- The Crisafulli Government launches new action plan and additional support services to reduce gambling-related harm.
- The Crisafulli Government is investing more than $17 million per year for gambling support services and programs.
- The new Gambling Harm Action Plan 2026-28 will help develop targeted evidence-based initiatives to deliver measurable and meaningful impact.
- The Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan for Queensland's future after a decade of decline under Labor.
The Crisafulli Government has launched a new three-year Gambling Harm Action Plan, backed by more than $17 million in funding per year, to strengthen support services and reduce gambling-related harm across Queensland.
The new Gambling Harm Action Plan 2026-28 focuses on prevention and early intervention, increasing community understanding and awareness of gambling risks and potential harm, with a focus on protecting vulnerable Queenslanders.
It also encourages people experiencing, or at risk of, gambling harm to access support and enhances the services currently available.
As part of the plan, the Crisafulli Government has invested $3.4 million to fund 11 positions for specialist gambling financial counsellors across the state's Gambling Help service regions. Uniting Care Queensland provides services in 10 regions, with Lifeline Darling Downs and South-West Queensland servicing the Toowoomba region.
The Crisafulli Government has also invested in expanding counselling and support channels for vulnerable Queenslanders, including multicultural communities, with $1.35 million over three years allocated for a new multicultural Gambling Help counselling and support service, which commenced in March this year.
A further $1.5 million over three years will fund new services to deliver culturally responsive gambling harm prevention, referral and counselling for First Nations communities. The services, which will commence later this month, will be provided by the Institute of Urban Indigenous Health and will complement existing support services offered through the Gambling Help Service System.
Development of the new plan has occurred in close consultation with industry and community stakeholders to reduce the drivers of gambling harm and deliver measurable impacts.
It's just one of the ways the Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan for Queensland's future and supporting vulnerable Queenslanders.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for Integrity Deb Frecklington said the Crisafulli Government was committed to minimising gambling harm, supporting vulnerable Queenslanders and creating a more responsible and sustainable gambling industry.
"Many Queenslanders enjoy betting on their favourite sport but unfortunately, some people experience or are vulnerable to gambling-related harm, which can have significant impacts on their relationships, health, finances and employment," the Attorney-General said.
"The Crisafulli Government's new Gambling Harm Action Plan 2026-28 will guide Queensland's investment and approach to preventing and minimising gambling-related harm in our communities.
"We're committed to engaging with industry and community stakeholders to reduce the stigma of 'problem gambling', encourage people to seek help, improve access to services and provide support to Queenslanders when they need it."
