Senator Lidia Thorpe has urged the Albanese government to follow through and implement a total ban on gambling advertising, pointing out that anything less would contradict Labor’s stated commitment to closing the gap.
Victoria’s Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation estimates that First Peoples are 10-20 times more likely to be impacted by gambling harm.
The National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation says that all forms of gambling entrench already existing poverty among First Peoples.
Quotes attributable to Lidia Thorpe, Gunnai, Gunditjmara and Djab Wurrung independent Victorian Senator:
“Gambling harm disproportionately impacts First Peoples in this country. It’s critical that the government listens to First Peoples on this issue, and not just big betting corporations and media moguls.”
“We’ve recently seen the Prime Minister and the Indigenous Australians minister talking about how they want to prioritise economic empowerment for First Peoples. But how can they be serious about that while giving this industry free reign to destroy more people’s lives?”
“They know about the links between gambling and suicide, domestic violence, substance misuse, homelessness, neglect of children, and how gambling can be a driver of property theft offenses. The list goes on.”
“Labor talks about wanting to take practical actions to close the gap, but when they have a clear opportunity to address some of those issues, they go with what their corporate mates want, not with what will actually help people. This is how Labor operates, and then they act surprised when they see their closing the gap targets getting worse.”
“It’s hypocritical and weak. I want to see Labor have some conviction on this and do the right thing for First Peoples and the broader community.”
“We need to see a total ban on these harmful ads”.