Minister's words to gambling reform advocate 'shocking'
Communications Minister Anika Wells advised a gambling harm advocate to lobby wagering companies, sparking criticism from advocates and politicians.Summary
Communications Minister Anika Wells faced backlash after telling Kate Seselja, a gambling reform advocate and recovering addict, to lobby wagering companies, TV networks, and sporting codes for change, rather than directly addressing the issue herself. Seselja, who nearly lost her life to a pokies addiction, described the suggestion as “horrific” and a betrayal of those harmed by gambling. Other advocates, including Anna Bardsley from Gambling Harm Lived Experience Experts (GHLEE), corroborated the account. While the minister’s office acknowledged the meeting and highlighted government measures like BetStop, critics like Independent MP Kate Chaney and Senator David Pocock condemned the comments as a failure of leadership and a disregard for the severity of gambling harm. Advocates are also frustrated by the government’s inaction on a landmark report from 2023 recommending stronger regulations, including a phase-out of gambling advertising.
(Source：The Canberra Times)