coordination, problem solving and social skills.’ was developed to address this emerging issue by The program workshops rolled out in March to 12 demystifying the gaming world for parents, as well as metropolitan, regional and rural secondary schools in providing practical tips for dealing with gambling within predominantly low socio-economic areas, and the pilot gaming, in-game bullying and excessive gaming. is now being evaluated. With both gaming and gambling ‘The evidence is building on the crossover between gaming evolving rapidly, the link between these two activities will and gambling and the effect this may have on young continue to be a focus of the Foundation’s work.
The Hon. Marlene Kairouz MP and CEO Shane Lucas at the program launch
VICTORIAN RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING FOUNDATION 32 LIVED EXPERIENCE ADVISORY COMMITTEE CHANDANA RAO CHANDANA RAO
A NEW START ALMOST RUINED BY GAMBLING
I was born into a reasonably well-off family in Where could I seek help, when his and my parents India. I received a good education and moved into couldn’t even believe it was happening? Was it my a prosperous IT career. I met an educated and fault, as was constantly suggested? Would I end up on caring partner, but bad habits became his and my the streets someday? family’s downfall. Even though my partner had periods of remorse, the My partner’s drinking made trust was lost irreparably. I him behave completely could not forget about the unlike his normal self. We were blissfully unaware money lost, the secrets I became an escapist, kept, the uncertainty of the running across the world, of the huge drinking and apologies and promises. not understanding that the It ended up in court, but problem was only likely to gambling culture here but I still wonder if that could magnify without seeking have been avoided if we support. became familiar with it sought help before the Australia was supposed to all too soon. breakup, not after. be a haven – a new start Since our separation, I’ve with a beautiful baby. We had amazing support from were blissfully unaware various family violence and of the huge drinking and gambling culture here but gambling services. Without this help, I could never became familiar with it all too soon. have rebounded so quickly and safely, and been there My partner, a normally cautious man, was drawn into for my child when she most needed me. the casino, walkable from home and, later, right next I have tried to give back by contributing to the door to work. Was it the isolation, the anonymity, the Gambler’s Help Peer Connection and ReSPIN proximity, the money or something else that lured my programs for a few years now, and am also working as partner, and therefore pulled my family, into the vortex an advocate and community educator on gambling. of gambling? As they say, every cloud has a silver lining and mine I struggled to understand what was happening for 10 was the gift of a beautiful daughter and the inspiration months before the secret spilled out. Earning a six- to work in the community sector. figure salary, he had nothing left in his bank account!
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ELEVATING THE VOICES OF industry organisations to identify future trends such as increased digitisation and the impact this will have on PEOPLE WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED gambling products. GAMBLING HARM Working with RSL Victoria, the Foundation developed a gaming venue staff pilot to better identify and meet staff needs. The The Foundation’s Lived Experience Advisory Committee (see self-care training session has been incorporated into the page 57 for membership) was established in October 2018 Foundation’s Venue Support Program, a testament to the after an extensive search and selection process. This followed grassroots benefits of industry involvement that bodes well for a review of existing advisory committees in healthcare the pilot’s broader acceptance.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY 2 STRATEGIC delivery, disability and mental health organisations, consultation with relevant organisations, and a review of OVERLAPPING INTERESTS research related to best practice consumer participation in providing advice to organisations. As a follow-up to our biennial Gambling Harm Conference, the Foundation hosted a workshop on comorbidities in November Creation of the committee is an acknowledgement that the 2018 to address the common co-occurrence of mental health lived experience perspective is essential to further develop issues, family and relationship problems, substance misuse effective programs, policies and services to reduce gambling and family violence in the lives of people experiencing harm and address stigma. gambling harm. So significant is this development to the Foundation that this Sharing the platform were researchers and healthcare annual report features six committee members telling their professionals from Turning Point, Deakin and Monash compelling personal stories of gambling harm. The Foundation universities and senior managers from Alfred Health, Bouverie is grateful for the generosity and insights of each of them. Centre, Consumer Affairs Victoria, Department of Health Representing a diversity of experiences in types of gambling and Human Services, Family Safety Victoria, Financial and harm and pathways to recovery, the committee’s primary Consumer Rights Council, Gambler’s Help sector, Mental role is to provide advice to the Foundation’s board and Health Victoria, Primary Health Networks, Relationships management on: Australia, Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association, and Victorian Transcultural Mental Health. ■■ planning and implementing services for Victorians affected by gambling harm Participants created personas based on gamblers experiencing co-occurring issues and moved them through service systems ■■ gambling harm prevention strategies and to identify barriers. A key finding was that a more integrated project proposals system would benefit complex clients who access a broad ■■ research priorities and proposals. range of services. ‘In its first year, the committee provided significant input A popular suggestion at the workshop was the introduction into the development of the Foundation’s approach to of targeted gambling harm screening questions across stigma, including guidance on the language used to talk various sectors – drug and alcohol, mental health and family about gambling and gambling harm,’ says Foundation board violence. Participants agreed that building cross-sectoral member and committee chair Tass Mousaferiadis. ‘It also capability through training and secondary consultations to aid assisted us in strengthening processes for involving people more comprehensive screening could lead to clearer referral with personal experience of gambling harm in developing and pathways and a better experience for people using services. testing marketing approaches.’ The workshop also acknowledged that better targeted professional development for the community services sector ENGAGING WITH INDUSTRY AND and related government departments would lead to the GOVERNMENT provision of more effective services to people experiencing a range of harms. FINDING COMMON GROUND As part of their annual Global Impact Day, where partners The Foundation placed particular emphasis in 2018–2019 and directors contribute to the delivery of community focused on improving our stakeholder engagement practices and events, the workshop was facilitated by staff from Deloittes. processes through collaboration and joint action. For example, The workshop has positioned the Foundation as an agency through our Industry Leaders Forum, we engage with gambling keen to broker dynamic inter-service links.
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KEEPING VENUE STAFF SAFE
With their constant exposure to gambling products, ‘Awareness of the risks has been pumped into us through the 30 000 Victorians employed in gaming venues are Responsible Service of Gaming and our code of conduct. I estimated to be almost six times more likely than the think it’s second nature now. general population to experience gambling harm. ‘The RSL doesn’t allow gambling at work and I think we It’s a concerning statistic that led the Foundation to steer away from another club in our down time because it
collaborate with RSL Victoria on a pilot project. The just feels like work.’ PRIORITY 2 STRATEGIC approach was twofold: educational workshops on gambling The strand of the pilot that examined OH&S surveyed harm were conducted with staff, and employers were effective current practices. These ranged from ensuring supported to ensure compliance with best practice in staff were aware of support services available to them, occupational health and safety (OH&S). through to regular training and rotating work and hours in Marj Gorman, general manager at Sunshine RSL, took part the gaming rooms. in the pilot. Venues were also asked about further best practice ‘The session was all positive,’ says Marj. ‘We had initiatives that could be implemented. A majority of conversations in breakout groups and the feeling in the responses suggested support for clear staff gambling end was that we do all know how to look after ourselves. We policies that prohibit staff gambling at their workplace, know that pokies are games of chance, not games of skill. including on their days off. It was also suggested that venues discourage staff from socialising at other gaming venues.
Marj Gorman (left) and colleagues outside the Sunshine RSL
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DEMONSTRATING LEADERSHIP ON THE INTERNATIONAL STAGE The Foundation is increasingly making knowledge translation We also consulted with experts from Canada’s Gambling a priority. Also known as ‘mobilisation’, this means supporting Research Exchange Ontario on this important area for our purposeful research that has practical applications. It also development when representatives attended the 2019 provides an evidence base not just for the present but looking International Think Tank on Gambling Research, Policy and ahead 10 or even 20 years. Practice held in Melbourne. ‘We’re building productive partnerships as we learn from During 2018–2019, the Foundation participated in the Public recognised leaders in the field,’ says Rosa Billi, branch head Health Association of Australia Prevention Conference,
STRATEGIC PRIORITY 2 STRATEGIC of Research & Evaluation at the Foundation. ‘This includes National Association of Gambling Studies Conference and the Sax Institute, a Sydney-based not-for-profit dedicated to Mental Health and Addictions Conference. promoting the use of research in policy and practice. Attending In translating our research into knowledge and information its inaugural Knowledge Mobilisation Conference in 2018, the that supports the development of evidence-based strategies Foundation heard how collaboration between researchers and for preventing and reducing gambling harm, we talk to our research users is the key to driving change.’ stakeholders across prevention, practice and policy to learn how we can best achieve our shared goals.
FOUNDATION CITED IN BRITISH MEDICAL JOURNAL
Research funded by the Foundation was cited in the May cited The Victorian gambling study: a longitudinal study 2019 edition of the prestigious British Medical Journal of gambling and health in Victoria, 2008–2012 alongside (BMJ), read across the world by medical and allied health the 2016 collaborative study, Assessing gambling-related professionals. harm in Victoria, often referred to as the Harm study. The third piece of research cited is 2017’s The social cost of Focusing on the United Kingdom, the research paper gambling to Victoria, which puts a dollar figure on low, ‘Gambling and public health: we need policy action moderate and severe harm. to prevent harm’ cites three of the Foundation’s most significant pieces of research. ‘Our research is building the tools we need to further a public health approach to gambling harm,’ says Rosa Billi. Underpinned by fieldwork initially funded by the Department ‘We’ve established that harm from gambling isn’t just of Justice, then completed by the Foundation, the BMJ article about problem gambling but exists Research & Evaluation staff, from left, Kristal Yeung, Kate Scalzo, David Hunt and Rosa Billi across a spectrum and its effects can persist across generations. This has given us a structure to address it in Victoria, and it’s great to see that other jurisdictions are paying attention. ‘The BMJ research paper involved a major consultation across the international community of practice. For the Foundation to be internationally recognised shows that our work is having an impact on the way others are addressing the issue of gambling harm.’
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THINK TANK FOCUSES ON PUBLIC HEALTH
Now in its 15th year, the International Think Tank on ‘The Think Tank is influential at getting issues onto the Gambling Research, Policy and Practice was co-hosted by WHO agenda and they’ve now agreed to develop a gambling the Foundation in Melbourne in June 2019. In attendance work program,’ he says. ‘WHO’s Addictions division now were 60 invited gambling harm researchers from Australia, recognises gambling as more harmful than illicit drugs. Canada, Germany, Japan and New Zealand. ‘The Foundation is a world leader in its approach to
As the push continues to get gambling onto national and gambling harm. Its research program has funded some PRIORITY 2 STRATEGIC international public health agendas, a key focus was how to cutting-edge studies of direct relevance to policy while also define and measure harm. helping set the direction for service agencies and treatment advisors. Professor Max Abbott CNZM hosts the Think Tank every second year in New Zealand, where he is co-director ‘It has commissioned research on the convergence of of the National Institute for Public Health and Mental gambling and gaming, alert to the efforts of industry Health Research, among many other roles. He flew from to engage a demographic that was drifting away from the Melbourne event to Geneva to take part in the World gambling. The WHO recently held a forum on that topic. Health Organisation (WHO) forum on alcohol, drugs and ‘The Foundation’s agenda setting is highlighting the behavioural addictions. urgency of addressing gambling harm with a comprehensive health strategy and action plan.’
From left, Prof Robin Room, Prof Max Abbott CNZM, Rosa Billi, Shane Lucas, Prof Nerilee Hing, Associate Prof Matt Browne, Prof Matt Rockloff
ANNUAL REPORT 2018–2019 37 OUR WORK BUILD A COLLABORATIVE AND RESPECTED CENTRE OF EXPERTISE TO DELIVER OUR MISSION FOR ALL VICTORIANS Build a collaborative and respected centre of expertise to deliver our mission for all Victorians STRATEGIC PRIORITY 3 STRATEGIC CHAMPIONING DIVERSITY AND INCLUSIVITY In our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), the Foundation has committed to the principle of Aboriginal self-determination. This is not a single dot-point in the way we do business, but a broad framework within which we work.
We state in the foreword to our RAP that this living document awareness raising campaigns, undertaking research and gives the Foundation ‘the opportunity to consider a more informing policy, it is absolutely vital that we understand holistic response to gambling harm that incorporates and are responsive to the needs of Victorian Aboriginal community strengths, values and priorities, as well as the communities. Evidence tells us that when Aboriginal and/ immediate needs of individuals experiencing harm. or Torres Strait Islander peoples govern and direct activities in their communities, the outcomes are better and are ‘Because we are an organisation that offers services that sustainable.’ impact people, including counselling, prevention programs,
HEALTH OUTCOMES FOR ABORIGINAL PEOPLE
Aboriginal people make up less than two per cent of the This shared history brings trauma and generationally Victorian population. The impact of colonisation has not impacts our health and wellbeing. We must be trained been eliminated and generational trauma continues to in trauma-informed care, be guided by our communities affect that population, presenting in a range of health and take our rightful responsibility in re-framing and issues. decolonising the impact of our shared history, knowing that it is beneficial for all Victorians. Gambling harm is one. All the evidence shows that sustainable change occurs I’ve seen the role that gambling plays in engaging our when Aboriginal people lead it. We at the Foundation must Mob; in a sense a freedom when they play the pokies or be responsive to Aboriginal knowledge and advice. Let’s bingo. I’ve seen what it’s given to our communities through ensure that Aboriginal people and other vulnerable groups gatherings at venues where, historically, their family guide the collective response to all areas of health and members were rejected because of their Aboriginality. wellbeing, and may we be part of making a sustainable Where we have the learned generational belief that the social impact. problems only exist with Aboriginal people, we must The Foundation is on the journey. Our Reconciliation consider the holistic approach to the health and wellbeing Action Plan will give us public accountability. We’ll invest of our Mob. We must be inclusive of the cultural, social, in Aboriginal-led solutions to influence change, take emotional and economic wellbeing alongside the shared responsibility to lead the change in our work, and commit to historical context.
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building awareness and competency in the way we conduct be patient and work through the complexities together our business. focused on our shared commitment. We have to put our measures of success in place and let To change the experiences of harm and the life experiences them be advised by Aboriginal communities. Let that third- of those most vulnerable, we must ensure that Aboriginal party advocacy keep us accountable. perspectives inform our decision making. We must value Aboriginal knowledge and We must be unwavering in the forms in which that is this approach, regardless of expressed which may not be the government of the day. ‘To change the experiences of harm and the life experiences of those the traditional governance PRIORITY 3 STRATEGIC I want to acknowledge most vulnerable, we must ensure model. the work of our Aboriginal that Aboriginal perspectives inform Statistics of Aboriginal Community Controlled our decision making. We must disadvantage are a pulse Health Organisations, value Aboriginal knowledge and the check for the state but it’s Aboriginal leaders and forms in which that is expressed also important to focus on Aboriginal organisations which may not be the traditional what’s special about our that continue to keep the governance model.’ resilience as Aboriginal needs of Aboriginal people people, our strengths and at the core of their work. Belinda Duarte, deputy chair of the Foundation the possibilities for us to In engaging with the people keep thriving. on the ground who know their communities, the Foundation will keep relationships This is an abridged version of the keynote speech delivered by Belinda Duarte, deputy chair of the Foundation, at the Gambling Harm front and centre in the way we do business. When faced Conference 2018. with challenges that may make us uncomfortable, we will
Belinda Duarte, Foundation deputy chair
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INNOVATING, SHARING AND LEARNING The Foundation’s Gambling Harm Conference 2018: Taking A capacity building theme was explored through five streams: action for change well exceeded previous conference gambling in Aboriginal communities; lived experience; public attendance numbers, bringing together more than 400 health and gambling; research and practice; and regional, national and international keynote speakers and delegates rural and diverse communities. from some 120 organisations.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY 3 STRATEGIC GAMBLING HARM CONFERENCE 2018: FIRST NATIONS WORKSHOP
Gambling in Aboriginal communities was a major topic at Darlene Thomas, team leader at MDAS, was the host the Foundation’s three-day Gambling Harm Conference. for ‘What we know, what we need to know’. She led a conversation about the fact that, for many Aboriginal Under the guidance of our Aboriginal Gambling Harm people, gambling is a social activity with positive aspects. Reference Group and Aboriginal Gambler’s Help services, the Foundation aims to ensure our events are respectful ‘For some people, gambling is a respite, part of their “me” and inclusive of traditional Aboriginal ways of sharing time,’ says Darlene. ‘So it’s about how can we make that knowledge. safer, to make sure that it’s not a financial strain on people or making them depressed.’ Four yarning circles were organised for the First Nations Workshop, each with a different theme and hosted by a The other two circles at the workshop were hosted by GEGAC representative from an Aboriginal Gambler’s Help service: and VAHS. Culture – helping people get and stay strong; Making While the prospect of yarning circles at future conferences counselling safe for Aboriginal people; Our stories, our will be discussed with Aboriginal Gambler’s Help services, strength; and What we know, what we need to know. Dea Morgain, senior community engagement advisor at the Fallon Harris, community engagement officer at Rumbalara, Foundation, says the signs are positive. hosted the ‘Our stories, our strength’ circle. ‘We are trying to provide culturally safe ways of working, ‘People often want to ask questions but don’t – they feel under the guidance of some very good people,’ she says. like if they do they’re not being professional,’ she says. ‘A ‘There is a shared intent to get there.’ yarning circle breaks down those barriers and makes a more comfortable setting.’
