Ministerial Council on Gambling Progress Report to Council of Australian Governments on Implementation of the National Framework on Problem Gambling 2004-2008 (NFPG)   

In November 2000, COAG agreed that the Ministerial Council on Gambling (MCG) would develop a national strategic framework, to be primarily implemented by State and Territory governments, around prevention, early intervention and continuing support, building effective partnerships and national research and evaluation.

The National Framework on Problem Gambling 2004-2008 (NFPG) was endorsed by the MCG on 2 July 2004 to address 4 key focus areas and objectives.

• Public Awareness, Education and Training – to promote a greater understanding of the nature of the gambling product, the potential for harm and the availability of help and support.
• Responsible Gambling Environments - to minimise the likelihood of recreational gamblers developing problem gambling behaviours.
• Intervention, Counselling and Support Services - to enhance problem gambling support and treatment services that are effective, accessible and culturally appropriate.
• National Research and Data Collection – to inform the implementation and further development of the national framework and its strategies

The NFPG outlines a range of strategies under each key focus area/objective.  The strategies seek to minimise the negative consequences of problem gambling to the individual, their family and the community through a national approach.  The application of these strategies by jurisdictions is dependent on their relevance to local circumstances and conditions.

The report consists of a summary of key achievements and initiatives occurring across the Australian, State and Territory Governments under each key focus area and strategy of the NFPG.  Innovative jurisdictional initiatives are highlighted under each strategy. It also contains the following two appendices:

• Appendix 1: Summary of research into responsible gambling commissioned through Gambling Research Australia (GRA).
• Appendix 2:  Highlights of activities against NFPG Key Focus Areas and strategies for each jurisdiction.