Alternative Law Journal
Media Release
19 December 1997
Casinos -- Counting the Cost
Amid the breathless publicity of the opening of Sydney’s new casino,
the Alternative Law Journal looks at the impact of the casino
culture in Victoria.
Tim Costello and Elena Campbell examine the mythology
surrounding Melbourne’s Crown Casino and the cultural shift it has brought
in its wake. They argue: "Because of its over reliance on the gambling
dollar, the Government has failed badly in its regulation of gambling .
. . the Government has proven to be the biggest gambling addict in the
State."
Authors Nicholas Andrew, Kon Asimacopoulos, David Dimovski
and Daniel Haydon explore the evidence on the alarming link between
gambling and crime. They note that gambling is now one of the fastest expanding
sectors of the Australian economy, having grown by 30% in the last two
years - and examine studies on links between gambling addictions and harmful
behaviour. The authors say:
"It has been shown by several studies that between 21-85%
of diagnosed pathological gamblers commit criminal offences motivated by
the need to continue gambling."
Stolen Generation
As the Federal Government announces a $50 million contribution to counselling
and family services for the Stolen Generation, Sam Garkawe attacks
the failure to grant full compensation as "an abdication of responsibility
by the Federal Government." Garkawe argues that the Government has
a responsibility to compensate members of the Stolen Generation individually
and advocates a system of specialist Tribunals.
Also in this issue of the Alternative Law Journal
- An ex-Pentridge Prison Officer examines the culture of prison officer
violence
- 25 years of Fitzroy Legal Service
- Democracy and consuming interests - Privatisation of Victoria’s electricity
supply
The Alternative Law Journal is a forum for alternative and critical
perspectives on the law and social issues.
For more information contact the editor for this edition Claire
Harris, tel 03 9289 9304
or Liz Boulton,
Editorial Co-ordinator on tel 03 9905 3362
The Alternative Law Journal is available by subscription: tel:
03 9544 0974
Single issues cost $11
|