Conference attendees take part in a yarning circle
VICTORIAN RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING FOUNDATION 40 OUR WORK BUILD A COLLABORATIVE AND RESPECTED CENTRE OF EXPERTISE TO DELIVER OUR MISSION FOR ALL VICTORIANS
BUILDING CAPACITY THROUGH PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT The Foundation’s professional development centre offers Convenience was cited as just one benefit of a Foundation- training and support to professionals in contact with people funded ‘Professional boundaries’ workshop hosted by Child experiencing gambling harm. and Family Services (CAFS) Ballarat. CAFS invited members of local partner agencies, including venue support workers, This year we digitised our core Foundation Course to provide youth workers, financial counsellors and clinical staff, to the participants flexibility in undertaking the training as well training, which also served as an ideal networking opportunity as freeing them up to focus more on their service delivery to further break down inter-service barriers. roles. We anticipate that the consistency the digitised course delivers will also lead to greater consistency of service delivery PRIORITY 3 STRATEGIC by our funded partners and higher completion rates by staff who provide services in regional locations.
FOUNDATION COURSE PREPARES NEW SECTOR EMPLOYEES
The Foundation Course for professionals in contact with Santana Papa began her first professional job as a people experiencing gambling harm offers a comprehensive therapeutic counsellor at Primary Care Connect in 2019. overview of the gambling sector. As someone new to the sector, she found the course enlightening, accessible and relevant. The one-day workshop is complemented by seven online modules that take less than four hours to complete. ‘It reiterated how normalised gambling is,’ she says, It covers the legislative and regulatory framework, an ‘and how quickly people are harmed. It also helped me introduction to the clinical elements of treatment, risk better understand where our service sits in the primary factors, research, lived experience, the public health healthcare system. approach to gambling harm, and how the Foundation can ‘Having access to the modules in advance meant I was support our funded services and partners. primed by the day of the workshop. I like to learn online and now I have the modules as a resource to refer back to.’
Santana Papa settling in to work at Primary Care Connect
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FOSTERING EARLY CAREER RESEARCHERS The primary objectives of the Foundation’s early career Projects funded in the 2018–2019 round include research researcher grants are to build researcher capacity while into gambling and homelessness; gambling and lesbian, establishing robust, peer-reviewed evidence to address current gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer communities research gaps. With grants awarded for up to 18 months, (LGBTIQ); and gambling and disability. younger researchers are encouraged not only to enter, but remain, in this field.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY 3 STRATEGIC FOUNDATION-FUNDED RESEARCHER AWARDED ABC RESIDENCY
A gambling researcher funded by the Foundation since including Risk factors for gambling problems specifically 2013 was awarded one of the ABC’s highly-prized Top Five associated with sports betting; Who bets on micro events residencies for 2019. The ABC offers the five intensive (micro-bets) in sports?; Social influences normalise media training to enable them to ‘share their expertise with gambling-related harm amongst higher risk gamblers; audiences seeking credible material and informed debate’. and Are direct messages (texts and emails) from wagering operators associated with betting intention and behaviour? ‘Researchers often talk to each other through papers and conferences rather than to a general audience,’ says Dr ‘This is profile building for gambling research,’ continues Alex Russell, who works at CQUniversity’s Experimental Alex. ‘The Foundation is the main driver of gambling Gambling Research Laboratory. ‘This will help me better research in Australia. Foundation funding has led to some explain why I do what I do and what the value of it is.’ really powerful outcomes using innovative techniques at our laboratory and consequently we’re becoming world leaders Alex’s research currently focuses on the role of advertising, in gambling research.’ social influences, sports betting and how new technologies are changing gambling. It has led to several papers,
Alex Russell (far right) with other early career researchers and Foundation staff
VICTORIAN RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING FOUNDATION 42 LIVED EXPERIENCE ADVISORY COMMITTEE LYNDA GENSER LYNDA GENSER LYNDA
IN SEARCH OF A FRESH START
I started playing the pokies in 1992, when they were But I kept gambling in spite of everything. introduced in Victoria. My very first time, I put in five I’m lucky enough to have seven grandchildren, cents and won $100. I thought my good luck was including a grandson who was born in 2006. My going to last forever. daughter said that if I wanted to be involved in her My husband and I separated a few years after I started son’s life, I had to stop gambling. gambling and I didn’t take it well. My children tried to I quit to protect the relationships with my family who help by asking me to stop gambling but I used to go stood by me. I gave up cold turkey and, for the first out of my area to gamble so I six months, I’d drive out of wouldn’t be found out. my way not to pass pokies At the same time, I became venues. the executive director at a Gambling on the pokies I continue to get counselling charity, but my salary wasn’t support from the team at Child enough. I couldn’t afford my is like having a and Family Services. I tell rent. I couldn’t afford food. frontal lobotomy... people that I’m a gambler and They would give me blank I always will be, but I don’t cheques for office purchases it takes over your gamble anymore. and I would add an extra $500 or $1000 and spend it whole world and you Gambling on the pokies is gambling. I ended up taking like having a frontal lobotomy. $84 000. become stunted. You sit there and listen to the music and it relaxes you, but What I did was wrong but at the same time you’ve got the only solution I saw was adrenaline surging. That was planning my suicide. what I used as a coping mechanism, but it takes over Fortunately, my son found me first and I told him what your whole world and you become stunted. I did. We called my employer and the police while my Now I’m a member of the Victorian Responsible son held my hand. Then I told my other children, one Gambling Foundation’s Lived Experience Advisory of whom is a police officer. Committee. I’m going to try my darndest to make a I managed to get off with a good behaviour bond difference and hopefully help even just one person although, of course, I lost my job. stop gambling.
ANNUAL REPORT 2018–2019 43 OUR WORK BUILD A COLLABORATIVE AND RESPECTED CENTRE OF EXPERTISE TO DELIVER OUR MISSION FOR ALL VICTORIANS
STRENGTHENING THE RESEARCH EVIDENCE BASE
THE YEAR IN FOUNDATION-FUNDED RESEARCH
Research published by the Foundation in 2018–2019 helps the same author, Direct messages received from wagering us better understand the harms that can arise from a range operators, confirms that text and email messages are of gambling products for groups ranging from young people particularly influential. to vulnerable adults. STRATEGIC PRIORITY 3 STRATEGIC Two reports focus on the challenges that technology poses We learnt more about the social aspects of gambling harm. for young people. A literature review by Daniel King (The At CQUniversity, early career researcher Dr Alex Russell University of Adelaide), Online gaming and gambling in explores how our social lives shape our thoughts and children and adolescents: normalising gambling in cyber behaviours. Social influences on gamblers by risk group spaces, concludes that gambling-like products are visible uses ‘egocentric social network analysis’ to literally map and accessible in non-gambling online spaces. It identifies how our closest friends and family interact with each other; opportunities in parent education and significant gaps who gambles, with whom, and whether they experience in the broader community’s understanding of gaming/ harm. While it is not surprising to learn that people who gambling crossovers. gamble tend to mix with others who do the same, he also Matthew Rockloff’s (CQUniversity) Mobile EGMs apps: the found that ‘problem gamblers’ report close-knit social perfect substitute or the perfect storm? considers whether networks. A particularly striking observation from this study digital pokies ‘simulations’ (with no money involved) help is that if everyone around you is experiencing the same people reduce or increase their real money losses. While problem, it can be difficult to recognise it. Social groups the answer is complicated – it generally is with research play a role in both the normalisation of gambling behaviour – the evidence points towards an increase. It also finds and the normalisation of gambling harm. that childhood and adolescent use of these simulations is Alex’s report suggests that gambling and drinking culture associated with under-18 real-money gambling. often mix. This was also a feature of Rebecca Jenkinson’s Two reports consider how people can protect themselves (Australian Institute of Family Studies) Weighing up the from harm. Nicki Dowling’s (Deakin University) The odds: young men and sports betting. Participants describe development of empirically derived Australian gambling using social media to share tips, brag about wins and limits was a feat of number-crunching and logic. We downplay losses. The more frequent bettors report chasing now know that there is no such thing as a ‘safe’ level of losses, being motivated by the desire to win money and a gambling. Harm can and does occur at very low levels of belief in their own gambling ‘skill’. They describe betting participation. There may, however, be gambling behaviours on multiple sports at the same time using multiple betting – spend, frequency and number of products – that can apps, and ‘playing the inducements’ to improve their reduce risk. chances. Simone Rodda’s (The University of Auckland) A brief Another report tackles this issue head on. Nerliee Hing’s intervention to support gamblers to stick to their limits in (CQUniversity) Effects of wagering marketing on vulnerable EGM venues gives us further cause for both optimism and adults explores digital developments. Combining videogame concern. Participants in her study took part in an ‘action simulations, surveys responded to in real time and and coping planning’ session for 20 minutes right before physiological measurements such as skin temperature entering a gaming room. This significantly reduced their and eye movement, it investigates the effects of gambling spending over the subsequent month. When people set marketing. Far from minimising risk, the study concludes limits, the majority were pretty good at sticking to them. that inducements such as bonus bets and increased odds When people did go over or busted, however, some went over are associated with riskier betting. A follow-up report by by as much as $1500.
VICTORIAN RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING FOUNDATION 44 LIVED EXPERIENCE ADVISORY COMMITTEE SHAYNE RODGERS SHAYNE RODGERS SHAYNE
STREAMING GAMBLING RECOVERY
I first remember gambling when I was 12 or 13 in lotto I started volunteering with Banyule Community family competitions. I grew up with the mentality of, Health’s Peer Connection program. I support about 10 sure, work hard, but if you really want to end up with people who I call once a fortnight. Sometimes it’s the enough money to prosper, you’re probably going to first time they’ve ever spoken to anyone about their have to win it. gambling, but people are so much more relaxed when they can say, ‘This is what I did. What did you do?’ It I didn’t realise how silly it was to lose all your money makes all the difference. every week because people around me were doing My key message is to just something very similar. My key message is to keep going and try different things because one person’s By the time I was 18 and just keep going and try way of stopping might not could legally gamble, I felt I work for the next person. was already out of control. different things because When I didn’t have money I I got a Victorian Responsible felt like I needed to gamble, one person's way of Gambling Foundation grant and when I did have money I to launch the podcast ‘Not felt like I could gamble. stopping might not work a dollar more’ in February 2019. We share people’s I initially sought help through for the next person. stories as well as interviewing the building industry’s academics and professionals Incolink. I also saw Gambler’s about the ways people Help counsellors, which definitely helped. But then I’d recover from a gambling addiction. sell myself another story – just have one bet, just have small bets – and away I’d go again. In my work, I see a lot of young guys on their phones having bets. It’s hard to watch because I know that About 12 months before I stopped in 2012, I met my those initial innocent bets is how it all starts. now-wife Emma. I hid pretty much all my gambling for that first year before realising I’d probably lose her if Being a member of the Lived Experience Advisory I didn’t stop. Telling her was the worst part – it took a Committee is about being a voice for those young long time to get her trust back. I swore I would never men. I felt like an expert coming out of my addiction. gamble again and I haven’t. She meant so much to I know so much about gambling harm, and I feel like I me that it just wasn’t worth it. have so much to give.
ANNUAL REPORT 2018–2019 45 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS Financial highlights FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OVERVIEW Total income and expenses from transactions have remained relatively consistent between 2017–2018 and 2018–2019, A summary of the Victorian Responsible Gambling reflecting the continuation and enhancement of programs and Foundation’s financial performance in 2018–2019 is set out activities. The movement in operating cash inflows reflects below. Full financial details for 2018–2019 are in the financial the Foundation’s trust fund balance. There are no outstanding statements from page 71. The Foundation is funded via a four- receivables associated with amounts owing as at 30 June year allocation that is approved by the Expenditure Review 2019 from the CSF. Committee of Cabinet. Expenditure and revenue identified in reporting for 2018–2019 reflect operations for the fourth and FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE final year of the funding approved allocation for the period For the financial year ended 30 June 2019, the Foundation commencing 1 July 2015 and ending 30 June 2019. recorded revenue of $41 091 889, primarily reflecting grant The Victorian Government considers the net result from funding from the CSF. transactions to be the appropriate measure of financial Expenditure of $41 008 252 mainly reflects grants for management that can be directly attributed to government Gambler’s Help services and prevention programs, media policy. This measure excludes the effects of revaluations campaign and marketing activities, partnerships with (holding gains or losses) arising from changes in market sporting clubs, education in schools initiatives, research prices, which are outside the control of the Foundation. and evaluation programs, operational costs associated with In 2018–2019, the Foundation achieved a net result from the Gambler’s Help Connect system, web and digital media transactions of $83 637. Last year, the Foundation’s net result development, training and awareness activities including the was a deficit of $580 856, reflecting the consolidated level of Gambling Harm Conference, strategic reviews and program revenue drawn-down from the Community Support Fund (CSF) delivery and development costs. to meet expenditure incurred for operational activities, over the duration of the Foundation’s approved funding allocation. FINANCIAL POSITION – BALANCE SHEET This can result in timing variations between years with an Total assets increased by $260 996, reflecting the movement associated impact on operating result. Over the duration of in financial assets associated with the Foundation’s trust the Foundation’s operational trust-funded program however, fund balance. For the same period, total liabilities increased expenditure cannot exceed revenue. The Foundation’s equity by $253 168, mainly reflecting the level of employee benefit position is $326 977. provisions. CASH FLOWS Major operating cash flows comprise grant funding from the CSF and payments for suppliers and employees.
VICTORIAN RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING FOUNDATION 46 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
FINANCIAL SUMMARY Five-year financial summary 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 $ $ $ $ $ Total income from transactions 41 091 889 40 802 852 39 885 737 38 782 950 44 933 975 Total expenses from transactions (41 008 252) (41 383 708) (39 590 561) (38 950 604) (44 843 097) Other economic flows (75 809) 15 329 (3 693) (10 136) (23 128) Net result from transactions 83 637 (580 856) 295 176 (167 654) 90 878 Net result for the period 7 828 (565 527) 291 483 (177 790) 67 750 Net cash flow from operating activities 217 958 (1 527 936) 5 062 167 (4 994 648) 1 830 446
Total assets 3 918 397 3 657 401 5 175 446 4 687 771 5 496 295 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS Total liabilities 3 591 420 3 338 252 4 290 769 4 094 578 4 725 312
DISCLOSURE OF GRANTS AND TRANSFER PAYMENTS The Foundation partnered with a range of organisations to deliver services and programs for the Victorian community. This section outlines the grants and transfer payments provided to partner organisations. PROGRAM A: GAMBLER’S HELP Through the delivery of a range of prevention, early intervention and support services and activities, the Gambler’s Help grants program aims to prevent and reduce harm caused by gambling in Victoria.
GRANT 1: GAMBLER’S HELP LOCAL Eleven local delivery partners provide prevention, early intervention and support across 16 designated catchment areas covering the whole of Victoria.
Organisation Payment $ Anglicare Victoria 1 141 678 Banyule Community Health 2 842 772 Bethany Community Support Incorporated 1 606 331 Child & Family Services Ballarat Incorporated 908 311 Connect Health and Community 3 119 548 Eastern Access Community Health (EACH) 2 302 190 Gateway Community Health 439 735 IPC Health Limited 624 922 Latrobe Community Health Service 1 273 954 Primary Care Connect 429 761 The Salvation Army 1 208 949 Total 15 898 151
GRANT 2: GAMBLER’S HELP LINE AND GAMBLING HELP ONLINE Gambler’s Help line is a 24-hour, seven days a week telephone information, referral and support service for people experiencing gambling harm, including from someone else’s gambling. This incorporates the Gambler’s Help Youthline, which provides an additional point of contact for young people. Gambling Help Online is a national service providing a range of web-based self-help information, referral and support materials, as well as direct access to online clinical interventions. This includes 24-hour live online counselling, and email-based counselling and support.
ANNUAL REPORT 2018–2019 47 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Organisation Payment $ Eastern Health 843 265
This includes $657 146 (Gambler’s Help line) and $186 119 (Victorian contribution to Gambling Help Online).
GRANT 3: GAMBLER’S HELP FOR CALD COMMUNITIES This program funds culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) partners to provide prevention and support services to their communities. It includes in-language services for the Vietnamese-, Chinese- (both Mandarin and Cantonese) and Arabic- FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS speaking communities.
Organisation Payment $ Arabic Welfare Incorporated 120 050 Australian Vietnamese Women’s Association Incorporated 173 503 Chinese Gambling Concern Incorporated 32 648 The Federation of Chinese Associations (Victoria) Limited 163 242 Multicultural Centre for Women’s Health Incorporated 183 001 Springvale Indo-Chinese Mutual Assistance Association Incorporated 139 382 Victorian Arabic Social Services Incorporated 183 001 Total 994 827
GRANT 4: ABORIGINAL GAMBLER’S HELP This program provides funds to Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations to address gambling harm in their communities.
Organisation Payment $ Gippsland and East Gippsland Aboriginal Co-Operative Limited 194 387 Mallee District Aboriginal Services 194 386 Rumbalara Aboriginal Cooperative Limited 194 386 Victorian Aboriginal Health Service Limited 362 607 Total 945 766
GRANT 5: STATEWIDE PROBLEM GAMBLING AND MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAM Through our partnership with Alfred Health, this program delivers support to Victorians experiencing serious problems and mental health conditions related to gambling. The program also provides clinical training and secondary consultations to other health professionals assisting people with serious co-occurring gambling and mental health conditions.
