Alliance for Gambling Reform, the Australian gambling harm advocacy group, is looking to raise A$100,000 (£47,983) before 30 June in a bid to fund its work for the remainder of the year.
In an email issued to supporters, the reformist body said the donations would go towards all efforts to curb gambling-related harm, including “national campaigns and direct advocacy [and] elevating the voices of families and communities impacted”.
Martin Thomas, Alliance for Gambling Reform CEO, noted how now is the time for those looking to ban gambling adverts to rally and force through change, in light of the recent election.
Anthony Albanese was re-elected as Prime Minister following a landslide victory for Labor at the start of May.
The group’s message reads: “The election is over, and the government has a new opportunity to act.
“For those of us who want to see an end to gambling ads, this is our moment. The public supports change. The evidence is overwhelming. Now it’s up to us to make sure the new government knows this issue hasn’t gone away – and neither have we.
“Gambling ads are everywhere – on TV, on public transport, online, at games – and the damage is growing. Children are gambling in record numbers. Losses are at record highs.”
Thomas’ update went on to outline how with Labor in government and a “strong” Senate crossbench, the current political landscape presents Australia with the best chance of passing through a blanket ban on all gambling ads it has had in years.
Before the election earlier this month, a spokesperson for Alliance for Gambling Reform called on voters to press candidates for comment on their stance on the topic.
They explained: “We want all candidates to publicly commit to supporting the Murphy report recommendations, especially the ban on gambling ads. When you speak with candidates in your electorate, ask them directly: ‘Will you commit to banning gambling ad[s]?’ Tell them that 76% of Australians support this change.”
There has even been vocal support for the change from within Albanese’ party, with Labor MP Jerome Laxale conceding his disappointment at the party’s inability to act on the proposals put forward by late Labor MP Peta Murphy in 2023.
One of the recommendations raised in Murphy’s report, ‘You Win Some, You Lose More’, called for a total ban on gambling advertising in Australia.
It suggested that all gambling ads across radio, television, online and newspapers to be phased out over a three-year period.
Instead, Albanese was reported to favour a cap-system, which would see gambling ads limited to just two per-hour on each channel, alongside a blanket ban an hour before and after live sports broadcasts.
Laxale told The Guardian: “There’s a couple of disappointments I have in my own government – I have been open about that – and not being able to implement more of Peta Murphy’s review is one of them.
“I know there is more to do. The former member Peta Murphy did that report. She was well respected in our caucus and we have to honour her legacy. I am hopeful that we can do that in a second term.”
However, several prominent industry stakeholders have expressed concerns over the potential knock-on effects of a full-scale ad ban, including sporting bodies like the Australian Football League (AFL) and National Rugby League (NRL), both of which rely on gambling sponsorships and fear ad restrictions could lead to funding cuts.
Other groups that have raised similar concerns include free-to-air broadcasters, bookmakers and the horseracing industry, all of which could also feel the financial impact of a gambling ad ban.
The post Australian reformists seek to raise A$100,000 in latest donation drive first appeared on EGR Intel.
Alliance for Gambling Reform urges supporters to contribute to group’s efforts in calling on re-elected Labor government to implement recommendations raised by the late Peta Murphy in 2023
The post Australian reformists seek to raise A$100,000 in latest donation drive first appeared on EGR Intel.