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 a radio host of being "obsessed about the gaming marketing" when asked about an absence of action and the link in between betting damage and domestic violence, as she revealed more financing for a domestic violence hotline.


Kate Seselja, who nearly took her own life during her 12-year struggle with gambling addiction, said the remark was "completely dismissive of the really real problem that betting advertising remains in Australia".


"And dismissive of the many countless individuals 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 founder of The Hope Project, stated she was perplexed about why Labor had not reacted to a landmark inquiry into betting damage that advised a marketing restriction more than 2 years after its report was bied far.


"You personally understand how dependency impacts people, you understand how it can tear families apart and lead to crime, household violence, homelessness, suicide and other social problems," she composed in the letter.


Ms Plibersek's other half was founded guilty for drug smuggling when he was addicted to heroin before the set fulfilled, and the minister has spoken openly about taking pride in his rehab and how it's possible to move past dependency.


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


"We look for a human reaction from a lady, a mom, a spouse, a person who cares about her fellow Australians and is in the uncommon position of being a senior cabinet minister with personal insight into how dependency can affect any Australian."


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


"Please imagine just how much more of a concern heroin dependency would be in Australia if heroin was advertised in a favorable 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 gaming, media and sporting lobbies."


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