Organisation Payment $ Alfred Health 372 545
GRANT 6: LIVED EXPERIENCE PILOT PROGRAM Through our partnership with Banyule Community Health, this pilot program delivered peer-led psycho-educational group support for people experiencing gambling harm.
Organisation Payment $ Banyule Community Health 5 000
VICTORIAN RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING FOUNDATION 48 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
PROGRAM B: PREVENTION PROGRAM We also specifically direct resources towards programs and initiatives aimed at preventing harm from gambling. This includes generating greater awareness of gambling harm and encouraging early recognition of the signs of gambling harm.
GRANT 1: PREVENTION PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM This program aims to promote innovative ways to prevent gambling harm, looking at at-risk populations and place-based initiatives.
Organisation Payment FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS $ Banyule Community Health 149 035 Community Houses Association 84 814 Ethnic Communities Council of Victoria 87 500 First Nations Foundation 1 151 Horn of African Communities Network in Victoria Incorporated 91 000 IPC Health 73 500 Link Health and Community 108 500 Mallee District Aboriginal Services 115 500 Moreland City Council 105 000 Odyssey House 31 290 Reclink 62 000 The Redundancy Payment Central Fund 108 500 Roma Social Club 9 000 Solucia 94 500 Victorian Aboriginal Health Service 105 000 Victorian Local Governance Association 101 500 Total 1 327 790
GRANT 2: PREVENTION GRANTS FOR CALD COMMUNITIES Specific funding was allocated for CALD communities to raise awareness about the risks associated with gambling, promote help seeking and provide alternative recreational activities, as a means to prevent or reduce gambling harm.
Organisation Payment $ Albury Wodonga Ethnic Communities 5 000 Arabic Welfare Incorporated 3 125 Australian Greek Welfare Society (Pronia) 5 000 Australian Vietnamese Women’s Association 3 750 Cambodian Association Victoria 3 750 Ethnic Community Broadcasting Association of Victoria Limited 3 750 Geelong Ethnic Communities Council (Diversitat) 5 000 Migrant Resource Centre North West Region Incorporated 5 000 Serbian Community Association 4 375 Somali Australian Council of Victoria Incorporated 4 375 Springvale Indo-Chinese Mutual Assistance Association 3 750 Victorian Arabic Social Services 3 125 Total 50 000
ANNUAL REPORT 2018–2019 49 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
GRANT 3: PREVENTION GRANTS FOR REGIONAL AND RURAL VICTORIA The aim of this program is to collaborate on gambling harm prevention activities across regional and rural Victoria with a focus on young Victorians, Aboriginal communities and CALD groups.
Organisation Payment $ Bendigo Family and Financial Services 20 000 Bethany Community Support 17 000 Mallee Sports Assembly Incorporated 20 000 Mungabareena Aboriginal Corporation 20 000 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS South Gippsland Shire Council 20 000 Total 97 000
PROGRAM C: RESEARCH
GRANT 1: GRANTS FOR GAMBLING RESEARCH PROGRAM This competitive program provides up to $200 000 of funding over three years for independent research projects on topics drawn from the Foundation’s research agenda. The program also provides grants of up to $50 000 over two years for early career researchers.
Organisation Payment $ Australian Catholic University 9 839 CQUniversity 36 859 Deakin University 122 925 Eastern Health 20 671 La Trobe University 89 911 Monash University 113 555 University of Newcastle 30 575 Total 424 336
Total grants and transfer payments 20 958 680
VICTORIAN RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING FOUNDATION 50 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
ADVERTISING AND CAMPAIGN EXPENDITURE The Foundation launched several high-profile marketing campaigns in 2018–2019. Details of some campaigns can be found on page 12. The table below sets out details of all campaigns in 2018–2019.
Name of campaign Date Campaign summary Advertising Creative and Research and (media) campaign evaluation development Early intervention Targeting people who gamble – reducing harm in a risky way to increase 19 May – among moderate-risk awareness about the negative $1 416 810 $356 560 $178 834 30 June 2019 gamblers – ‘Effects of emotional consequences that gambling’ gambling can cause FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS Highlighting for parents how Prevention – gambling the normalisation of gambling normalisation – 26 August – makes it difficult for young $884 212 $17 470 $42 000 ‘Love the game, 30 September 2019 people to recognise the risks not the odds’ involved Early intervention – reducing harm among Inviting the community to low-risk gamblers, 8 October – have open discussions about $94 600 $40 340 $58 675 Gambling Harm 14 October 2018 gambling harm Awareness Week – Talk. Share. Support. For people who want to take a break from, cut back on, or Help seeking – 1 January – quit gambling, the 100 Day Gambler’s Help – $832 203 $27 345 $61 474 2 March 2019 Challenge offers 100 activities 100 Day Challenge over 100 days, to get more out of life Local advertising campaign N/A raising awareness of in- (research Help seeking – language help services conducted CALD communities – 11 January – in Vietnamese, Chinese $246 352 $13 706 by ‘Gambling can be an 30 June 2019 (Cantonese and Mandarin) MediaCom issue in any language’ and Arabic, to increase help as part of seeking in these communities media buy) Ongoing digital promotion that allows help-seeking messages N/A Help seeking – to be served continuously (research continuous digital via search engine and social conducted 1 July 2018 – promotion of help media marketing, paid digital $796 680 N/A by 30 June 2019 services (digital display and content advertising, MediaCom continuity) enabling the Foundation to as part of better reach those who need media buy) help In-venue advertising places responsible gambling and N/A N/A (ongoing $647 521 In-venue convenience 1 July 2018 – help services messages in (included in quarterly (print costs advertising 30 June 2019 the conveniences in or near advertising reporting included) gaming rooms in almost all costs) provided) venues in Victoria
Note: Expenditure may reflect marketing activities that span financial years.
ANNUAL REPORT 2018–2019 51 Cam Lieng, the Foundation’s prevention programs coordinator OUR ORGANISATION Governance The Foundation is a statutory authority established under the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation Act 2011. We are governed by a board that is accountable to the Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gaming and Liquor Regulation. The CEO is accountable to the board. The Foundation maintains close working relationships with our portfolio department, the Department of Justice and Community Safety, as well as with the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation.
VICTORIAN COMMUNITY
PARLIAMENT OF VICTORIA
Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gaming and Liquor Regulation
Advises and reports Directs and delegates Advises and reports Gives priorities and directs
Advises and reports Department of Justice Victorian Responsible and Community Safety Gambling Foundation Monitors and assists
Figure 1: Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation reporting structure
ANNUAL REPORT 2018–2019 53 OUR ORGANISATION
VICTORIAN RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING FOUNDATION BOARD The board is responsible for determining the Foundation’s Parliamentary members are appointed by a joint sitting of strategic direction and ensuring we achieve our objectives and parliament for the parliamentary term and are not separately carry out our legislated functions. remunerated for their role on the board. The board comprises between seven and 11 members, with at Under its charter, the board must meet at least six times a least four (but no more than eight) appointed members, and year. The board formally met six times in 2018–2019. The the remainder elected members of parliament, representing board holds off-site meetings with community engagement
OUR ORGANISATION different political parties. components that are embedded into its annual work plan. It meets in inner and outer metropolitan, as well as Appointed board members are appointed by the Governor regional, locations. in Council (acting on the recommendation of the Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gaming and Liquor Regulation) The members of the board during 2018–2019 are listed on the and are chosen on the basis of relevant skills, experience following pages. and knowledge. Members are appointed for up to four years and remunerated in accordance with Victorian Government guidelines.
MS JULIE LIGETI, CHAIR Julie is a public policy professional and lawyer. As Global Manager Public Advocacy at Cochlear Limited, she develops international advocacy partnerships, public policy and philanthropic programs. Julie supports several community organisations, including the Human Rights Law Centre, Western Chances and Newport Substation. Julie was inaugural chair of the Accident Compensation Conciliation Service (Victoria) and is a member of the Monash University Council. Julie became a member of the board in February 2016 and has been chair since July 2016.
MS BELINDA DUARTE, DEPUTY CHAIR Belinda is a Wotjobaluk, Dja Dja Wurrung descendant with Polish and Celtic heritage. She is the CEO of Culture is Life, a not-for-profit organisation committed to cultural strengthening for the prevention of Aboriginal youth suicide. Belinda holds a range of appointed and voluntary positions, including co-chair of Reconciliation Victoria, director of the Western Bulldogs, MCG trustee, member of the Victorian Premier’s Jobs and Investment Panel and board member of the AnnaMilla Foundation. She joined the board in December 2013 and was appointed deputy chair in April 2018.
MS CHRISTINE BLACK Chris has 25 years’ experience as a social policy and communications adviser for government, corporate and non-government organisation agencies. Currently she is director of policy and projects for national communications agency 89 Degrees East. Chris has a strong interest and expertise in developing policy and practical solutions for addressing homelessness, empowering disadvantaged communities, assisting people with disability, improving women’s health and pursuing gender equality. She is a graduate member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Chris became a member of the board in April 2015.
VICTORIAN RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING FOUNDATION 54 OUR ORGANISATION
MS MONIQUE CONHEADY Monique is chair and commissioner of Commercial Passenger Vehicles Victoria, a member of the Environmental Protection Authority Governing Board and a co-founder and director of DCP Company Limited (trading as DC Power Co). She was a co-founder and CEO of Flexicar, and held executive management roles at Hertz Australia/New Zealand after it purchased Flexicar. Monique has won a Victorian Telstra Business Women Private Sector Award (2009) and a Churchill Fellowship. She joined the Foundation board in December 2013. OUR ORGANISATION
MS MAREE EDWARDS MP Maree has been Member for Bendigo West since November 2010. She is passionate about gender equity and having women’s voices heard in the government, corporate and private sectors. Maree was a former board member of Lifeline Central Victoria & Mallee and chair of the Women's Correctional Services Advisory Committee. She is currently deputy speaker of the Legislative Assembly. Maree was a member of the board until 30 October 2018.
MR ANASTASIOS (TASS) MOUSAFERIADIS Tass has an extensive background in health and social policy, program development and strategy with the Victorian Government and the health and community sectors. He is a consultant to health and community agencies on public health policy, strategy and development. He also serves as the board chair at Eastern Health and Star Health and is on the board of Foodbank Victoria. Tass joined the board in February 2017.
MR JOHN NGUYEN John is an experienced finance and risk professional and a partner at Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu. He has extensive experience advising public and private sector clients in the areas of risk and financial management, governance and accountability, finance transformation and strategy. John is on the audit committee of the National Gallery of Australia and was previously on the boards of Dental Health Services Victoria and FebFast. John became a member of the board in December 2013.
MR JIM PASINIS Jim has held CEO roles in health and human services for 35 years. He is chair of Melbourne Polytechnic, a director of Araluen, and a past member of several ministerial advisory committees. Jim is a recipient of the Centenary Medal for his services to CALD communities in northern metropolitan Melbourne, and in 2016 was named Banyule Citizen of the year. He is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a life member of Banyule Community Health and the West Heidelberg Community Legal Service. He joined the board in March 2018.
ANNUAL REPORT 2018–2019 55 OUR ORGANISATION
DR ZOE WAINER Zoe is the head of public health and medical director at Bupa Australia and New Zealand and chair of the board of Dental Health Services Victoria. She is passionate about, and has extensive expertise in, public health. Zoe holds a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery from Flinders University, and has a clinical background in cardiothoracic surgery and thoracic surgical oncology. She has a PhD and a Masters of Public Health from the University of Melbourne, and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. She joined the board in February 2017. OUR ORGANISATION
MR GRAHAM WATT MP Graham was elected Member for Burwood at the 2010 Victorian state election. He was the owner and operator of a mobile telephone retail store in the late 1990s and was a sales representative and executive for four years. In 2002, Graham started his own small business as a carpet cleaner, and it was as a small business owner that he gained an appreciation of the importance of small and medium-sized business to the local economy. He was a member of the board until 30 October 2018.
RISK, AUDIT AND FINANCE RESEARCH, POLICY AND COMMITTEE ADVOCACY COMMITTEE The Foundation maintains an audit committee to provide The Foundation’s Research, Policy and Advocacy Committee independent financial oversight and assurance. In 2018– assists and advises the board on matters relating to the 2019, the Risk, Audit and Finance Committee met six times. management and strategic direction of these functions. In Its membership comprised: 2018–2019, the committee met four times. Its membership comprised: ■■ David Ashmore, Chair (external member whose term ended on 20 January 2019) ■■ Christine Black, Chair ■■ John Nguyen (commenced as Chair on 21 January 2019) ■■ Julie Ligeti ■■ Monique Conheady ■■ Tass Mousaferiadis ■■ Tass Mousaferiadis. ■■ Jim Pasinis The committee assists and advises the board to carry out its ■■ Maree Edwards (whose term ended on 30 October 2018) corporate governance function, including by overseeing: ■■ Belinda Duarte (whose term ended on 28 April 2019). ■■ risk management ■■ internal and external audit ■■ financial management, performance and sustainability.
VICTORIAN RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING FOUNDATION 56 OUR ORGANISATION
LIVED EXPERIENCE ADVISORY EXECUTIVE REMUNERATION COMMITTEE COMMITTEE The membership of this new committee, which met for the The Executive Remuneration Committee determines the first time on 30 October 2018, represents diverse gambling Foundation’s policy and practice for executive remuneration, experiences and backgrounds. The committee offers the including succession planning for the CEO. The CEO is the Foundation perspectives from personal experience of gambling only executive-level role at the Foundation. In 2018–2019, the harm, including harm experienced from someone else’s membership comprised: gambling. In 2018–2019, membership of the Foundation’s OUR ORGANISATION ■■ Julie Ligeti, Chair Lived Experience Advisory Committee comprised: ■■ Belinda Duarte ■■ Tass Mousaferiadis, Chair ■■ Tass Mousaferiadis (since 7 December 2018) ■■ Christine Black, Deputy Chair ■■ John Nguyen (whose term ended on 24 September 2018). ■■ Jim Pasinis, Deputy Chair ■■ Ms Anna Bardsley STRUCTURE OF OUR ■■ Ms Lynda Genser ORGANISATION ■ Mr Brendan Ivermee ■ The CEO is accountable to the board for the day-to-day ■■ Ms Jaime McCoy management of the Foundation. The CEO is supported by the Foundation’s executive leadership team, which comprises ■■ Mr Peter Owen the heads of the Foundation’s functional branches and the ■■ Ms Chandana Rao Director, People and Culture. ■■ Mr Shayne Rodgers.
PREVENTION & Tanya Fletcher PROGRAMS Branch Head
RESEARCH & Rosa Billi EVALUATION Branch Head SHANE LUCAS CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION Roberta Donovan Branch Head & MARKETING
Craig Swift CORPORATE Branch Head and SERVICES Chief Finance and Accounting Officer
Figure 2: Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation organisational chart
ANNUAL REPORT 2018–2019 57 OUR ORGANISATION
CEO AND EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP TEAM The Foundation’s CEO and executive leadership team during 2018–2019
MR SHANE LUCAS CEO Shane has extensive experience in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors. He was OUR ORGANISATION CEO of Early Learning Association Australia from 2013 to 2017, Global Head of Sustainable Development for ANZ Banking Group from 2010 to 2012 and, most recently, a full-time member of the Commonwealth Administrative Appeals Tribunal (Migration Division). Shane was a member of Deakin University’s Advisory Board for its Master of Public Policy program from 2011 to 2016 and held executive and senior management positions in the Victorian Government between 2000 and 2010. He is a fellow of Leadership Victoria. Shane joined the Foundation in March 2019.
MS JANET DORE INTERIM CEO Janet was the Foundation’s interim CEO from October 2018 to March 2019. She is a highly qualified senior executive with extensive experience in the public and not-for-profit sectors, including as CEO of the Transport Accident Commission for seven years. Janet is currently deputy chair of Central Highlands Water, commissioner of Commercial Passenger Vehicles Victoria, director of Municipal Association Victoria WorkCare and municipal monitor for the Ararat Rural City Council.
MS LOUISE GLANVILLE CEO Louise held the position of CEO from May 2017 to October 2018. Before joining the Foundation, Louise was deputy CEO of the National Disability Insurance Agency for more than three years. Over her career, Louise has held positions in local and state government, academia, the private sector and ministerial offices.
MS ROSA BILLI BRANCH HEAD, RESEARCH & EVALUATION Rosa has worked in gambling research for more than 10 years. She has a strong academic background in a range of public health areas. Before joining the Foundation, she was the senior research associate working in the Department of Justice on the Victorian gambling study (a longitudinal study of gambling). Her background is in education and public health.
VICTORIAN RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING FOUNDATION 58 OUR ORGANISATION
MS ROBERTA DONOVAN BRANCH HEAD, STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION & MARKETING Roberta leads the development of the Foundation’s communication and marketing strategies. OUR ORGANISATION With a strong background in behaviour change and community engagement, Roberta has experience across all aspects of communication and has held national marketing and communication roles within the not-for-profit and education sectors.
MS TANYA FLETCHER BRANCH HEAD, PREVENTION & PROGRAMS, GENERAL COUNSEL Tanya is an experienced business leader with a background in the community development sector, not-for-profit governance and commercial law. She was director of strategic business planning and corporate counsel at World Vision Australia for almost a decade after leaving commercial legal practice. Tanya has a passion for achieving organisational outcomes through the development of effective leaders who will drive social change and transform community support systems. She joined the Foundation in August 2016.
