Minister Slammed For 'dismissive' Gambling Harm Comment

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


Social services minister Tanya Plibersek accused a radio host of being "obsessed about the gaming advertising" when asked about a lack of action and the link in between betting damage and domestic violence, as she announced more funding for a domestic violence hotline.


Kate Seselja, who nearly took her own life throughout her 12-year struggle with gambling dependency, said the comment was "entirely dismissive of the really real problem that gambling advertising is in Australia".


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


Ms Plibersek was called for comment on the letter.


Ms Seselja, the creator of The Hope Project, stated she was perplexed about why Labor had not reacted to a into gambling damage that advised an advertising ban 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 lead to criminal activity, household violence, homelessness, suicide and other social issues," she composed in the letter.


Ms Plibersek's spouse was founded guilty for drug smuggling when he was addicted to heroin before the pair met, and the minister has spoken publicly about taking pride in his rehabilitation and how it's possible to move past addiction.


Ms Seselja called for a response as to why the government was dragging its feet on reacting to the report and the recommended marketing restriction.


"We look for a human action from a female, a mother, an other half, an individual who cares about her fellow Australians and is in the uncommon position of being a senior cabinet minister with personal insight into how addiction can impact any Australian."


Banning betting advertisements would be a basic however effective action that would go a long method to decreasing harm, Ms Seselja said.


"Please imagine how much more of a problem heroin addiction would remain in Australia if heroin was advertised in a favorable light and not only normalised however celebrated as a part of Australian culture," she stated.


"We implore 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