SA GOVERNMENT PLAN TO IMPOSE CASH LIMITS FOR ATMS IN GAMING VENUES IS MISGUIDED Bill discriminates against customers in favor of problem gamblers Sydney, 2 May, 2001: The Australian Bankers’ Association (ABA) says the South Australian Government’s plan to legislate to impose cash limits on Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) in gaming venues is misguided. David Bell, Chief Executive of the ABA, says problem gambling is an important issue for the Australian community and banks are willing to consult on any measures being considered by Federal or State Parliaments. Mr Bell said if the Gambling Regulation Bill is passed, the South Australian Parliament would be the first in the country to legislate to restrict banking access for the community. "ATMs in venues like pubs and clubs are used by the whole community to conveniently access their banking and financial services, not just the small minority of problem gamblers." "Why discriminate against the vast majority who do not have a gambling problem and need to access their accounts? ATMs are not the issue here, it is gaming machines." Mr Bell said it is technically very difficult to re-program individual machines because there are national computer network considerations to take into account. "Given that technical issues are so complex, individual banks may have to make the difficult decision to withdraw the ATMs from selected venues, which would of course have an impact in the local shopping areas." "More than eighty percent of all transactions now take place outside the branch, which is a strong indication on just how popular electronic banking has become. "The Australian Bureau of Statistics tells us that 74% of adults use ATMs, so MPs might want to consider the convenience and popularity before restricting access to the vast majority of customers." Mr Bell said the ABA is already consulting with the Federal Government on issues related to problem gamblers’ access to cash and banks feel it makes more sense to find a national approach to this important issue. "Of course, we are happy to talk to the South Australian MPs as well, but we were not consulted on this Bill before it was introduced to the State Parliament. For further information contact: Heather Wellard ABA PR Phone: 02 8298 0411 Mobile: 0409 830 439     ENDS