Minister Slammed For 'dismissive' Gambling Harm Comment

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


Social services minister Tanya Plibersek implicated a radio host of being "obsessed about the gambling advertising" when asked about an absence of action and the link between gambling harm 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 battle with gambling addiction, said the remark was "completely dismissive of the very real issue that gambling marketing remains in Australia".


"And dismissive of the lots of thousands of individuals and households who have 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 talk about the letter.


Ms Seselja, the creator of The Hope Project, said she was perplexed about why Labor had not responded to a landmark inquiry into gambling harm that suggested an more than 2 years after its report was bied far.


"You personally know how dependency impacts individuals, you understand how it can tear households apart and lead to criminal offense, household violence, homelessness, suicide and other social problems," she composed 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 spoken publicly about being proud of his rehabilitation and how it's possible to move previous addiction.


Ms Seselja called for an answer regarding why the government was dragging its feet on reacting to the report and the recommended advertising ban.


"We look for a human action from a female, a mom, an other half, an individual who appreciates her fellow Australians and remains in the unusual position of being a senior cabinet minister with personal insight into how addiction can affect any Australian."


Banning gambling ads would be an easy however effective action that would go a long method to minimizing damage, Ms Seselja said.


"Please think of just how much more of an issue heroin dependency would remain in Australia if heroin was advertised in a positive light and not only normalised however commemorated as a part of Australian culture," she stated.


"We implore you to put the lives of Australians ahead of the betting, media and sporting lobbies."


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