A Victorian MP with lived experience of mental health issues and alcohol and gambling addictions says the winner of November's state election needs to do more to tackle problem gambling.
Independent Russell Northe used his valedictory speech on Tuesday to call for the next government to appoint a minister for gambling harm.
He also wants the next government to hold an "immediate and comprehensive parliamentary inquiry" into gambling.
The MP for the regional seat of Morwell sat as a National until 2017, when he quit the party after revealing he had incurred significant gambling debts.
Mr Northe was first elected in 2006 and announced his retirement from politics earlier this year.
"I want to be able to applaud the next elected state government for having the first minister for gambling safety, or for establishing an independent office or commission for gambling safety," Mr Northe said.
"We can't have the situation where the issues around gambling harm sit with the minister for gaming — there's too much conflict."
Across Victoria, punters spent $1.98 billion on poker machine gaming in 2019-20, according to the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission.
'Too many gaps in the system'
In an at-times emotional speech, Mr Northe spoke about his own issues with mental health.
He told parliament had he lived with an undiagnosed mental health condition for a long time and had "unintentionally hurt many people".
"That's a big cross to bear, but it's important those people close to me know how dearly sorry I am for any pain that I caused," Mr Northe said.
He said it was difficult for families when loved ones displayed "uncharacteristic behaviour due to poor mental health".
Mr Northe said he planned to work to address mental health, gambling reform and suicide prevention after leaving parliament.
"There are just too many gaps in the system where individuals, families and communities are being exposed to harm," he said.
"In fact, people are dying and this is a travesty and I want to help drive positive change."
