Minister Slammed For 'dismissive' Gambling Harm Comment

Gambling damage reduction advocates 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 "obsessed about the gambling advertising" when inquired about an absence of action and the link in between betting harm and domestic violence, as she announced more financing for a domestic violence hotline.


Kate Seselja, who almost took her own life throughout her 12-year struggle with gambling dependency, stated the remark was "totally dismissive of the extremely genuine problem that betting marketing remains in Australia".


"And dismissive of the many countless individuals and households who have suffered at the hands of the betting industry," she wrote in an open letter on Wednesday on behalf of Gambling Harm Lived Experience Experts.


Ms was gotten in touch with for discuss the letter.


Ms Seselja, the creator of The Hope Project, stated she was perplexed about why Labor hadn't reacted to a landmark questions into betting damage that suggested an advertising ban more than two years after its report was bied far.


"You personally understand how dependency impacts people, you know how it can tear households apart and result in criminal activity, household violence, homelessness, suicide and other social issues," she wrote in the letter.


Ms Plibersek's spouse was convicted for drug smuggling when he was addicted to heroin before the set met, and the minister has spoken openly about taking pride in his rehab and how it's possible to move previous addiction.


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


"We look for a human reaction from a lady, a mom, a wife, a person who appreciates her fellow Australians and remains in the rare position of being a senior cabinet minister with individual insight into how addiction can impact any Australian."


Banning gambling ads would be an easy however powerful action that would go a long method to reducing damage, Ms Seselja said.


"Please think of just how much more of a concern heroin addiction would be in Australia if heroin was marketed in a favorable light and not just normalised but commemorated as a part of Australian culture," she stated.


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


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