Minister Slammed For 'dismissive' Gambling Harm Comment

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


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


Kate Seselja, who practically took her own life during her 12-year struggle with gambling dependency, said the comment was "completely dismissive of the very real issue that betting marketing is in Australia".


"And dismissive of the numerous countless individuals and households who have actually suffered at the hands of the gaming market," she composed 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 founder of The Hope Project, stated she was perplexed about why Labor had not reacted to a landmark query into gambling damage that advised a marketing restriction more than two years after its report was bied far.


"You personally understand how addiction affects individuals, you understand how it can tear households apart and result in crime, family violence, homelessness, suicide and other social issues," she wrote in the letter.


Ms Plibersek's partner was convicted 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 required an answer as to why the government was dragging its feet on reacting to the report and the suggested marketing restriction.


"We seek a human response from a female, a mother, an other half, an individual who cares about her fellow Australians and remains in the uncommon position of being a senior cabinet minister with personal insight into how dependency can affect any Australian."


Banning betting advertisements would be an easy but powerful action that would go a long method to decreasing harm, Ms Seselja said.


"Please picture how much more of an issue heroin dependency would remain in Australia if heroin was promoted in a positive light and not just normalised but commemorated as a part of Australian culture," she said.


"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