MR CRAIG SWIFT BRANCH HEAD, CORPORATE SERVICES, CHIEF FINANCE AND ACCOUNTING OFFICER, CHIEF PROCUREMENT OFFICER Craig is a Certified Practising Accountant with an extensive corporate services background in Victoria’s public service. He is experienced in financial and risk management, audit services and corporate services administration. Craig has worked for the Office of Local Government, was Chief Finance Officer with the then Victorian Commission for Gambling Regulation, and has held managerial roles within the former Department of Justice portfolio.
MS CATHY DALY DIRECTOR, PEOPLE & CULTURE Cathy is responsible for development of the human resources (HR) strategy and strategic cultural projects. She is focused on driving strategic business outcomes and improvements through targeted HR support and initiatives. Cathy has worked in a range of industries in Australia and overseas, predominantly within the public sector. Most recently she headed up the HR function for Transport Safety Victoria for seven years. Cathy joined the Foundation in September 2018.
ANNUAL REPORT 2018–2019 59 OUR ORGANISATION Our people OUR ORGANISATION
We have continued to focus throughout 2018–2019 on enhancing the culture and capability of the Foundation to achieve our strategic priorities.
‘This year we drafted the Foundation’s first holistic People and INNOVATIVE Culture Strategy and Plan for staff consultation,’ says Cathy We work with our staff, stakeholders and the community to Daly, director of People & Culture at the Foundation. ‘The lead the way on innovative strategies and programs to reduce initial work delivered within this strategy focused on getting gambling harm. “back to basics” to ensure we have a strong foundation upon which to build support for all staff.’ PEOPLE AND CULTURE We reviewed and updated all position descriptions to ensure they reflect the current duties and expectations of staff; Our people are committed and diverse individuals with a delivered training for all staff on performance planning and variety of professional skills and expertise. They are motivated review to drive consistency, clarity and enhanced performance; by their work and the purpose of the Foundation, operating introduced comprehensive quarterly workforce reporting to within and across the organisation’s business units to employ aid leadership decision making and understanding; provided a multi-disciplinary and problem-solving approach to deliver further support for leaders through a 360 degree review outcomes. Staff also engage and collaborate with an extensive process; and enhanced data collection from both new starters range of external stakeholders at a local, state, national and leavers to inform improvements. and international levels. Staff are accountable for their actions and behaviour, and work with purpose to achieve the OUR VALUES Foundation’s strategic priorities. The Victorian Public Service Enterprise Agreement 2016 RESPECTFUL and the Public Administration Act 2004 provide the legal framework through which employment terms and conditions We are respectful, professional and constructive in the way are established for our staff. This is supported by a suite of we work together. We value people’s time, perspectives, Victorian Public Service (VPS), departmental and Foundation experiences and contributions. policies and procedures. We have in place a range of ACCOUNTABLE wellbeing programs, workplace behaviour expectations and flexible working options to meet people’s diverse needs and We are open, impartial and objective in our approach. We commitments. follow through on our commitments and are accountable for our actions and outcomes. POLICIES AND PROCEDURES COLLABORATIVE We aim to create a workplace that reflects our community, applying the principles of equity, diversity, and fair and We seek out and support a broad range of contributors, reasonable treatment for all staff. This year we enhanced our collaborators and partners to inform our work and enhance our policy framework to better align it with our strategic priorities, impact. We listen, are responsive and engage continuously – culture and values. In addition, the Victorian Government and keeping stakeholders informed and involved as we progress. the Community and Public Sector Union reached an agreement
VICTORIAN RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING FOUNDATION 60 OUR ORGANISATION to develop a set of common employment policies to underpin This year we welcomed 16 new staff to the Foundation, key provisions of the Victorian Public Service Enterprise whose skills, experience and passion are already making Agreement 2016. This commitment led to the development significant contributions to the achievement of our strategic of ‘common practice’ policies to enhance consistency of goals. Our new starters have brought with them a wealth of Agreement application and reduce duplication of effort. knowledge and expertise based on their different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives, including people with personal Improvements this year focused on the following areas: experience of gambling harm. ■■ implementation of 23 VPS common policies, primarily covering leave entitlements, employment categories, INDUCTION OUR ORGANISATION home-based work, OH&S, probation, and flexible New employees participate in a structured induction program work access that spans the first three months of their employment. The ■■ introduction of four new OH&S policies covering manual program is delivered by line managers in partnership with the handling; drug and alcohol; slips, trips and falls; and People & Culture team. It familiarises new starters with the fatigue management Foundation’s:
■■ finalisation of our Gambling in the Workplace policy ■■ vision, mission and values ■■ consultation on a new Recognition Guidance Statement ■■ strategic priorities and work planning to support managers and staff to enable a positive ■■ organisational structure workplace where staff are valued and encouraged to succeed through a culture of appreciating and ■■ local practices, policies and work environment recognising efforts ■■ behavioural expectations, with a focus on respect, ■■ development of our Social Media Policy. accountability, collaboration and innovation RECRUITMENT AND SELECTION ■■ employee support programs and benefits ■■ health, wellbeing and safety practices The Foundation is an inclusive workplace that embraces people’s experiences and perspectives. We encourage ■■ learning and development programs and opportunities applications from people from CALD backgrounds, Aboriginal ■■ conditions and entitlements of employment. people, LGBTIQ people, individuals with personal experience of gambling harm, and people living with a disability. LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT The Foundation is committed to applying merit and equity The Foundation is committed to strengthening the capabilities principles when appointing staff and adheres to the and skills of employees so they best align with, and reinforce, Public Sector Employment Principles outlined in the Public our people strategy, culture and values. All staff take Administration Act. responsibility for building our skills base, knowledge and understanding of the environment in which we operate. Our Our selection processes ensure: leaders play a pivotal role in ensuring this alignment, working ■■ decisions are based on merit through the assessment of with staff to increase their competencies and supporting them an individual’s work-related experience, capabilities and to gain new experiences. potential against the requirements of the role We encourage a culture of ongoing learning and improvement. ■■ decisions to appoint are based on a competitive process, This year we continued our emphasis on deepening leadership where a suitable field of qualified candidates has been capability and ensuring staff can access opportunities considered for each position in a variety of settings: on the job; through mentoring; ■■ selection criteria are clearly identified and mapped via interactive, self-paced formats; and through tailored directly to the requirements of the vacancy, as articulated approaches that look beyond the annual planning cycle. through the relevant position description
■■ decisions are free from bias and compliant with the public sector employment framework, where applicants are assessed and evaluated fairly and equitably without discrimination.
ANNUAL REPORT 2018–2019 61 OUR ORGANISATION
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND support services available to staff. This year, the focus of our approach to health, safety and SAFETY wellbeing was: We are committed to providing a safe and healthy environment ■■ reviewing our overall OH&S platform, including the for all staff, workers and visitors. introduction of nine new policies, completion of exit The Health, Safety, Wellbeing and Sustainability Committee interviews for all leavers, and development of a calendar was established as a requirement of the Occupational Health of OH&S activities and Safety Act 2004. The committee includes one elected
OUR ORGANISATION ■■ engaging staff through participation in the annual People health and safety representative, one elected deputy health Matter survey and safety representative, three staff representatives, and two representatives from the executive leadership team. The CEO ■■ recognising staff through the development of a is a member of the committee and its executive sponsor. Recognition Guidance Statement Our Health, Safety, Wellbeing and Sustainability Committee ■■ encouraging constructive and inclusive workplace met formally three times during 2018–2019 to monitor behaviour and practices through the ongoing promotion and evaluate our health, safety and wellbeing compliance of our workplace behaviour and flexible working framework. arrangements policies We implemented several initiatives to further improve the ■■ interrupting the sedentary nature of an office environment health, safety and wellbeing of staff, including an enhanced by installing a second tranche of electronic adjustable quarterly OH&S snapshot report for the executive leadership workstations and installing scanners to allow staff to team and board, access to comprehensive ergonomic access the office using the fire exit stairs rather than assessments, onsite flu vaccinations, and formal workplace requiring them to use the elevators inspections to identify and address any workplace risks. We ■■ supporting emergency response capability through the provide every new starter with comprehensive training on the installation of a defibrillator in the foyer. Foundation’s safety and wellbeing practices, as well as the
HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELLBEING ACTIVITIES AND OUTCOMES Activity Description Outcome Deliver regular reports to the executive leadership team and Risk & Management commitment Completed Finance Committee of the board. Conduct internal audits and inspections as planned and in a timely manner. Introduce new OH&S policies: • VPS common policies: Compassionate Leave; Home-based work; OH&S Rehabilitation; Personal/Carers Leave; and Right to Request Risk management Flexible Working Arrangements Completed • Foundation-specific policies: Manual Handling; Drug & Alcohol; Slips, Trips & Falls; and Fatigue Management. Develop an OH&S calendar of events. Implement a new incident management system. Procurement Evaluate OH&S best practice in purchasing decisions. Completed Produce new starter online OH&S module covering: • the Code of Conduct • health & safety at work. Participate in emergency warden training: Training Completed • bomb threat training • emergency procedures & practical delivery • terrorism training • warden refresher training. Ensure composition of designated work group and issue resolution Consultation Completed processes meet legislative requirements Provide individual training, including safety framework, Induction responsibilities, assessment of hazardous practices and safe use of Completed office equipment for new employees. Emergency management Carry out emergency and evacuation drills as planned. Completed
VICTORIAN RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING FOUNDATION 62 OUR ORGANISATION
INCIDENT MANAGEMENT EMPLOYEE WELLBEING PROGRAMS The Foundation continued to achieve minimal injury and Foundation employees have access to a range of wellbeing incident rates in 2018–2019. There were no injuries recorded programs and services, including: in the incident reporting system, which is independently ■■ a new Employee Wellbeing and Support service (Converge maintained by the Department of Justice and Community International), which offers wellbeing and support services Safety. There were two hazards identified and recorded, neither to all staff across a range of personal and/or work-related of which posed any significant risk to employees and both of issues. Access is via specialist helpline services, critical which were resolved without issue.
incident/rapid response services following a traumatic OUR ORGANISATION event, and a manager-assist hotline and portal
■■ discounted private health insurance ■■ events and activities to acknowledge and celebrate key cultural, health and wellbeing days that encourage positive interactions between staff from different backgrounds. WORKFORCE PROFILE WORKFORCE DATA The data in the following tables is based on active full-time equivalent (FTE) staff, meaning people who attended work or were paid during the last full pay period of the financial year. This includes ongoing, fixed-term and casual employees employed under Part 3 of the Public Administration Act (including those on paid leave). It excludes staff on long-term leave without pay or parental leave without pay, and those absent on secondment, as well as labour hire agency staff. This year, FTE decreased from 55.5 to 52.2.
FTE STAFFING TRENDS FROM 2015 TO 2019 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 52.2 55.5 51 44.2 47.1
WORKFORCE BY CLASSIFICATION 2019 2018 Classification Employment type Count FTE Count FTE Fixed and casual 0 0 0 0 VPS 1 Ongoing 0 0 0 0 Fixed and casual 0 0 0 0 VPS 2 Ongoing 0 0 1 1 Fixed and casual 0 0 0 0 VPS 3 Ongoing 2 2 2 2 Fixed and casual 2 2 4 3.8 VPS 4 Ongoing 12 12 16 16 Fixed and casual 2 2 1 1 VPS 5 Ongoing 23 22.1 21 19.7 Fixed and casual 1 0.4 1 1 VPS 6 Ongoing 11 10.7 10 10 Fixed and casual 1 1 1 1 Executive Ongoing 0 0 0 0 Total 54 52.2 57 55.5
ANNUAL REPORT 2018–2019 63 OUR ORGANISATION
WORKFORCE BY EMPLOYMENT TYPE 2019 2018 Employment type Count FTE Count FTE Fixed and casual 6 5.4 7 6.8 Ongoing 48 46.8 50 48.7 Total 54 52.2 57 55.5
The workforce distribution within the Foundation is driven by business need, with positions allocated within budget to ensure
OUR ORGANISATION the delivery of the organisation’s strategic priorities. Staffing is regularly reviewed as new business pressures emerge and key outcomes are delivered. The Foundation has a base of ongoing positions supplemented by fixed-term positions, agency staff, and contractors who provide additional skills support in key strategic areas.
WORKFORCE GENDER BREAKDOWN 2019 2018 Gender Employment type Count FTE Count FTE Fixed and casual 3 2.4 3 2.8 Female Ongoing 34 33 35 33.7 Fixed and casual 3 3 4 4 Male Ongoing 14 13.8 15 15 Fixed and casual 0 0 0 0 Self-described Ongoing 0 0 0 0 Total 54 52.2 57 55.5
The gender profile of the Foundation is almost two-thirds female, which aligns with the broader public sector. In line with Victorian Government policy, a ‘self-described’ category has been included in this reporting period to allow employees to specify their gender in their own terms. There were no self-described employees in the Foundation for the 2018–2019 reporting period.
WORKFORCE AGE 2019 2018 Fixed and casual Ongoing Fixed and casual Ongoing Age Count FTE Count FTE Count FTE Count FTE 25–34 1 1 10 9.8 2 2 12 11.4 35–44 4 3.4 20 19.2 4 3.8 23 22.3 45–54 1 1 12 11.8 0 0 10 10 55–64 0 0 6 6 1 1 5 5 Over 64 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Total 6 5.4 48 46.8 7 6.8 50 48.7
The average age of the workforce aligns with the VPS overall at 43 years.
VICTORIAN RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING FOUNDATION 64 OUR ORGANISATION Statutory reporting responsibilities OUR ORGANISATION
LOCAL JOBS FIRST – VICTORIAN INDUSTRY PARTICIPATION POLICY The Victorian Industry Participation Policy Act 2003 requires public sector bodies to report on the implementation of the Local Jobs First – Victorian Industry Participation Policy (Local Jobs First – VIPP). Public sector bodies are required to apply the Local Jobs First – VIPP in all procurement activities valued at $3 million or more in metropolitan Melbourne and for statewide projects, and in procurement activities valued at $1 million or more in regional Victoria. The Foundation did not enter into any contracts to which the Local Jobs First – VIPP applies for the 12 months ending 30 June 2019. COMPLIANCE WITH THE DATAVIC ACCESS POLICY Consistent with the Victorian Government DataVic Access Policy released in 2012, the Foundation has developed our policies and procedures to ensure appropriate release of information. CONSULTANCY EXPENDITURE DETAILS OF CONSULTANCIES (VALUED AT $10 000 OR GREATER) In 2018–2019, we engaged one new consultancy, and continued engagement with an existing consultancy, where the total fees payable were $10 000 or greater. The total expenditure incurred during 2018–2019 in relation to these consultancies was $143 382 (excluding GST). Details of these consultancies are outlined below.
TABLE 8: CONSULTANCY EXPENDITURE IN 2018–2019 Consultant Purpose of consultancy Total approved Expenditure Future expenditure project fee 2018–2019 (excl. GST) (excl. GST) (excl. GST) $ $ $ Recurring Grants Allocation Dale Management 2019–2023 and Partnering for 166 182 71 382 0 Consulting Pty Ltd Impact Projects Professional services in relation to Penny Armytage Pty Ltd an evaluation, strategy and business 80 000 72 000 0 case for future funding
DISCLOSURE OF MAJOR CONTRACTS In accordance with the requirements of government policy and accompanying guidelines, the Foundation did not enter into any major contracts for the 12 months ending 30 June 2019. Major contracts are defined as contracts greater than $10 million in value.
