Minister Slammed For 'dismissive' Gambling Harm Comment

Gambling damage decrease supporters with lived experience have actually accused the social services minister of being dismissive after a national interview.


Social services minister Tanya Plibersek implicated a radio host of being "consumed about the betting marketing" when asked about a lack of action and the link in between gambling harm and domestic violence, as she announced more funding for a domestic violence hotline.


Kate Seselja, who practically took her own life during her 12-year battle with gambling dependency, stated the comment was "totally dismissive of the extremely real issue that gambling advertising remains in Australia".


"And dismissive of the numerous countless people and families who have suffered at the hands of the gaming market," she wrote in an open letter on Wednesday on behalf of Gambling Harm Lived Experience Experts.


Ms Plibersek was contacted for discuss the letter.


Ms Seselja, the creator of The Hope Project, stated she was perplexed about why Labor had not reacted to a landmark questions into gambling damage that suggested an advertising restriction more than two years after its report was handed down.


"You personally know how dependency affects people, you know how it can tear families apart and result in criminal activity, household violence, homelessness, suicide and other social concerns," she composed in the letter.


Ms Plibersek's partner was convicted for when he was addicted to heroin before the set met, and the minister has spoken publicly about being happy of his rehab and how it's possible to move previous addiction.


Ms Seselja called for a response as to why the federal government was dragging its feet on reacting to the report and the advised advertising ban.


"We look for a human action from a lady, a mother, an other half, a person who appreciates her fellow Australians and is in the unusual position of being a senior cabinet minister with individual insight into how addiction can affect any Australian."


Banning betting ads would be a simple however powerful action that would go a long way to minimizing damage, Ms Seselja stated.


"Please picture just how much more of a problem heroin dependency would be in Australia if heroin was advertised in a positive light and not only normalised however commemorated as a part of Australian culture," she stated.


"We urge you to put the lives of Australians ahead of the gambling, media and sporting lobbies."


National Gambling Helpline 1800 858 858 Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636