Minister Slammed For 'dismissive' Gambling Harm Comment
Gambling harm reduction supporters with lived experience have accused the social services minister of being dismissive after a nationwide interview.
Social services minister Tanya Plibersek accused a radio host of being "consumed 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 financing for a domestic violence .
Kate Seselja, who nearly took her own life throughout her 12-year struggle with betting addiction, stated the remark was "totally dismissive of the very genuine issue that gambling advertising remains in Australia".
"And dismissive of the lots of thousands of people and households who have actually 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 remark on the letter.
Ms Seselja, the creator of The Hope Project, stated she was perplexed about why Labor hadn't reacted to a landmark query into gambling damage that recommended an advertising ban more than 2 years after its report was handed down.
"You personally know how dependency affects individuals, you understand how it can tear families apart and cause criminal offense, family violence, homelessness, suicide and other social problems," she composed in the letter.
Ms Plibersek's partner was founded guilty for drug smuggling when he was addicted to heroin before the pair met, and the minister has actually spoken publicly about being happy of his rehab and how it's possible to move previous addiction.
Ms Seselja called for a response regarding why the federal government was dragging its feet on reacting to the report and the advised marketing ban.
"We look for a human action from a female, a mom, a wife, a person who cares about her fellow Australians and remains in the unusual position of being a senior cabinet minister with individual insight into how dependency can impact any Australian."
Banning gambling ads would be an easy however effective action that would go a long method to minimizing harm, Ms Seselja said.
"Please envision how much more of an issue heroin addiction would remain in Australia if heroin was promoted in a favorable light and not just normalised however celebrated as a part of Australian culture," she said.
"We urge you to put the lives of Australians ahead of the betting, media and sporting lobbies."
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