ANNUAL REPORT 2018–2019 65 OUR ORGANISATION
COMPETITIVE NEUTRALITY POLICY Access charges (for example, photocopying and search and retrieval charges) may apply once documents have been Competitive neutrality requires government businesses to processed and a decision on access has been made. ensure, where services compete or potentially compete with the private sector, that any advantage arising solely from their FURTHER INFORMATION government ownership be removed if it is not in the public Further information regarding the operation and scope of FOI interest. Government businesses are required to cost and price can be obtained from the Act, regulations made under the Act, these services as if they were privately owned. Competitive and foi.vic.gov.au. neutrality policy supports fair competition between public and OUR ORGANISATION private businesses and provides government businesses with a tool to enhance decisions on resource allocation. This policy COMPLIANCE WITH THE does not override other policy objectives of government and PROTECTED DISCLOSURE ACT 2012 focuses on efficiency in the provision of service. The Protected Disclosure Act encourages and assists people The Foundation is working to ensure Victoria fulfils its in making disclosures of improper conduct by public officers requirements on competitive neutrality reporting as required and public bodies. The Act provides protection to people who under the Competition Principles Agreement and Competition make disclosures in accordance with the Act and establishes and Infrastructure Reform Agreement. a system for the matters disclosed to be investigated and rectifying action taken where required. On 5 March 2019, the FREEDOM OF INFORMATION (FOI) Victorian Parliament passed new legislation which makes some changes to Victoria’s integrity system, including the The Freedom of Information Act 1982 allows the public a establishment of a new parliamentary oversight committee, right of access to documents held by the Foundation. The the Integrity and Oversight Committee. Foundation received one FOI request from a member of the public during 2018–2019 that was later withdrawn. The new legislation will introduce some changes to the Protected Disclosure Act to support people making disclosures We also finalised a request from a member of the public that are in the public interest. These legislative changes will during 2018–2019 that was received during 2017–2018. come into effect on 1 January 2020. This request was a release in full. As it was not processed within the statutory time period, associated access charges The Foundation does not tolerate improper conduct by were waived. The decision was not subject to a complaint or employees, nor the taking of reprisals against those who review by the Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner. come forward to disclose such conduct. We are committed to ensuring transparency and accountability in administrative MAKING A REQUEST management practices and support the making of disclosures Access to documents may be obtained through written request that reveal corruption, substantial mismanagement of public to the FOI officer, as detailed in section 17 of the FOI Act. In resources, or substantial risk to public health and safety or to summary, requests should: the environment. The Foundation will take reasonable steps to protect people ■■ be in writing who make such disclosures from any detrimental action in ■■ identify as clearly as possible the document being reprisal for making a disclosure. We will also afford natural requested justice to the person who is the subject of a disclosure to the ■■ be accompanied by the appropriate application fee (this extent that is legally possible. may be waived in certain circumstances). REPORTING PROCEDURES Requests for documents should be addressed to: Disclosures of improper conduct or detrimental action by the Freedom of Information Officer Foundation or any of its employees or officers may be made to Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation any of the following personnel: PO Box 2156, Royal Melbourne Hospital Victoria 3050 ■■ protected disclosure coordinator at the Department of Justice and Community Safety The Foundation can also be contacted via the following email address: [email protected]. ■■ CEO of the Foundation
VICTORIAN RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING FOUNDATION 66 OUR ORGANISATION
■■ manager or supervisor of any person in the Foundation social, economic and civic life of their community. A suite of who chooses to make a disclosure. resources is being developed to support public sector bodies to develop, implement and report on their disability action plans. Alternatively, disclosures may be made directly to the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC): The Foundation ensures barriers are removed that prevent people with a disability from using our services and facilities Level 1, North Tower or gaining and keeping employment with the organisation. 459 Collins Street We also strive to promote inclusion and participation in the Melbourne community and achieve changes in attitudes and practices Victoria 3000 that may result in discrimination. OUR ORGANISATION Phone: 1300 735 135 Web: ibac.vic.gov.au This year we have taken action against each of the four outcome areas outlined in the Act. In 2018–2019, no disclosures were made by any individual to the Foundation or the department, or notified to IBAC. 1. Reducing barriers to people with a disability accessing goods, services and facilities: COMPLIANCE WITH THE BUILDING »» ensuring Gambler’s Help services include a range ACT 1993 of service access options such as after hours and outreach, telephone and web counselling, to support The Foundation does not own any land or buildings but people with a disability to meet their service access is a tenant at 14–20 Blackwood Street, North Melbourne, needs Victoria 3051. Consequently, we are exempt from notifying »» working with our funded partners to ensure compliance with the building and maintenance provisions of provision of free access for deaf, hearing impaired the Building Act. and/or vision impaired people to Auslan, tactile fingerspelling and visual framing interpreters when COMPLIANCE WITH THE CARERS using Gambler’s Help services, ensuring our website RECOGNITION ACT 2012 is accessible to the widest possible audience, including visitors using assistive technology or The Foundation has taken all practical measures to comply accessibility features with our obligations under the Carers Recognition Act. These »» providing lift and stair building access, stair-free include: access to the building foyer, and electric sliding ■■ ensuring our staff have an awareness and understanding access doors at ground level. of the care relationship principles set out in the Act and 2. Reducing barriers to people with a disability obtaining how they relate to their conditions and entitlements of and maintaining employment: employment »» advertising all vacancies on the Victorian ■■ considering the care relationship principles set out in the Government Careers website, which has been Act when setting policies and providing support services created to adhere to the Web Content Accessibility to employees. This includes ensuring our employment Guidelines 2.0 and ensure that people with a policies, such as flexible working arrangements and leave disability can access the site and information provisions, comply with the principles in the Act. »» implementing a flexible working policy, including home-based work and support for reasonable COMPLIANCE WITH THE adjustments to work and delivery DISABILITY ACT 2006 »» engaging a new employee assistance program service provider with a specialist helpline for advice The Disability Act reaffirms and strengthens the rights of on disability support and referral to state and local people with a disability and recognises that this requires resources and services, as well as emotional support support across the government sector and within the for those caring for family members or friends who community. live with a disability Absolutely everyone: state disability plan for 2017–2020 is the Victorian Government’s framework for enabling people with a disability to participate in and contribute to the
ANNUAL REPORT 2018–2019 67 OUR ORGANISATION
»» offering intranet resources for managers and staff, ADDITIONAL INFORMATION including a manager toolkit, and a wellbeing and mental health resource library. AVAILABLE ON REQUEST 3. Promoting inclusion and participation in the community In compliance with the requirements of the Standing Directions of people with a disability: of the Minister for Finance, details in respect of the items »» ensuring that people noting a disability that requires listed below have been retained by the Foundation and are an accommodation are fully catered for at any available on request, subject to the provisions of the FOI Act: Foundation professional development activity or a. a statement that declarations of pecuniary interests have OUR ORGANISATION event been duly completed by all relevant Foundation officers »» ensuring that offsite events such as conferences are b. details of shares held by a senior officer as nominee or held in venues offering ease of access to those with held beneficially in a statutory authority or subsidiary disabilities, with staff support availability embedded in planning. c. details of publications produced by the Foundation about our activities, and how they can be obtained 4. Achieving tangible changes in attitudes and practices which discriminate against people with a disability: d. details of changes in prices, fees, charges, rates and levies charged by the Foundation »» changing Foundation room layout to ensure ease of access for people with disabilities e. details of any major external reviews carried out on the »» upfront provision of local parking and building Foundation access information to all event and/or training f. details of major research and development activities participants or Foundation visitors. undertaken by the Foundation g. details of overseas visits undertaken, including a ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT summary of the objectives and outcomes of each visit The Foundation has several strategies in place to promote h. details of major promotion, public relations and sustainability in the workplace. These include: marketing activities undertaken by the Foundation to ■■ providing separate recycling, landfill and compost bins in develop community awareness of our organisation and our kitchens services
■■ promoting paper recycling using recycle and secure bins i. details of assessments and measures undertaken to improve the occupational health and safety of employees ■■ encouraging staff to use low-energy settings when printing documents j. a general statement on industrial relations within the Foundation and details of time lost through industrial ■■ monitoring paper consumption and using 100 per cent accidents and disputes recycled paper k. a list of major committees sponsored by the Foundation, ■■ engaging socially conscious and environmentally friendly the purposes of each committee and the extent to which caterers where possible the purposes have been achieved ■■ encouraging staff to use public transport when travelling l. details of all consultancies and contractors including: to and from work, or for work purposes i. consultants and contractors engaged ■■ using lighting sensors that automatically turn off lights in unoccupied rooms ii. services provided
■■ promoting efficient use of electricity (turning off iii. expenditure commitments for each engagement. computers and other equipment) The information is available on request from: ■ using non-toxic dishwashing liquid in our kitchens. ■ Freedom of Information Officer Our Health, Safety, Wellbeing and Sustainability Committee Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation continues to find new ways to address our environmental PO Box 2156, Royal Melbourne Hospital impact, with programs and events held during the year to Victoria 3050 promote sustainable practices. Email: [email protected]
VICTORIAN RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING FOUNDATION 68 OUR ORGANISATION Attestation Statement OUR ORGANISATION
ATTESTATION FOR FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT COMPLIANCE WITH MINISTERIAL STANDING DIRECTION 5.1.4 VICTORIAN RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING FOUNDATION FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT COMPLIANCE ATTESTATION STATEMENT
I, Julie Ligeti, on behalf of the Responsible Body, certify that the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation has complied with the applicable Standing Directions 2018 under the Financial Management Act 1994 and Instructions.
Julie Ligeti Chair Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation
ANNUAL REPORT 2018–2019 69 Attendees at the 2018 Gambling Harm Conference FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
CONTENTS
ACCOUNTABLE OFFICER, CHAIR AND CHIEF FINANCE AND ACCOUNTING OFFICER DECLARATION 72 INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT 73 COMPREHENSIVE OPERATING STATEMENT 75 BALANCE SHEET 75 STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY 76 CASH FLOW STATEMENT 76
NOTES
1. ABOUT THIS REPORT 77 2. FUNDING DELIVERY OF OUR SERVICES 78 3. THE COST OF DELIVERING SERVICES 79 4. DISAGGREGATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION BY OUTPUT 82 5. KEY ASSETS AVAILABLE TO SUPPORT OUTPUT DELIVERY 83 6. OTHER ASSETS AND LIABILITIES 84 7. HOW WE FINANCED OUR OPERATIONS 85 8. RISKS, CONTINGENCIES AND VALUATION JUDGEMENTS 87 9. OTHER DISCLOSURES 92
ANNUAL REPORT 2018–2019 71 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
ACCOUNTABLE OFFICER, CHAIR AND CHIEF FINANCE AND ACCOUNTING OFFICER DECLARATION The attached financial statements for the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation have been prepared in accordance with Direction 5.2 of the Standing Directions of the Assistant Treasurer under the Financial Management Act 1994, applicable Financial Reporting Directions, Australian Accounting Standards including interpretations, and other mandatory professional reporting requirements. We further state that, in our opinion, the information set out in the comprehensive operating statement, balance sheet, statement of changes in equity, cash flow statement and accompanying notes, presents fairly the financial transactions during the year FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ended 30 June 2019 and financial position of the Foundation at 30 June 2019. At the time of signing, we are not aware of any circumstance which would render any particulars included in the financial statements to be misleading or inaccurate. We authorise the attached financial statements for issue on 20 September 2019.
Craig Swift Chief Finance and Accounting Officer Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation 20 September 2019
Shane Lucas Chief Executive Officer Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation 20 September 2019
Julie Ligeti Chair Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation 20 September 2019
VICTORIAN RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING FOUNDATION 72 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT
Independent Auditor’s Report
To the Board of the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
pinion I have audited the financial report of the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation (the foundation) which comprises the:
• balance sheet as at 30 June 2019 • comprehensive operating statement for the year then ended • statement of changes in equity for the year then ended • cash flow statement for the year then ended • notes to the financial statements, including significant accounting policies • accountable officer, chair and chief finance and accounting officer declaration. In my opinion the financial report presents fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the foundation as at 30 June 2019 and their financial performance and cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with the financial reporting requirements of Part 7 of the Financial Management Act 1994 and applicable Australian Accounting Standards.
sis or I have conducted my audit in accordance with the Audit Act 1994 which incorporates the pinion Australian Auditing Standards. I further describe my responsibilities under that Act and those standards in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Report section of my report. My independence is established by the Constitution Act 1975. My staff and I are independent of the foundation in accordance with the ethical requirements of the Accounting Professional and Ethical Standards Board’s APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (the Code) that are relevant to my audit of the financial report in Victoria. My staff and I have also fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with the Code. I believe that the audit evidence I have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for my opinion.
o rd’s The Board of the foundation is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the responsi i ities financial report in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards and the Financial or t e Management Act 1994, and for such internal control as the Board determines is necessary in n i to enable the preparation and fair presentation of a financial report that is free from report material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial report, the Board is responsible for assessing the foundation’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless it is inappropriate to do so.
ANNUAL REPORT 2018–2019 73 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Auditor’s As re ired the Audit Act res onsi ilit is to e ress an o inion on the financial r s o si i iti s re ort ased on the a dit o ecti es for the a dit are to o tain reasona le ass rance or t udit a o t hether the financial re ort as a hole is free fro aterial isstate ent hether FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS o t i i due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes o inion easona le r ort ass rance is a high le el of ass rance t is not a g arantee that an a dit cond cted in accordance ith the A stralian A diting Standards ill al a s detect a aterial isstate ent hen it e ists isstate ents can arise fro fra d or error and are considered aterial if indi id all or in the aggregate the co ld reasona l e e ected to infl ence the econo ic decisions of sers ta en on the asis of this financial re ort As art of an a dit in accordance ith the A stralian A diting Standards e ercise rofessional dge ent and aintain rofessional sce ticis thro gho t the a dit also
• identif and assess the ris s of aterial isstate ent of the financial re ort hether d e to fra d or error design and erfor a dit roced res res onsi e to those ris s and o tain a dit e idence that is s fficient and a ro riate to ro ide a asis for o inion he ris of not detecting a aterial isstate ent res lting fro fra d is higher than for one res lting fro error as fra d a in ol e coll sion forger intentional o issions isre resentations or the o erride of internal control • o tain an nderstanding of internal control rele ant to the a dit in order to design a dit roced res that are a ro riate in the circ stances t not for the r ose of e ressing an o inion on the effecti eness of the fo ndation’s internal control • e al ate the a ro riateness of acco nting olicies sed and the reasona leness of acco nting esti ates and related disclos res ade the Board • concl de on the a ro riateness of the Board’s use of the going concern basis of acco nting and ased on the a dit e idence o tained hether a aterial ncertaint e ists related to e ents or conditions that a cast significant do t on the fo ndation’s ability to continue as a going concern. If I conclude that a material ncertaint e ists a re ired to dra attention in my auditor’s report to the related disclos res in the financial re ort or if s ch disclos res are inade ate to odif o inion concl sions are ased on the a dit e idence o tained to the date of my auditor’s report. However, future events or conditions a ca se the fo ndation to cease to contin e as a going concern • e al ate the o erall resentation str ct re and content of the financial re ort incl ding the disclos res and hether the financial re ort re resents the nderl ing transactions and e ents in a anner that achie es fair resentation co nicate ith the Board regarding a ong other atters the lanned sco e and ti ing of the a dit and significant a dit findings incl ding an significant deficiencies in internal control that identif d ring a dit
E B E harlotte effries Se te er 01 as dele ate for the Auditor eneral of ictoria
VICTORIAN RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING FOUNDATION 74 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Comprehensive operating statement
For the financial year ended 30 June 2019 Notes 2019 2018 $ $ Continuing operations Income from transactions Grants 2.1.1 41 074 700 40 802 700
Other income 2.1.2 17 189 152 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Total income from transactions 41 091 889 40 802 852 Expenses from transactions Employee expenses 3.1.1 (7 408 764) (7 183 086) Depreciation 5.1.1 (1 562) (8 585) Grants expenses 3.2 (20 958 680) (21 820 312) Media campaign advertising 3.3 (4 918 378) (4 628 006) Professional services 3.3 (5 578 331) (5 439 788) Other operating expenses 3.3 (2 142 537) (2 303 931) Total expenses from transactions (41 008 252) (41 383 708) Net result from transactions (net operating balance) 83 637 (580 856) Other economic flows included in net result Net gain/(loss) arising from revaluation of annual and long service 9.1 (75 809) 15 329 leave liability Total other economic flows included in net result (75 809) 15 329 Comprehensive result 7 828 (565 527)
The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements. Balance sheet
As at 30 June 2019 Notes 2019 2018 $ $ Assets Financial assets Cash and deposits 7.1 3 747 964 3 530 006 Receivables 6.1 108 178 85 249 Total financial assets 3 856 142 3 615 253 Non-financial assets Plant and equipment 5.1 8 236 9 798 Prepayments 54 019 32 350 Total non-financial assets 62 255 42 148 Total assets 3 918 397 3 657 401 Liabilities Payables 6.2 2 092 001 2 055 332 Employee-related provisions 3.1.2 1 499 419 1 282 920 Total liabilities 3 591 420 3 338 252 Net assets 326 977 319 149 Equity Accumulated surplus 326 977 319 149 Net worth 326 977 319 149
The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements.
ANNUAL REPORT 2018–2019 75 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Statement of changes in equity
For the financial year ended 30 June 2019 Accumulated surplus/ Total (deficit) $ $ Balance at 1 July 2017 884 676 884 676 Net result for the year (565 527) (565 527) Balance at 30 June 2018 319 149 319 149 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Net result for the year 7 828 7 828 Balance at 30 June 2019 326 977 326 977
The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements. Cash flow statement
For the financial year ended 30 June 2019 Notes 2019 2018 $ $ Cash flows from operating activities Receipts Receipts from government 41 074 700 40 802 700 Total receipts 41 074 700 40 802 700 Payments Payments to suppliers and employees (40 856 742) (42 330 636) Total payments (40 856 742) (42 330 636) Net cash flows from/(used in) operating activities 7.1.1 217 958 (1 527 936) Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 217 958 (1 527 936) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of financial year 3 530 006 5 057 942 Cash and cash equivalents at end of financial year 7.1 3 747 964 3 530 006
The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements.
VICTORIAN RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING FOUNDATION 76 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. ABOUT THIS REPORT
The Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation is a public sector entity of the State of Victoria, established pursuant to section 1 (1) of the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation Act 2011. It is an administrative agency acting on behalf of the Crown. A description of the nature of its operations and its principal activities is included in the Report of Operations, which does not form part of these financial statements. Its principal address is: Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation
14–20 Blackwood Street FINANCIAL STATEMENTS North Melbourne Victoria 3051
Basis of preparation
These financial statements are in Australian dollars and the historical cost convention is used unless a different measurement basis is specifically disclosed in the note associated with the item measured on a different basis. The accrual basis of accounting has been applied in preparing these financial statements, whereby assets, liabilities, equity, income and expenses are recognised in the reporting period to which they relate, regardless of when cash is received or paid. Judgements, estimates and assumptions are required to be made about financial information being presented. The significant judgements made in the preparation of these financial statements are disclosed in the notes where amounts affected by those judgements are disclosed. Estimates and associated assumptions are based on professional judgements derived from historical experience and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates. These financial statements represent the audited general purpose financial statements for the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation for the period ended 30 June 2019 and include all the controlled activities of the Foundation. All amounts in the financial statements are to the nearest dollar.
