18 January 2017
Hon Jay Weatherill MP Premier GPO Box 2555 Adelaide SA 5001
By email to: www.premier.sa.gov.au/contact
Dear Premier
Re: Proposal to transfer Problem Gambling to the Mental Health Ministerial portfolio
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) would like to inform you of our recent activities.
The RANZCP and AMA(SA) representatives met with Minister Bettison on 15 December 2016, primarily to discuss the Statewide Gambling Therapy Service (SGTS) and in particular, the potential for the Office of Problem Gambling (OPG) to be transferred to the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Ministerial portfolio.
While Minister Bettison voiced some concerns about such a move, we were invited to put forward our views for further discussion. We attach a copy of a letter written to Minister Bettison today, which further details our proposal, its justification and some of the positive outcomes envisaged.
We respect it is Minister Bettison’s decision to put forward such a proposal to Cabinet, and we seek your support and influence in this matter in whatever means you consider appropriate.
We reiterate our aim is to provide positive outcomes for both the SA Government and the community and your support in this matter would be much appreciated.
Yours sincerely
Dr Michelle Atchison Chair, SA Branch Committee
cc: Hon Zoe Bettison MP, Minister for Communities and Social Inclusion Hon Leesa Vlahos, Minister for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Hon Jack Snelling MP, Minister for Health
PO Box 103, Fullarton SA 5063 Australia T 08 8239 2911 F 08 8239 2910 [email protected] www.ranzcp.org ABN 68 000 439 047