Gambling

The 2024 ACT Gambling Survey, published last week, shows that fewer Canberrans are gambling, but that gambling harm has risen, particularly among young men and online gamblers.

The five-yearly survey, conducted by Central Queensland University for the ACT Gambling and Racing Commission, interviewed more than 10,000 Canberrans — the first time gambling trends in the ACT had been explored since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gambling participation has declined — only 53.2 per cent of ACT adults gambled in the last year, down from 72.9 per cent in 2001 — and use of electronic gaming machines (pokies) has halved since 2009.

But gambling harm remains a problem: 15.8 per cent of respondents experienced gambling-related harm. Young men under 40 — just 22.6 per cent of the population — accounted for more than half (51.5 per cent) of those most harmed. Venue-based gambling — electronic gaming machines and casino table-top games — had decreased, but online gambling had surged (from 8 per cent in 2014 to 27 per cent in 2024).

“The insights from this report will guide targeted efforts to prevent gambling harm,” gaming reform minister Dr Marisa Paterson MLA said.

The minister argued that while reforms had reduced the number of pokies in the community — the government has set a target of only 1,000 by 2045 — but called for stronger advertising controls on online gaming and mandatory cashless gaming in venues.

ClubsACT CEO Craig Shannon said the decline in venue-based gambling was a sign that responsible gambling measures worked; ACT clubs’ harm minimisation strategies — self-exclusion programs, trained staff, and public awareness campaigns — helped to reduce gambling harm. However, he was concerned that restrictions on gaming machine numbers encouraged gamblers to use unregulated digital platforms; online gambling lacked the oversight and intervention frameworks that clubs provided.

“Clubs continue to be part of the solution…” Mr Shannon said. “The data confirms we are on the right path, but it also shows there’s a new frontier emerging in online gambling that requires greater and more urgent attention.”

Mental health support

The ACT Government will invest $9.4 million over four years in the ACT Budget to continue and strengthen mental health programs for young people.

The funding supports five existing programs: MindMap (a digital connection tool), Youth Aware of Mental Health (a suicide prevention and early intervention program in high schools), WOKE (group therapy), Stepping Stones (for children exposed to family violence and trauma), and Youth Alliance (a collaboration of community services).

The government has also released a new report highlighting the importance of peer workers (those who have themselves experienced mental illness) to help others recover. However, many burn out. In response, the government will develop practice standards and host an inaugural peer work forum in August.

Transport

The ACT Government will invest $37.4 million to improve public transport and make it safer for drivers and commuters.

The funding includes 30 new battery electric buses; improved Sunday services from term 3; a bus safety team to deter violence and anti-social behaviour; de-escalation training for drivers; and screens to protect bus drivers from abuse.

“Everyone should feel safe using public transport…” transport minister Chris Steel MLA said. “It is unfortunate that these measures are necessary…”

The Public Transport Association of Canberra (PTCBR) welcomed the announcement of “long-overdue” improvement to Sunday services; funding for 30 new battery-electric buses, to replace buses approaching their final years of service; and making buses safer for drivers and passengers, chair Dr Amy Jelacic said.

However, Dr Jelacic said the government needed to invest more to “create the frequent, reliable, and convenient public transport system that Canberra needs”.

“Labor’s election promise of future 20-minute local services and new Rapid routes was great to see, but Canberrans need a clear timeline and a firm commitment,” Dr Jelacic said. “A convenient service is a service that runs frequently, seven days a week.

“To truly tackle road congestion, build patronage, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the ACT need a bold, ambitious vision for public transport. PTCBR will continue to advocate for comprehensive investment in service frequency that connects all of Canberra, all week long.”

The Conservation Council ACT and four affiliated groups have called on Mr Steel to establish a standing Transport Consultative Forum, similar to existing forums for environment and planning or biodiversity conservation.

The proposed body would enable the ACT Government to engage with transport-focused community organisations, such as Pedal Power ACT or the Public Transport Association of Canberra, to formulate and implement transport policies.

Executive director Dr Simon Copland said the forum would complement formal project consultations. The MyWay+ ticketing system, for instance, was an example of poor consultation leading to avoidable problems of which public transport advocates had warned.

“Transport needs to be about enabling people to move, not improving the efficiency of car travel,” Dr Copland said. “We too often assume they are the same thing, but there are better options. The Government needs to do more to listen to our community as we move toward a different transport system for our city.”

The groups wrote to Mr Steel in April to propose the idea, but had not received a reply, Dr Copland said.

The ACT Government was considering the proposal in the context of a major restructure of the public service, a spokesperson said. From the beginning of the next financial year, Transport Canberra and City Services Directorate (which has an Accessibility Reference Group) and the Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate (which comprises the Planning and Environment Forum and the Planning and Construction Industry Chief Executive Reference Group) will merge to become the City and Environment Directorate. This directorate aims to better integrate land use planning and transport planning. “This request will be considered in this context, after these machinery of government changes are made.”

ACT Greens: Corporation tax

The ACT Greens have proposed a big corporations tax aimed at protecting essential services from cuts in the upcoming ACT Budget.

The Greens say their plan would raise an estimated $107 million every year by increasing payroll tax on corporations with Australia-wide payrolls over $200 million, such as Coles, Woolworths, Qantas, and the big banks. Major corporations profiting in Canberra should contribute more to help fund critical services like health and housing, the Greens argue.

Party leader Shane Rattenbury MLA was concerned the government would cut essential services to balance the books.

“In the last few months, we have seen the Labor Government rake up a $387 million overspend on the health budget and indicate they will need to make tough decisions to manage future spending,” Mr Rattenbury said. “In the context of a budget that is pushing at the sides, and a national crisis in essential services like housing, healthcare and transport, we need a plan to fund the things Canberrans really need, right here, right now.”

National Multicultural Festival

The National Multicultural Festival will return from 6 to 8 February 2026, promising another colourful weekend of food, music, dance, and storytelling.

Multicultural affairs minister Michael Pettersson MLA called it a cornerstone of Canberra’s cultural calendar, showing that the ACT was “diverse, inclusive, and proud”.

Applications for performers, stallholders, cultural showcases, and community grants will open later this month.

Health podcast

Canberra Health Services have launched a new podcast, Behind the Curtain, which takes listeners behind the scenes of the public health system to spotlight hard-working health care workers.

Hosted by senior staff specialist Dr Sanjaya Senanayake, topics range from the health impacts of climate change and bias in medicine, to the world of forensic health care and beyond.

“It’s an engaging listen for health workers, students, or anyone curious about what really happens behind the curtain of our hospitals and health services,” a spokesman said.

The first few episodes are already live; new episodes will be released throughout the rest of June.

Episodes are available on major listening platforms and the CHS website: https://www.canberrahealthservices.act.gov.au/about-us/media-centre/behind-the-curtain

Cultural Facilities Corporation

Five new board members have been appointed to the Cultural Facilities Corporation (CFC), which oversees sites including the Canberra Theatre Centre, the Canberra Museum and Gallery, Lanyon Homestead, Mugga Mugga Cottage, and Calthorpes’ House.

From 1 July, Dr Mathew Trinca AM will take over as Chair, joined by Toni Cody as Deputy Chair and Richard Evans AM as a new board member. Liz Nield OAM and Mr Craig Dalzell will join from 1 January 2026.

The new appointees bring expertise from organisations including the Canberra Symphony Orchestra, the Australian Chamber Orchestra, Opera Australia, and the National Portrait Gallery. Dr Rachael Coghlan has been reappointed to ensure continuity and corporate knowledge.