Compliance information
These general purpose financial statements have been prepared in accordance with theFinancial Management Act 1994 (FMA) and applicable Australian Accounting Standards (AAS), which include Interpretations, issued by the Australian Accounting Standards Board (AASB). In particular, they are presented in a manner consistent with the requirements of AASB 1049 Whole of Government and General Government Sector Financial Reporting. Where appropriate, those AAS paragraphs applicable to not-for-profit entities have been applied. Accounting policies selected and applied in these financial statements ensure that the resulting financial information satisfies the concepts of relevance and reliability, thereby ensuring that the substance of the underlying transactions or other events is reported.
ANNUAL REPORT 2018–2019 77 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
2. FUNDING DELIVERY OF OUR SERVICES
The objectives of the Foundation are to:
■■ reduce the prevalence of problem gambling and the severity of harm related to gambling ■■ foster responsible gambling. The Foundation is funded via an account in the Public Account as part of the trust fund known as the Responsible Gambling Fund. This fund is administered by the Foundation. Amounts are credited to the Responsible Gambling Fund from the Community Support Fund of the Department of Treasury and Finance. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The Foundation is a general government sector entity, consolidated under the Justice portfolio, whose revenue is classified as Department of Treasury and Finance appropriation, paid into the Community Support Fund, being a Department of Treasury and Finance entity, and which is on-passed to the Foundation via the Department of Justice and Community Safety. The Foundation is to apply monies in the Responsible Gambling Fund to fund its ongoing operations and service delivery.
2.1 Summary of income that funds the delivery of our services
Notes 2019 2018 $ $ Grants 2.1.1 41 074 700 40 802 700 Other income 2.1.2 17 189 152 Total income from transactions 41 091 889 40 802 852
Income is recognised to the extent that it is probable that the economic benefits will flow to the Foundation and the income can be reliably measured.
2.1.1 Grants
2019 2018 $ $ Community Support Fund 38 163 000 38 386 000 Other grant income 2 911 700 2 416 700 Total grants 41 074 700 40 802 700
Grants from the Community Support Fund – Department of Treasury and Finance Income from grants is recognised when the Foundation obtains control over the contribution. The Foundation’s income is by way of grant funding from the Community Support Fund – Department of Treasury and Finance for the production of Foundation outputs. The Foundation is funded via a four-year allocation that is approved by the Expenditure Review Committee of Cabinet. Expenditure and revenue identified in reporting for 2018–2019 reflects operations for the fourth and final year of the funding approved allocation for the period commencing 1 July 2015 and ending 30 June 2019.
Other grant income Grant income becomes controlled and is recognised by the Foundation when it is appropriated from the consolidated fund and applied to the purposes defined under the relevant appropriations Act. This income reflects funding to Gambler’s Help agencies associated with wage increases in the social and community services sector, implementing the equal remuneration decision handed down by Fair Work Australia on 1 February 2012, regarding workers employed under the Social and Community Services (SACS) Award. It also reflects termination benefits payable when employment is terminated before the normal retirement date.
VICTORIAN RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING FOUNDATION 78 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
2.1.2 Other income
2019 2018 $ $ Conference fees 17 189 - Freedom of Information access charge - 152 Total other income 17 189 152
Conference fees relate to attendance charges for the Foundation’s Gambling Harm 2018 Conference and the 2019 International Think Tank on Gambling Research, Policy and Practice. Board and Ministerial approval were obtained to set a fee to be applied to external delegates to charge for cost recovery purposes. Section 7A of the
Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation Act 2011 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS enables the Foundation to levy a fee or charge for activities done in the exercise of its functions. The Freedom of Information revenue for the prior year relates to a document access charge paid to the Foundation with respect to the processing of a request.
Services provided by the Department of Justice and Community Safety The Department of Justice and Community Safety provides certain corporate services and resources to the Foundation. The value of these support services, which include the use of the department’s finance and payroll systems, is not recognised in the financial statements. The department is centrally funded to provide these services and resources, for which fair value cannot be reliably determined. The Foundation is, however, directly charged by the department for the relevant component of incurred information and communication technology-related license fees.
3. THE COST OF DELIVERING SERVICES
This section provides an account of the expenses incurred by the Foundation in delivering services and outputs. In Section 2, the funds that enable the provision of services were disclosed and in this note the costs associated with provision of services are recorded.
3.1 Expenses incurred in delivery of services
Notes 2019 2018 $ $ Employee benefit expenses 3.1.1 7 408 764 7 183 086 Depreciation 5.1.1 1 562 8 585 Grants and other transfers 3.2 20 958 680 21 820 312 Other operating expenses 3.3 12 639 246 12 371 725 Total expenses incurred in delivery of services 41 008 252 41 383 708
3.1.1 Employee benefits in the comprehensive operating statement
2019 2018 $ $ Defined contribution superannuation expense 558 883 521 628 Defined benefit superannuation expense 25 750 24 695 Salaries and wages, annual leave and long service leave 6 824 131 6 636 763 Total employee expenses 7 408 764 7 183 086
Employee expenses include all costs related to employment including wages and salaries, fringe benefits tax, leave entitlements and WorkCover premiums.
ANNUAL REPORT 2018–2019 79 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The amount recognised in the comprehensive operating statement in relation to superannuation is employer contributions for members of both defined benefit and defined contribution superannuation plans that are paid or payable during the reporting period. The Foundation does not recognise any defined benefit liabilities because it has no legal or constructive obligation to pay future benefits relating to its employees. Instead, the Department of Treasury and Finance discloses, in its annual financial statements, the net defined benefit cost related to the members of these plans as an administered liability (on behalf of the State as the sponsoring employee).
3.1.2 Employee benefits in the balance sheet Provision is made for benefits accruing to employees in respect of wages and salaries, annual leave and long service leave for FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS services rendered to the reporting date and recorded as an expense during the period the services are delivered.
2019 2018 $ $ Current provisions: Annual leave Unconditional and expected to settle within 12 months 326 503 347 232 Unconditional and expected to settle after 12 months 42 881 45 028 Long service leave Unconditional and expected to settle within 12 months 55 788 51 977 Unconditional and expected to settle after 12 months 433 658 349 467 Provisions for on‑costs Unconditional and expected to settle within 12 months 96 955 99 221 Unconditional and expected to settle after 12 months 79 251 66 270 Total current provisions for employee benefits 1 035 036 959 195 Non‑current provisions: Employee benefits 402 235 281 026 On‑costs 62 148 42 699 Total non‑current provisions for employee benefits 464 383 323 725 Total provisions for employee benefits 1 499 419 1 282 920
Reconciliation of movement in on-cost provision
2019 $ Opening balance 208 190 Additional provisions recognised 165 451 Reductions arising from payments/other sacrifices of future economic benefits (135 288) Closing balance 238 354 Current 176 206 Non‑current 62 148
Wages, salaries and annual leave: Liabilities for wages and salaries (including non-monetary benefits, annual leave and on- costs) are recognised as part of the employee benefit provision as current liabilities because the Foundation does not have an unconditional right to defer settlements of these liabilities. The liability for salaries and wages is recognised in the balance sheet at remuneration rates which are current at the reporting date. As the Foundation expects the liabilities to be wholly settled within 12 months of reporting date, they are measured at undiscounted amounts. The annual leave liability is classified as a current liability and measured at the undiscounted amount expected to be paid, as the Foundation does not have an unconditional right to defer settlement of the liability for at least 12 months after the end of the reporting period.
VICTORIAN RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING FOUNDATION 80 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
No provision has been made for sick leave as all sick leave is non-vesting and it is not considered probable that the average sick leave taken in the future will be greater than the benefits accrued in the future. As sick leave is non-vesting, an expense is recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income as it is taken. Employment on-costs such as payroll tax, workers compensation and superannuation are not employee benefits. They are disclosed separately as a component of the provision for employee benefits when the employment to which they relate has occurred. Unconditional long service leave is disclosed as a current liability, even where the Foundation does not expect to settle the liability within 12 months because it will not have the unconditional right to defer the settlement of the entitlement should an employee take leave within 12 months. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The components of this current long service leave liability are measured at: ■■ undiscounted value – if the Foundation expects to wholly settle within 12 months or ■■ present value – if the Foundation does not expect to wholly settle within 12 months. Conditional long service leave is disclosed as a non-current liability. There is a conditional right to defer the settlement of the entitlement until the employee has completed the requisite years of service. This non-current long service leave is measured at present value. Any gain or loss following revaluation of the present value of non-current long service leave liability is recognised as a transaction, except to the extent that a gain or loss arises due to changes in bond interest rates for which it is then recognised as an ‘other economic flow’ in the net result.
3.1.3 Superannuation contributions Employees of the Foundation are entitled to receive superannuation benefits and the Foundation contributes to both defined benefit and defined contribution plans. The defined benefit plan(s) provides benefits based on years of service and final average salary. As noted before, the defined benefit liability is recognised in the Department of Treasury and Finance as an administered liability. However, superannuation contributions paid or payable for the reporting period are included as part of employee benefits in the comprehensive operating statement of the Foundation.
Paid contribution for the year Contribution outstanding at year end 2019 2018 2019 2018 $ $ $ $ Defined benefit plans(i) State Superannuation Fund 25 186 24 222 564 473 Defined contribution plans VicSuper 245 143 257 816 5 039 5 054 Other 302 036 253 075 6 665 5 683 Total 572 365 535 113 12 268 11 210
Note: (i) The basis for determining the level of contributions is determined by the various actuaries of the defined benefit superannuation plans.
ANNUAL REPORT 2018–2019 81 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
3.2 Grant expenses
2019 2018 $ $ General purpose grants – Community Support Fund 18 046 980 19 403 612 Payments for specific purposes – Social and community services award 2 911 700 2 416 700 payments Total grant expenses 20 958 680 21 820 312
Grant expenses are contributions of the Foundation’s resources to another party for specific or general purposes. Grants are paid for a particular purpose and/or have conditions attached regarding their use. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Grant expenses are recognised in the reporting period in which they are paid or payable.
3.3 Other operating expenses
2019 2018 $ $ Supplies and services Travel and related expenses 55 552 55 646 Media campaign advertising 4 918 378 4 628 006 Printing, stationery and office requisites 346 978 318 227 Communication expenses 49 144 82 375 Professional services (i) 5 564 781 5 385 875 Legal expenses 13 550 53 914 Training and development 209 846 129 837 Information technology (ii) 732 348 906 576 Occupancy costs 605 040 665 802 Remuneration of auditors 18 600 18 200 Other 125 029 127 267 Total other operating expenses 12 639 246 12 371 725
Notes: (i) Professional services reflect media campaign development and tracking research, partnership/sponsorship payments with sporting organisations, education in schools activities, research and evaluation reviews, training programs including the Foundation conference, strategic reviews including the organisational evaluation as part of the funding bid submission, Gambler’s Help grant allocation review and agency staff costs. The increase from the prior year expenditure mainly reflects the impact of the research population study together with partnership payments and strategic review costs. (ii) Information technology costs for 2018–2019 mainly reflect hosting, support and maintenance costs for the Gambler’s Help Connect system together with website and application development. The decrease from the prior year reflects the level of website design, testing and implementation requirements, which have moved from a more developmental to an implementation phase. Other operating expenses generally represent the day-to-day running costs incurred in normal operations. Supplies and services are recognised as an expense in the reporting period in which they are incurred. Occupancy costs are recognised as an expense in the comprehensive operating statement.
4. DISAGGREGATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION BY OUTPUT
The Foundation is a statutory body that is governed by an independent board. It uses the best available evidence, in partnership with others, to prevent and reduce gambling harm and provide support services to those affected by gambling harm in Victoria. The Foundation adopts a public health approach that focuses, in particular, on raising awareness about the risks associated with gambling and its ‘normalisation’, recognising the early signs of harm and mitigating harm through a range of partnerships, community grants and programs.
VICTORIAN RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING FOUNDATION 82 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For 2018–2019, the Foundation’s activities form part of the Department of Justice and Community Safety, Gambling, Liquor and Racing output. This output provides for monitoring and regulation of gambling and liquor activities in Victoria. This output group contributed to the department’s objective of ‘A fair market place for Victorian consumers and businesses with responsible and sustainable liquor, gambling and racing sectors’. No separate output statement has been prepared as the Foundation had only three output groups in 2018–2019 and the comprehensive operating statement effectively provides the relevant information.
5. KEY ASSETS AVAILABLE TO SUPPORT OUTPUT DELIVERY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The Foundation controls infrastructure that is used in fulfilling its objectives and conducting its activities. These assets represent the resources that have been entrusted to the Foundation to be used for delivery of those outputs.
5.1 Total plant and equipment
Gross carrying amount Accumulated depreciation Net carrying amount 2019 2018 2019 2018 2019 2018 $ $ $ $ $ $ Office equipment at fair value 62 438 62 438 (54 202) (52 640) 8 236 9 798 Net carrying amount 62 438 62 438 (54 202) (52 640) 8 236 9 798
Initial recognition: Items of plant and equipment, are measured initially at cost and subsequently revalued at fair value less accumulated depreciation and impairment. Where an asset is acquired for no or nominal cost, the cost is its fair value at the date of acquisition. Subsequent measurement: Plant and equipment are subsequently measured at fair value less accumulated depreciation and impairment. Fair value is determined with regard to the asset’s highest and best use (considering legal or physical restrictions imposed on the asset, and public announcements or commitments made in relation to the intended use of the asset) and is summarised below by asset category.
5.1.1 Depreciation and impairment Charge for the period
2019 2018 $ $ Office equipment at fair value 1 562 8 585 Total depreciation 1 562 8 585
All plant and equipment and other non-financial physical assets that have finite useful lives are depreciated. Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis, at rates that allocate the asset’s value, less any estimated residual value, over its estimated useful life. Typical estimated useful lives for the asset class for the current and prior years are included in the table below.
Asset Useful life Office equipment 5–10 years
The estimated useful lives, residual values and depreciation method are reviewed at the end of each annual reporting period, and adjustments made where appropriate. Impairment: Non-financial assets, including items of plant and equipment, are tested for impairment whenever there is an indication that the asset may be impaired. The assets concerned are tested as to whether their carrying value exceeds their recoverable amount. Where an asset’s carrying value exceeds its recoverable amount, the difference is written off as an ‘other economic flow’, except to the extent that it can be debited to an asset revaluation surplus amount applicable to that class of asset.
ANNUAL REPORT 2018–2019 83 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
If there is an indication that there has been a reversal in impairment, the carrying amount shall be increased to its recoverable amount. However, this reversal should not increase the asset’s carrying amount above what would have been determined, net of depreciation or amortisation, if no impairment loss had been recognised in prior years. The recoverable amount for most assets is measured at the higher of depreciated replacement cost and fair value less costs to sell.
5.1.2 Carrying values by ‘purpose’ group (i)
Public safety and environment 2019 2018 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS $ $ Office equipment at fair value 8 236 9 798 8 236 9 798
Note: (i) Plant and equipment are classified primarily by the ‘purpose’ for which the assets are used, according to one of six purpose groups based upon government purpose classifications. All assets in a purpose group are further subcategorised according to the asset’s ‘nature’ (i.e. plant and equipment, etc.), with each subcategory being classified as a separate class of asset for financial reporting purposes. 5.1.3 Reconciliation of movements in carrying amount of plant and equipment(i)
Office equipment at fair value Total 2019 2018 2019 2018 $ $ $ $ Opening balance 9 798 18 383 9 798 18 383 Depreciation (1 562) (8 585) (1 562) (8 585) Closing balance 8 236 9 798 8 236 9 798
Note: (i) Fair value assessments have been performed for all classes of assets in this purpose group and the decision was made that movements were not material (less than or equal to 10 per cent) for a full revaluation.
6. OTHER ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
This section sets out those assets and liabilities that arose from the Foundation’s controlled operations.
6.1 Receivables
2019 2018 $ $ Current receivables Contractual Other receivables (i) 34 983 17 700 Statutory Amounts held by the Department of Justice and Community Safety (ii) 73 195 67 549 Total receivables 108 178 85 249
Notes: (i) Amounts owing for recoups associated with operational expenses and a salary overpayment. (ii) The amounts recognised from the Department of Justice and Community Safety represent funding for all commitments incurred through the appropriations and are drawn from the consolidated fund as the commitments fall due.
Contractual receivables are classified as financial instruments and categorised as ‘loans and receivables’. They are initially recognised at fair value plus any directly attributable transaction costs. Subsequent to initial measurement they are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less any impairment. Amounts recognised represent debtors in relation to goods and services.
VICTORIAN RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING FOUNDATION 84 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Statutory receivables do not arise from contracts and are recognised and measured similarly to contractual receivables (except for impairment), but are not classified as financial instruments. Amounts recognised represent funds held on behalf of the Foundation by the Department of Justice and Community Safety.
