Minister Slammed For 'dismissive' Gambling Harm Comment
Gambling harm decrease supporters with lived experience have actually accused the social services minister of being dismissive after a national interview.
Social services minister Tanya Plibersek accused a of being "consumed about the gambling advertising" when inquired about a lack of action and the link between betting harm and domestic violence, as she revealed more financing for a domestic violence hotline.
Kate Seselja, who almost took her own life throughout her 12-year battle with betting dependency, said the comment was "entirely dismissive of the extremely real issue that gambling marketing is in Australia".
"And dismissive of the many thousands of individuals and families who have suffered at the hands of the gambling market," she wrote in an open letter on Wednesday on behalf of Gambling Harm Lived Experience Experts.
Ms Plibersek was called for discuss the letter.
Ms Seselja, the founder of The Hope Project, said she was perplexed about why Labor hadn't responded to a landmark inquiry into gambling damage that recommended a marketing ban more than two years after its report was handed down.
"You personally understand how addiction impacts individuals, you know how it can tear families apart and cause criminal activity, household violence, homelessness, suicide and other social issues," 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 actually spoken publicly about taking pride in his rehab and how it's possible to move previous dependency.
Ms Seselja required an answer regarding why the government was dragging its feet on reacting to the report and the recommended marketing restriction.
"We seek a human reaction from a female, a mother, a partner, a person who appreciates her fellow Australians and is in the uncommon position of being a senior cabinet minister with personal insight into how dependency can impact any Australian."
Banning gaming ads would be an easy however powerful action that would go a long method to lowering damage, Ms Seselja stated.
"Please picture just how much more of an issue heroin dependency would be in Australia if heroin was promoted in a positive light and not just normalised but celebrated as a part of Australian culture," she stated.
"We implore you to put the lives of Australians ahead of the gambling, media and sporting lobbies."
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