Minister Slammed For 'dismissive' Gambling Harm Comment

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


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


Kate Seselja, who nearly took her own life throughout her 12-year battle with betting dependency, said the comment was "entirely dismissive of the extremely real problem that betting advertising is in Australia".


"And dismissive of the numerous countless individuals and families who have suffered at the hands of the gambling industry," 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, stated she was perplexed about why Labor had not responded to a landmark inquiry into gambling damage that advised a marketing restriction more than 2 years after its report was bied far.


"You personally know how addiction affects people, you understand how it can tear households apart and lead to criminal offense, household violence, homelessness, suicide and other social problems," she wrote in the letter.


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


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


"We look for a human response from a woman, a mother, a better half, an individual who appreciates her fellow Australians and remains in the uncommon position of being a senior cabinet minister with personal insight into how addiction can impact any Australian."


Banning gambling ads would be a simple however powerful action that would go a long method to reducing harm, Ms Seselja stated.


"Please think of how much more of a problem heroin dependency would be in Australia if heroin was promoted in a favorable light and not only normalised but 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."


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