6.2 Payables
2019 2018 $ $ Current payables
Contractual FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Supplies and services (i) - 276 366 Accrued expenses 1 934 386 1 635 062 Other payables – accrued wages and salaries 153 303 140 295 2 087 689 2 051 723 Statutory FBT payable 4 312 3 609
Total current payables 2 092 001 2 055 332 Total payables 2 092 001 2 055 332
Note: (i) The average credit period is 30 days. No interest is charged on the other payables for the first 30 days from the date of the invoice. Payables consist of:
■■ contractual payables, classified as financial instruments and measured at amortised cost. Accounts payable represent liabilities for goods and services provided to the Foundation prior to the end of the financial year that are unpaid
■■ statutory payables, which are recognised and measured similarly to contractual payables, but are not classified as financial instruments, and are not included in the category of financial liabilities at amortised cost, because they do not arise from contracts. Payables for supplies and services are made within one month.
7. HOW WE FINANCED OUR OPERATIONS
This section provides information on the sources of finance used by the Foundation during its operations and other information related to financing activities of the Foundation. It includes disclosures of balances that are financial instruments (such as borrowings and cash balances). Notes 8.1 and 8.3 provide additional, specific financial instrument disclosures.
7.1 Cash flow information and balances
Cash and deposits, including cash equivalents, recognised on the balance sheet comprise cash on hand (for the prior year) and funds held in trust.
2019 2018 $ $ Total cash and deposits disclosed in the balance sheet - 250 Total cash from trust account balance 3 747 964 3 529 756 Balance as per cash flow statement 3 747 964 3 530 006
ANNUAL REPORT 2018–2019 85 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
7.1.1 Reconciliation of net result for the period to cash flow from operating activities
2019 2018 $ $ Net result for the period 7 828 (565 527) Non-cash movements Depreciation and amortisation of non-current assets 1 562 8 585 Movements in assets and liabilities Increase in receivables (22 931) (10 024) Increase in prepayment (21 669) (8 454) FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Increase/(decrease) in payables 36 669 (1 076 778) Increase in provisions 216 499 124 261 Net cash flows from/(used in) operating activities 217 958 (1 527 936)
7.2 Trust account balances
The trust account was created with the purpose of crediting amounts from the Community Support Fund into the Responsible Gambling Fund. These funds are provided to meet the operational expenses for the Foundation.
Opening balance Total receipts Total payments Closing balance as at 1 July 2018 as at 30 June $ $ 2019 $ $ Controlled trust Trust fund – for the establishment and operations of the Victorian Responsible 3 529 756 38 163 000 (37 944 792) 3 747 964 Gambling Foundation Total controlled trust 3 529 756 38 163 000 (37 944 792) 3 747 964
Note: (i) Funds are drawn down from the Community Support Fund on an ongoing basis to meet the Foundation’s operational expenses. The trust fund balance is maintained in a positive position.
7.3 Commitments for expenditure
Commitments for future expenditure include operating and capital commitments arising from contracts. These commitments are recorded below at their nominal value. These future expenditures cease to be disclosed as commitments once the related liabilities are recognised in the balance sheet.
7.3.1 Total commitments payable
Nominal amounts Less than 1 year 1–5 years 5+ years Total 2019 $ $ $ $
Operating and lease commitments payable (i) 573 199 876 573 - 1 449 772 Total commitments 573 199 876 573 - 1 449 772
Note: (i) Operating lease commitments relate to the Foundation’s accommodation rental with lease terms to the end of December 2021, including an extension option which is reasonably certain to be exercised. The Foundation does not have an option to purchase the leased asset at the expiry of the lease period. There are no capital expenditure commitments as at 30 June 2019 (2018: nil).
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8. RISKS, CONTINGENCIES AND VALUATION JUDGEMENTS
The Foundation is exposed to risk from its activities and outside factors. In addition, it is often necessary to make judgements and estimates associated with recognition and measurement of items in the financial statements. This section sets out financial instruments-specific information, (including exposures to financial risks) as well as those items that are contingent in nature or require a higher level of judgement to be applied, which for the Foundation related mainly to fair value determination.
8.1 Financial instruments-specific disclosures
Introduction FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Financial instruments arise out of contractual agreements that give rise to a financial asset of one entity and a financial liability or equity instrument of another entity. Due to the nature of the Foundation’s activities, certain financial assets and financial liabilities arise under statute rather than under a contract. Such assets and liabilities do not meet the definition of financial instruments in AASB 132 Financial Instruments: Presentation. For example, statutory receivables arising from amounts owing from the Victorian Government do not meet the definition of financial instruments as they do not arise under contract. From 1 July 2018, the Foundation applies AASB 9 and classifies all of its financial assets based on the business model for managing the assets and the asset’s contractual terms.
Categories of financial assets under AASB 9
Financial assets at amortised cost Financial assets are measured at amortised costs if both of the following criteria are met and the assets are not designated as fair value through net result:
■■ the assets are held by the Foundation to collect the contractual cash flows ■■ the assets’ contractual terms give rise to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interests. These assets are initially recognised at fair value plus any directly attributable transaction costs and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method less any impairment. The Foundation recognises the following assets in this category:
■■ cash and deposits ■■ receivables (excluding statutory receivables).
Categories of financial liabilities under AASB 9 and previously under AASB 139 Financial liabilities at amortised cost are initially recognised on the date they are originated. They are initially measured at fair value plus any directly attributable transaction costs. Subsequent to initial recognition, these financial instruments are measured at amortised cost with any difference between the initial recognised amount and the redemption value being recognised in profit and loss over the period of the interest-bearing liability, using the effective interest rate method. Financial instrument liabilities measured at amortised cost include all of the Foundation’s contractual payables, deposits held and interest-bearing arrangements other than those designated at fair value through profit or loss.
ANNUAL REPORT 2018–2019 87 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
8.1.1 Financial instruments categorisation
2019 Financial assets at Financial liabilities at Total amportised cost (AC) amortised cost (AC) $ $ $ Contractual financial assets Cash and deposits 3 747 964 - 3 747 964 Receivables Other receivables 34 983 - 34 983 Total contractual financial assets 3 782 947 - 3 782 947 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Contractual financial liabilities Payables (i) - 2 087 689 2 087 689 Total contractual financial liabilities - 2 087 689 2 087 689
Note: (i) The total amounts disclosed here exclude statutory amounts.
2018 Contractual financial Contractual financial Total assets – loans and liabilities at receivables amortised cost $ $ $ Contractual financial assets Cash and deposits 3 530 006 - 3 530 006 Receivables Other receivables 17 700 - 17 700 Total contractual financial assets 3 547 706 - 3 547 706 Contractual financial liabilities Payables (i) - 2 051 723 2 051 723 Total contractual financial liabilities - 2 051 723 2 051 723
Note: (i) The total amounts disclosed here exclude statutory amounts. 8.1.2 Financial risk management objectives and policies The Foundation’s principal financial instruments comprise:
■■ cash assets ■■ receivables (excluding statutory receivables) ■■ payables (excluding statutory payables).
Details of the significant accounting policies and methods adopted, including the criteria for recognition, the basis of measurement, and the basis on which income and expenses are recognised, with respect to each class of financial asset, financial liability and equity instrument above are disclosed in Note 8.3 to the financial statements. The main purpose in holding financial instruments is to prudentially manage the Foundation’s financial risks within the government policy parameters. The Foundation’s main financial risks include credit risk and liquidity risk. The Foundation manages these financial risks in accordance with its financial risk management policy. The Foundation uses different methods to measure and manage the different risks to which it is exposed. Primary responsibility for the identification and management of financial risks rests with the Foundation Risk, Audit and Finance Committee and the executive leadership team.
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Financial instruments: Credit risk Credit risk arises from the contractual financial assets of the Foundation, which comprise cash and deposits. The Foundation’s exposure to credit risk arises from the potential default of a counter party on their contractual obligations resulting in financial loss to the Foundation. Credit risk is measured at fair value and is monitored on a regular basis. Credit risk associated with the Foundation’s contractual financial assets is insignificant because the main debtor is the Victorian Government.
Financial instruments: Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Foundation would be unable to meet its financial obligations as and when they fall due. The FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Foundation operates under the government fair payments policy of settling financial obligations within 30 days and, in the event of a dispute, making payments within 30 days from the date of resolution. The Foundation’s maximum exposure to liquidity risk is the carrying amounts of financial liabilities as disclosed in the face of the balance sheet. The Foundation’s exposure to liquidity risk is deemed insignificant based on current assessment of risk.
Financial instruments: Market risk The Foundation’s exposures to market risk are primarily through interest rate risk.
Interest rate risk Fair value interest rate risk is the risk that the fair value of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market interest rates. The Foundation does not hold any interest-bearing financial instruments that are measured at fair value, and therefore has no exposure to fair value interest rate risk. Cash flow interest rate risk is the risk that the future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market interest rates. The Foundation has no exposure to cash flow interest rate risks through its cash and deposits that are at floating rate. The carrying amounts of financial assets and financial liabilities that are exposed to interest rates are set out in the table below.
Interest rate exposure of financial instruments
2019 Weighted Carrying amount Interest rate exposure average $ Fixed interest Variable Non-interest- interest rate rate interest rate bearing % Financial assets Cash and deposits 2.50 3 747 964 3 747 964 Receivables (i) Other receivables 4.55 34 983 34 983 Total financial assets 3 782 947 3 782 947 Financial liabilities Payables (i) Other payables 2 087 689 2 087 689 Total financial liabilities 2 087 689 2 087 689
Note: (i) The carrying amounts disclosed here exclude statutory amounts.
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2018 Weighted Carrying amount Interest rate exposure average $ Fixed interest Variable Non-interest- interest rate rate interest rate bearing % Financial assets Cash and deposits 3.55 3 530 006 - - 3 530 006 Receivables (i) Other receivables 4.05 17 700 - - 17 700 Total financial assets 3 547 706 - - 3 547 706 Financial liabilities
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (i) FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Payables Other payables 2 051 723 - - 2 051 723 Total financial liabilities 2 051 723 - - 2 051 723
Note: (i) The carrying amounts disclosed here exclude statutory amounts.
8.2 Contingent assets and contingent liabilities
Contingent assets and contingent liabilities are not recognised in the balance sheet, but are disclosed and, if quantifiable, measured at nominal value. There are no contingent assets as at 30 June 2019 (2018: nil). There are no contingent liabilities as at 30 June 2019 (2018: nil).
8.3 Fair value determination
This section sets out information on how the Foundation determined fair value for financial reporting purposes. Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The following assets and liabilities are carried at fair value:
■■ financial assets and liabilities at fair value through the operating result ■■ equipment. In addition, the fair values of other assets and liabilities that are carried at amortised cost also need to be determined for disclosure purposes. The Foundation determines the policies and procedures for determining fair values for both financial and non-financial assets and liabilities as required.
Fair value hierarchy In determining fair values a number of inputs are used. To increase consistency and comparability in the financial statements, these inputs are categorised into three levels, also known as the fair value hierarchy. The levels are as follows:
■■ Level 1 – quoted (unadjusted) market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities ■■ Level 2 – valuation techniques for which the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement is directly or indirectly observable
■■ Level 3 – valuation techniques for which the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement is unobservable.
For the purpose of fair value disclosures, the Foundation has determined classes of assets and liabilities on the basis of the nature, characteristics and risks of the asset or liability and the level of the fair value hierarchy as explained above.
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In addition, the Foundation determines whether transfers have occurred between levels in the hierarchy by re‑assessing categorisation (based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement as a whole) at the end of each reporting period.
Fair value of financial instruments measured at amortised cost The Foundation considers that the carrying amount of financial instrument assets and liabilities recorded in the financial statements is a fair approximation of their fair values, because of the short-term nature of the financial instruments and the expectation that they will be paid in full. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Financial assets measured at fair value
Carrying amount as at Fair value measurement at end of 30 June 2019 reporting period using: $ Level 1(i) Level 2(i) Level 3(i) Equipment at fair value Office equipment 8 236 - - 8 236 Total of equipment at fair value 8 236 - - 8 236
Carrying amount as at Fair value measurement at end of 30 June 2018 reporting period using: $ Level 1(i) Level 2(i) Level 3(i) Equipment at fair value Office equipment 9 798 - - 9 798 Total of equipment at fair value 9 798 - - 9 798
Notes: (i) Classified in accordance with the fair value hierarchy.
Equipment is held at fair value. When equipment is specialised in use, such that it is rarely sold other than as part of a going concern, fair value is determined using the depreciated replacement cost method. There were no changes in valuation techniques throughout the period to 30 June 2019. For all assets measured at fair value, the current use is considered the highest and best use. There were no movements in fair value of financial assts other than depreciation.
Description of significant unobservable inputs to Level 3 valuations
Valuation technique Significant unobservable inputs Equipment Current replacement cost Cost per unit Useful life of plant and equipment
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9. OTHER DISCLOSURES
This section includes additional material disclosures required, by accounting standards or otherwise, for the understanding of this financial report.
9.1 Other economic flows included in net result
Other economic flows are changes in the volume or value of an asset or liability that do not result from transactions. Other gains/ (losses) from other economic flows include the gains or losses from: FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ■■ the revaluation of the present value of the long service leave liability due to changes in the bond interest rates.
2019 2018 $ $
Other gains/(losses) from other economic flows Net gain/(loss) arising from revaluation of annual and long service liability (i) (75 809) 15 329 Total other gains/(losses) from other economic flows (75 809) 15 329
Notes: (i) Revaluation gain/(loss) due to changes in bond rates
9.2 Responsible persons
In accordance with the Ministerial Directions issued by the Minister for Finance under the Financial Management Act 1994, the following disclosures are made regarding responsible persons for the reporting period.
Names The persons who held the positions of responsible minister, members of the board and accountable officer in the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation are as follows:
Responsible minister Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gaming and Liquor Regulation The Hon. Marlene Kairouz MP 1 July 2018 to 30 June 2019 Acting Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gaming and Liquor Regulation The Hon. Lisa Neville MP 1 January 2019 to 20 January 2019
Board members Ms Julie Ligeti 1 July 2018 to 30 June 2019 Ms Belinda Duarte 1 July 2018 to 30 June 2019 Ms Christine Black 1 July 2018 to 30 June 2019 Ms Monique Conheady 1 July 2018 to 30 June 2019 Mr Anastasios Mousaferiadis 1 July 2018 to 30 June 2019 Mr John Nguyen 1 July 2018 to 30 June 2019 Mr Jim Pasinis 1 July 2018 to 30 June 2019 Mrs Zoe Wainer 1 July 2018 to 30 June 2019 Ms Maree Edwards MP 1 July 2018 to 30 October 2018 Mr Graham Watt MP 1 July 2018 to 30 October 2018
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Accountable officer – chief executive officer Mr Shane Lucas 18 March 2019 to 30 June 2019 Ms Janet Dore 15 October 2018 to 28 March 2019 Ms Louise Glanville 1 July 2018 to 12 October 2018
Remuneration Remuneration received or receivable by members of the board, including the accountable officer, in connection with the management of the Foundation during the reporting period was in the range: FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Income band 2019 2018 No. No. $0 2 2 $1 000 to $9 999 0 3 $10 000 to $19 999 7 6 $20 000 to $29 999 1 1 $80 000 to $89 999 1 - $90 000 to $99 999 1 - $140 000 to $149 999 1 - $310 000 to $319 999 - 1 Total number of persons 13 13 Total remuneration 454 076 438 023
The compensation detailed above excludes the salaries and benefits the portfolio minster receives. The minister’s remuneration and allowances are set by the Parliamentary Salaries and Superannuation Act 1968 and are reported within the Department of Parliamentary Services financial report.
9.3 Related parties
The Foundation is a wholly owned and controlled entity of the State of Victoria. Related parties of the Foundation include all key management personnel and their close family members and personal business interests (controlled entities, joint ventures and entities over which they have significant influence). All related party transactions have been entered into on an arm’s-length basis. Key management personnel of the Foundation include the board members, accountable officer – chief executive officer and members of the executive leadership team.
Compensation of key management personnel 2019 2018 $ $ Short-term employee benefits 1 180 722 1 072 318 Post-employment benefits 104 166 89 831 Other long-term benefits 13 171 29 489 Termination benefits 9 053 - Total (i) 1 307 112 1 191 638
Note: (i) Certain key management personnel are also reported in the disclosure of remuneration of executive officers (Note 9.2). The number of key management personnel increased in 2018–2019, reflecting the strategic imperative to include the Director, People & Culture within the executive leadership team.
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Transactions and balances with key management personnel and other related parties Given the breadth and depth of Victorian Government activities, related parties transact with the Victorian public sector in a manner consistent with other members of the public e.g. stamp duty and other government fees and charges. Further employment of processes within the Victorian public sector occur on terms and conditions consistent with the Public Administration Act 2004 and Codes of Conduct and Standards issued by the Victorian Public Sector Commission. Procurement processes occur on terms and conditions consistent with the requirements of the Victorian Government Procurement Board. Outside those transactions of normal citizens with the Foundation, there were no related party transactions that involved key management personnel, their close family members and their personal business interests. No provision has been required, nor any expense recognised, for impairment of receivables from related parties. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The Foundation has received grants as part of its operational business activities from the Department of Treasury and Finance and the Department of Justice and Community Safety. These have been disclosed in Note 2.
9.4 Remuneration of auditors
2019 2018 $ $ Victorian Auditor-General’s Office Audit of the financial statements 18 600 18 200 Total remuneration of auditors 18 600 18 200
9.5 Subsequent events
The financial statements for the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation are prepared for the reporting period ended 30 June 2019. As at the date of signing, there are no events subsequent to the balance date that have a significant impact on the financial position of the Foundation.
