Key points:
- Four new trustees will advise on the use of funds for preventing and reducing gambling harm
- Selections were made on a merit-based selection process
The NSW Government has appointed Luke Lindsay, Siobhan Toohill, Maria Vassiliadis and Kara Lamond as trustees to the Responsible Gambling Fund Trust (RGF).
The four new trustees were approved by Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris based on a merit-based selection process. They will be responsible for advising on a number of areas related to the use of funds for harm minimisation efforts, such as initiatives to reduce and prevent gambling harm, research, education, etc. They can also offer advice on gambling policy and regulation.
The quartet will replace Dr Clive Allcock, Prof Paul Delfabbro, Elizabeth Lyne and Prof Joel Negin, who have all reached the end of their tenures.
Looking individually at the new trustees, Lindsay brings expertise within healthcare and mental health, Toohill brings experience in environmental, social and governance initiatives, Vassiliadis comes into the role with a legal background, and Lamond has experience in government and not-for-profits.
Good to know: The RGF was established in 1995 and is currently chaired by Chris Bertinshaw
Harris said: "The Responsible Gambling Fund is key to the NSW Government’s efforts to address gambling harm. The appointment of these highly qualified individuals ensures we have the right people with the right expertise to drive meaningful change for individuals and communities across NSW.
"With their wealth of experience in governance, healthcare, policy and social impact, the new trustees will strengthen the Trust’s work and help deliver evidence-based solutions to minimise harm caused by gambling across the state.
“I would like to acknowledge the significant contributions of outgoing trustees Dr Clive Allcock, Prof Paul Delfabbro, Elizabeth Lyne and Prof Joel Negin to the RGF Trust over the past seven years.
“They have played a key role in the Trust’s recent achievements, including funding contemporary research, establishing the new GambleAware service model and website, contributing to policy changes and maintaining a balanced focus on both emerging and ongoing issues in gambling harm minimisation.”
In other news from the region, earlier this month the Independent Panel for Gambling Reform published its report outlining proposed measures to address gambling harm and operational issues within NSW's gaming industry.
