A broad alliance of civil society organisations including unions, churches and charities are intensifying the push for gambling reform, mobilising members to pressure their local MP through a Christmas postcard campaign.
According to surveys, 72-80% of Australians support a total ban on gambling advertisements, but reforms that were slated to go before parliament last week were delayed. The organisations signed on to the new push want the Government to support a complete ban as recommended by the Murphy inquiry.
"With Australians set to lose over $31.5 billion to gambling this year - the highest per capita losses worldwide - families can't afford delay and watering down of these critical reforms," said Unions NSW Secretary Mark Morey.
"The festive season traditionally sees a spike in gambling activity, which is particularly concerning given the current cost-of-living pressures facing working families. The government's inaction this year means more families will suffer unnecessarily."
Chief Advocate for the Alliance for Gambling Reform, Tim Costello, said the delay in implementing recommendations from the Murphy inquiry flew in the face of overwhelming public support.
"Between 72 and 80 percent of Australians want a total ban on gambling advertising. Instead, we're seeing vested interests successfully frustrating the will of the Australian people," Mr Costello said.
"Every day of delay means more relationships crumbling and more lives falling apart from problem gambling. The government must stop putting industry profits ahead of public health."
The campaign includes a Christmas card drive asking MPs to make gambling ad reform their New Year's resolution for 2025.
According to surveys, 72-80% of Australians support a total ban on gambling advertisements, but reforms that were slated to go before parliament last week were delayed. The organisations signed on to the new push want the Government to support a complete ban as recommended by the Murphy inquiry.
"With Australians set to lose over $31.5 billion to gambling this year - the highest per capita losses worldwide - families can't afford delay and watering down of these critical reforms," said Unions NSW Secretary Mark Morey.
"The festive season traditionally sees a spike in gambling activity, which is particularly concerning given the current cost-of-living pressures facing working families. The government's inaction this year means more families will suffer unnecessarily."
Chief Advocate for the Alliance for Gambling Reform, Tim Costello, said the delay in implementing recommendations from the Murphy inquiry flew in the face of overwhelming public support.
"Between 72 and 80 percent of Australians want a total ban on gambling advertising. Instead, we're seeing vested interests successfully frustrating the will of the Australian people," Mr Costello said.
"Every day of delay means more relationships crumbling and more lives falling apart from problem gambling. The government must stop putting industry profits ahead of public health."
The campaign includes a Christmas card drive asking MPs to make gambling ad reform their New Year's resolution for 2025.
More information: Nick Lucchinelli 0422 229 032