9.6 Change in accounting policies
The Foundation has elected to apply the limited exemption in AASB 9 paragraph 7.2.15 relating to transition for classification and measurement and impairment, and accordingly has not restated comparative periods in the year of initial application. As a result: (a) any adjustments to carrying amounts of financial assets or liabilities are recognised at beginning of the current reporting period with difference recognised in opening retained earnings (b) financial assets and provision for impairment have not been reclassified and/or restated in the comparative period. This note explains the impact of the adoption of AASB 9 Financial Instruments on the Foundation’s financial statements
9.6.1 Changes to classification and measurement On initial application of AASB 9 on 1 July 2018, the Foundation’s management has assessed all financial assets based on the Foundation’s business models for managing the assets. The following are the changes in the classification of the Foundation's financial assets:
■■ contractual receivables previously classified as other loans and receivables under AASB 139 are now reclassified as financial assets at amortised cost under AASB 9. The accounting for financial liabilities remains largely the same as it was under AASB 139.
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9.7 Australian Accounting Standards issued that are not yet effective
Certain new AAS have been published which are not mandatory for the 30 June 2019 reporting period. The Department of Treasury and Finance assesses the impact of all these new standards and advises the Foundation of their applicability and early adoption where applicable. The following relevant AAS become effective for reporting periods commencing after 1 July 2019:
■■ AASB 16 Leases ■■ AASB 15 Revenue from Contract with Customers
■■ AASB 1058 Income of Not-for-Profit Entities. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Leases AASB 16 Leases replaces AASB 117 Leases, AASB Interpretation 4 Determining whether an Arrangement contains a Lease, AASB Interpretation 115 Operating Leases – Incentives and AASB Interpretation 127 Evaluating the Substance of Transactions Involving the Legal Form of a Lease. AASB 16 sets out the principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases and requires lessees to account for all leases on the balance sheet by recording a Right-of-Use (RoU) asset and a lease liability. The exception are leases that are shorter than 12 months and leases where the underlying asset is of low value (deemed to be below $10 000). AASB 16 also requires the lessees to separately recognise the interest expense on the lease liability and the depreciation expense on the RoU asset, and remeasure the lease liability upon the occurrence of certain events (e.g. a change in the lease term, a change in future lease payments resulting from a change in an index or rate used to determine those payments). The amount of the remeasurement of the lease liability will generally be recognised as an adjustment to the RoU asset. Lessor accounting under AASB 16 is substantially unchanged from AASB 117. Lessors will continue to classify all leases using the same classification principle as in AASB 117 and distinguish between operating and finance leases. The effective date is for annual reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2019. The Foundation intends to adopt AASB 16 in the 2019–2020 financial year when it becomes effective. The Foundation will apply the standard using a modified retrospective approach with the cumulative effect of initial application recognised as an adjustment to the opening balance of accumulated surplus at 1 July 2019, with no restatement of comparative information. In addition, AASB 2018-8 – Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards – Right-of-Use Assets of Not-for Profit Entities allows a temporary option for not-for-profit entities to not measure RoU assets at initial recognition at fair value in respect of leases that have significantly below-market terms, since further guidance is expected to be developed to assist not-for-profit entities in measuring RoU assets at fair value. The standard requires an entity that elects to apply the option (that is, measures a class or classes of such RoU assets at cost rather than fair value) to include additional disclosures. The Foundation intends to choose the temporary relief to value the RoU asset at the present value of the payments required (at cost). The Department of Justice and Community Safety manages the Foundation’s lease arrangements with respect to its occupancy at 14–20 Blackwood Street, North Melbourne. A detailed impact assessment of AASB 16 and the potential impact in the initial year of application has been estimated as follows:
■■ increase in RoU ($1 247 834) ■■ increase in related depreciation ($80 776) ■■ increase in lease liability ($1 247 834) ■■ increase in related interest ($4 263) calculated using effective interest method ■■ decrease in rental expense ($79 841).
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Revenue and income AASB 15 supersedes AASB 118 Revenue, AASB 111 Construction Contracts and related Interpretations and it applies, with limited exceptions, to all revenue arising from contracts with its customers. AASB 15 establishes a five-step model to account for revenue arising from an enforceable contract that imposes a sufficiently specific performance obligation on an entity to transfer goods or services. AASB 15 requires entities to only recognise revenue upon the fulfilment of the performance obligation. Therefore, entities need to allocate the transaction price to each performance obligation in a contract and recognise the revenue only when the related obligation is satisfied. To address specific concerns from the not-for-profit sector, the AASB also released the following standards and guidance: FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ■■ AASB 2016-8 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards – Australian Implementation Guidance for NFP Entities (AASB 2016-8), to provide guidance on application of revenue recognition principles under AASB 15 in the not-for-profit sector.
■■ AASB 1058 Income of Not-for-Profit Entities, to supplement AASB 15 and provide criteria to be applied by not-for profit entities in establishing the timing of recognising income for government grants and other types of contributions previously contained within AASB 1004 Contributions. AASB 15, AASB 1058 and the related guidance came into effect for not-for-profit entities for annual reporting periods on or after 1 January 2019. The Foundation has performed an impact assessment of AASB 15 and AASB 1058 and has determined that its revenue is outside the scope of these AAS.
9.8 Glossary of technical terms
The following is a summary of the major technical terms used in this report.
Borrowings Interest-bearing liabilities mainly from public borrowings raised through the Treasury Corporation of Victoria, finance leases and other interest-bearing arrangements. Borrowings also include non-interest-bearing advances from government that are acquired for policy purposes.
Comprehensive result The net result of all items of income and expense recognised for the period. It is the aggregate of operating result and other comprehensive income.
Commitments Operating, capital and other outsourcing commitments arising from non-cancellable contractual or statutory sources.
Current grants Amounts payable or receivable for current purposes for which no economic benefits of equal value are receivable or payable in return.
Depreciation An expense that arises from the consumption through wear or time of a produced physical or intangible asset. This expense is classified as a ‘transaction’ and so reduces the ‘net result from transaction’.
Effective interest method The method used to calculate the amortised cost of a financial asset or liability and to allocate interest income over the relevant period. The effective interest rate is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash receipts through the expected life of the financial instrument, or, where appropriate, a shorter period.
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Employee benefits expenses All costs related to employment, including wages and salaries, fringe benefits tax, leave entitlements, redundancy payments, defined benefits superannuation plans and defined contribution superannuation plans.
Financial asset Any asset that is: (a) cash (b) an equity instrument of another entity
(c) a contractual or statutory right: FINANCIAL STATEMENTS »» to receive cash or another financial asset from another entity, or »» to exchange financial assets or financial liabilities with another entity under conditions that are potentially favourable to the entity (d) a contract that will or may be settled in the entity's own equity instruments and is: »» a non-derivative for which the entity is or may be obliged to receive a variable number of the entity’s own equity instruments, or »» a derivative that will or may be settled other than by the exchange of a fixed amount of cash or another financial asset for a fixed number of the entity’s own equity instruments.
Financial instrument Any contract that gives rise to a financial asset of one entity and a financial liability or equity instrument of another entity. Financial assets or liabilities that are not contractual (such as statutory receivables or payables that arise as a result of statutory requirements imposed by governments) are not financial instruments.
Financial liability Any liability that is: (a) a contractual obligation: (i) to deliver cash or another financial asset to another entity, or (ii) to exchange financial assets or financial liabilities with another entity under conditions that are potentially unfavourable to the entity, or (b) a contract that will or may be settled in the entity’s own equity instruments and is: (i) a non-derivative for which the entity is or may be obliged to deliver a variable number of the entity’s own equity instruments, or (ii) a derivative that will or may be settled other than by the exchange of a fixed amount of cash or another financial asset for a fixed number of the entity’s own equity instruments. For this purpose, the entity’s own equity instruments do not include instruments that are themselves contracts for the future receipt or delivery of the entity’s own equity instruments.
Financial statements A complete set of financial statements comprises: (a) a balance sheet as at the end of the period (b) a comprehensive operating statement for the period (c) a statement of changes in equity for the period (d) a cash flow statement of for the period (e) notes, comprising a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory information
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(f) comparative information in respect of the preceding period as specified in paragraph 38 of AASB 101 Presentation of Financial Statements (g) a statement of financial position as at the beginning of the preceding period when an entity applies an accounting policy retrospectively or makes a retrospective restatement of items in its financial statements, or when it reclassifies items in its financial statements in accordance with paragraph 41 of AASB 101.
Grants and other transfers Transactions in which one unit provides goods, services, assets (or extinguishes a liability) or labour to another unit without receiving approximately equal value in return. Grants can either be operating or capital in nature. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS While grants to governments may result in the provision of some goods or services to the transferor, they do not give the transferor a claim to receive directly benefits of approximately equal value. For this reason, grants are referred to by the AASB as involuntary transfers and are termed non‑reciprocal transfers. Receipt and sacrifice of approximately equal value may occur, but only by coincidence. For example, governments are not obliged to provide commensurate benefits, in the form of goods or services, to particular taxpayers in return for their taxes. Grants can be paid as general purpose grants, a term which refers to grants that are not subject to conditions regarding their use. Alternatively, they may be paid as specific purpose grants, which are paid for a particular purpose and/or have conditions attached regarding their use.
General government sector All government departments, offices and other bodies engaged in providing services free of charge or at prices significantly below their cost of production. General government services include those which are mainly non-market in nature, those which are largely for collective consumption by the community and those which involve the transfer or redistribution of income. These services are financed mainly through taxes, or other compulsory levies and user charges.
Grants for on‑passing All grants paid to one institutional sector (e.g. a state general government entity) to be passed on to another institutional sector (e.g. local government or a private non-profit institution).
Net result A measure of financial performance of the operations for the period. It is the net result of items of income, gains and expenses (including losses) recognised for the period, excluding those that are classified as ‘other economic flows – other comprehensive income’.
Net result from transactions/net operating balance A key fiscal aggregate, and income from transactions minus expenses from transactions. It is a summary measure of the ongoing sustainability of operations. It excludes gains and losses resulting from changes in price levels and other changes in the volume of assets. It is the component of the change in net worth that is due to transactions and can be attributed directly to government policies.
Net worth Assets less liabilities, which is an economic measure of wealth.
Non-financial assets Assets that are not ‘financial assets’. They include inventories, land, buildings, infrastructure, road networks, land under roads, plant and equipment, investment properties, cultural and heritage assets, intangible and biological assets.
Other economic flows included in net result Changes in the volume or value of an asset or liability that do not result from transactions. They include gains and losses from disposals, revaluations and impairments of non‑financial physical and intangible assets.
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Other economic flows – other comprehensive income Items (including reclassification adjustments) that are not recognised in net result as required or permitted by other Australian Accounting Standards. The components of other economic flows – other comprehensive income include changes in physical asset revaluation surplus.
Payables Short- and long-term trade debt and accounts payable, grants, taxes and interest payable.
Receivables FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Amounts owing from government through appropriation receivable, short- and long-term trade credit and accounts receivable, accrued investment income, grants, taxes and interest receivable.
Sales of goods and services Income from the direct provision of goods and services, including fees and charges for services rendered, sales of goods and services, fees from regulatory services and work done as an agent for private enterprises. It also includes rental income under operating leases and on produced assets such as buildings and entertainment, but excludes rent income from the use of non‑produced assets such as land. User charges includes sale of goods and services income.
Supplies and services Generally, cost of goods sold and the day-to-day running costs, including maintenance costs, incurred in the normal operations of the Foundation.
Transactions Economic flows that are considered to arise as a result of policy decisions, usually an interaction between two entities by mutual agreement. They also include flows in an entity such as depreciation where the owner is simultaneously acting as the owner of the depreciating asset and as the consumer of the service provided by the asset. Taxation is regarded as mutually agreed interactions between the government and taxpayers. Transactions can be in kind (e.g. assets provided/given free of charge or for nominal consideration) or where the final consideration is cash. In simple terms, transactions arise from the policy decisions of the government.
9.9 Style conventions
Figures in the tables and in the text have been rounded. Discrepancies in tables between totals and sums of components reflect rounding. Percentage variations in all tables are based on the underlying unrounded amounts. The notation used in the tables is as follows: - zero, or rounded to zero (xxx.x) negative numbers 20xx year 20xx–20xx year period The financial statements and notes are presented based on the illustration for a government department in the 2018–2019 Model Report for Victorian Government Departments. The presentation of other disclosures is generally consistent with the other disclosures made in earlier publications of the Foundation’s annual reports.
ANNUAL REPORT 2018–2019 99 DISCLOSURE INDEX Legislation Requirement Page STANDING DIRECTIONS AND FINANCIAL REPORTING DIRECTIONS REPORT OF OPERATIONS Charter and purpose FRD 22H Manner of establishment and the relevant ministers 5, 53 FRD 22H Purpose, functions, powers and duties 5, 7, 53 FRD 8D Objectives, indicators and outputs 5, 7–51 FRD 22H Key initiatives and projects 8–45 FRD 22H Nature and range of services provided 7 Management and structure FRD 22H Organisational structure 57 Financial and other information FRD 8D Performance against output performance measures 82–83 FRD 10A Disclosure index 101 FRD 12B Disclosure of major contracts 65 FRD 15E Executive officer disclosures 92–94 FRD 22H Employment and conduct principles 60–61 FRD 22H Occupational health and safety policy 62–63 FRD 22H Summary of the financial results for the year 46–47 FRD 22H Significant changes in financial position during the year 46–47 FRD 22H Major changes or factors affecting performance 46–47 FRD 22H Subsequent events 94 FRD 22H Application and operation of the Freedom of Information Act 1982 66 FRD 22H Compliance with building and maintenance provisions of the Building Act 1993 67 FRD 22H Statement on Competitive Neutrality Policy 66 FRD 22H Application and operation of the Protected Disclosure Act 2012 66 FRD 22H Application and operation of the Carers Recognition Act 2012 67 FRD 22H Details of consultancies over $10 000 65 FRD 22H Details of consultancies under $10 000 65 FRD 22H Disclosure of government adverstising expenditure 51 FRD 22H Statement of availability of other information 68 FRD 24D Reporting of office-based environmental impacts 68 FRD 25C Local Jobs First 65 FRD 29C Workforce data disclosures 63–64 SD 5.2 Specific requirements under Standing Direction 5.2 72 Compliance attestation and declaration SD 5.1.4 Attestation for compliance with Ministerial Standing Direction 69 SD 5.2.3 Declaration in report of operations 72
VICTORIAN RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING FOUNDATION 100 Legislation Requirement Page STANDING DIRECTIONS AND FINANCIAL REPORTING DIRECTIONS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Declaration SD 5.2.2 Declaration in financial statements 72 Other requirements under Standing Direction 5.2 Compliance with Australian accounting standards and other authoritative SD 5.2.1(a) 77, 95–96 pronouncements SD 5.2.1(a) Compliance with Standing Directions 69, 72 SD 5.2.1(b) Compliance with Model Financial Report 72 Other disclosures as required by FRDs in notes to the financial statements(i) Disclosures of responsible persons, executive officers and other personnel (contractors FRD 21C 92–94 with significant management responsibilities) in the financial report FRD 103G Non-financial physical assets 75, 83–84 FRD 110A Cash flow statements 76, 85–86 FRD 112D Defined benefit superannuation obligations 81 Financial Instruments – general government entities and public non-financial FRD 114C 87–90 corporations LEGISLATION Freedom of Information Act 1982 66 Building Act 1993 67 Protected Disclosure Act 2012 66 Carers Recognition Act 2012 67 Victorian Industry Participation Policy Act 2003 65 Financial Management Act 1994 72
Note: (i) References to FRDs have been removed from the disclosure index if the specific FRDs do not contain requirements that are of the nature of disclosure.
ANNUAL REPORT 2018–2019 101 RESEARCH SOURCED TO SUPPORT THE 2018–2019 ANNUAL REPORT: Browne, M, Greer, N, Armstrong, T, Doran, C, Kinchin, I, Goodwin, Belinda C, Browne, Matthew, Rockloff, Matthew, Langham, E, Rockloff, M 2017, The social cost of gambling Rose, Judy. A typical problem gambler affects six others, to Victoria, Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation, International Gambling Studies 17, no. 2 (2017): 276–289. Melbourne. Hing, N, Nisbett, S (2009). Testing the link between Browne, M, Langham, E, Rawat, V, Greer, N, Li, E, Rose, J, accessibility and gambling problems: Gambling and problem Rockloff, M, Donaldson, P, Thorne, H, Goodwin, B, Bryden, G & gambling amongst gaming venue staff, Department of Justice, Best, T 2016, Assessing gambling-related harm in Victoria: Melbourne. a public health perspective, Victorian Responsible Gambling Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation (2019). General Foundation, Melbourne, pp. 71, 78. community attitudes survey, Wave 6 research report. Hare, S (2015). Study of gambling and health in Victoria, Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation and the Department of Justice and Regulation, Melbourne, p.133. Dowling, N, Cowlishaw, S, Jackson, A, Merkouris, S, Francis, K & Christensen, D 2015, ‘Prevalence of psychiatric co-morbidity in treatment seeking problem gamblers: A systematic review and meta-analysis’, Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 49(6) 519–39.
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