New Australian Campaign to Address Gambling Ad Concerns
Efforts to limit gambling advertisements in Australia are being given fresh momentum as advocacy groups and unions launch a new campaign targeting lawmakers.
Australian flag waving. Renewed push for gambling advert reforms in Australia.
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:Despite ever-growing calls for reform in the country, gambling-related losses remain extremely high and reach billions each year.
In late November, the Australian government shelved proposed changes to gambling advertisement regulations in order to prioritize other issues ahead of a potential early election. The decision drew criticism from opposition parties, advocacy groups, and concerned organizations.
Tim Costello, the chief advocate for the Alliance for Gambling Reform, has confirmed that his group will lead a renewed effort to revisit the topic. The campaign aims to pressure lawmakers to bring in reforms to gambling advertisements, which have long been linked to gambling-related harm.
Alliance Launches Christmas Campaign for Reform
Speaking on ABC radio, Costello discussed the lack of progress in tackling gambling-related harm. He noted that the delay in implementing sector-wide reforms was expected due to the political challenges faced by the Prime Minister.
To maintain pressure, the Alliance for Gambling Reform is rolling out a “Christmas card campaign” targeting every Member of Parliament. The initiative is supported by unions from New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria, as well as religious and advocacy groups. Among them is a New South Wales organization focused on combating domestic violence as, according to Costello, when there is gambling in a family, incidents of domestic violence are three times higher.
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Gambling to Remain a High-Priority Issue
Costello criticized the government’s reluctance to act and claimed that the Prime Minister is hoping that the issue will go away. However, Costello said that it won’t be going anywhere and that 72% of Australians want “what Peta Murphy envisioned.”
The late Peta Murphy was a respected advocate for gambling reform who authored a report outlining significant changes to Australia’s gambling industry. Central to her recommendations was a ban on gambling advertisements.
Highlighting Australia’s status as a global leader in gambling losses per capita, Costello emphasized the far-reaching harm of unchecked gambling. He drew attention to the impact on families, the rise in domestic violence, and the influence of betting companies on children and sports.
RELATED TOPICS: Responsible Gambling
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