In a fiery and passionate speech in Parliament today, independent MP Andrew Wilkie called on the government to put an end to their cozy relationship with the gambling industry, as independents push for new legislation to tackle problem gambling in Australia.
Wilkie, a long-time advocate for gambling reform, slammed the government for what he called “kowtowing” to the powerful gambling lobby, and failing to take significant action to address the devastating effects of problem gambling on individuals and communities.
“Enough is enough. It’s time for the government to stand up to the gambling industry and do what’s right for the Australian people,” Wilkie declared.
The proposed new legislation, which is being spearheaded by a group of independent MPs, aims to introduce stricter regulations on gambling advertising, establish a national self-exclusion register, and ban credit card gambling.
“This bill is a crucial step towards combating the harmful impact of problem gambling in Australia,” said independent MP Zali Steggall, who is co-sponsoring the legislation. “It’s time to put the interests of the people above the profits of the gambling industry.”
The push for gambling reform comes amid mounting pressure on the government to take action on the issue, with recent reports highlighting the staggering levels of gambling addiction and associated harm in Australia.
According to recent research, Australia has one of the highest gambling losses per capita in the world, with an estimated $24 billion lost to gambling each year. This figure represents a significant social and economic cost, with problem gambling linked to a range of negative outcomes, including financial hardship, family breakdown, and mental health issues.
In response to the growing calls for action, government ministers have signaled openness to considering the proposed legislation, with Treasurer Josh Frydenberg stating that the government is “committed to addressing problem gambling in a responsible and effective manner.”
However, critics have expressed skepticism about the government’s willingness to tackle the issue, pointing to the significant financial contributions made by the gambling industry to political parties.
“Until the government is willing to stand up to the gambling lobby and put the interests of the people first, real change will be impossible,” said Wilkie. “But we will keep fighting until every Australian is protected from the harm of problem gambling.”
As the debate around gambling reform continues to heat up in Parliament, all eyes are on the government to see whether they will finally take decisive action to address this pressing issue.
