Minister Slammed For 'dismissive' Gambling Harm Comment

Gambling harm decrease supporters with lived experience have implicated the social services minister of being dismissive after a nationwide interview.


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


Kate Seselja, who practically took her own life throughout her 12-year battle with betting addiction, said the remark was "totally dismissive of the extremely real issue that gambling marketing is in Australia".


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


Ms Plibersek was contacted for comment on the letter.


Ms Seselja, the founder of The Hope Project, said she was perplexed about why Labor hadn't reacted to a landmark query into gambling damage that advised a marketing ban more than two years after its report was handed down.


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


Ms Plibersek's husband was founded guilty for drug smuggling when he was addicted to heroin before the set satisfied, and the minister has spoken openly about being happy of his rehabilitation and how it's possible to move previous addiction.


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


"We seek a human reaction from a female, a mom, a partner, an individual who appreciates her fellow Australians and remains in the rare position of being a senior cabinet minister with personal insight into how addiction can affect any Australian."


Banning gaming ads would be a simple however powerful action that would go a long method to lowering damage, Ms Seselja said.


"Please think of how much more of a problem heroin dependency would be in Australia if heroin was marketed in a favorable light and not just normalised however commemorated as a part of Australian culture," she said.


"We implore 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