Independent Member for Clark, Andrew Wilkie, discussed last night’s ABC Four Corners Losing Streak episode.
“Gambling regulation in Australia is a national disgrace, and it needs to be nationally regulated,” Mr Wilkie said. “The fact that we have a part-time regulator being run out of a broom closet in the Northern Territory is just the start of it.
“Frankly the Federal Government has no one else to blame for this appalling situation but themselves, not least because for two years they’ve ignored the sensible reforms recommended in the unanimous cross-party Murphy report. Moreover, I’ve introduced my Making gambling companies accountable Bill to the Parliament three times, and three times the Government’s refused to do anything about it.
“Australian voters need to ask themselves, why? Why are all the reports and draft legislation meant to protect Australians from exploitation simply being ignored by governments? Why is all the gambling harm in the community being ignored by governments? And why are governments prioritising the profits of the big betting corporations instead?
“When you have individuals like Gavin Fineff, the former sports betting addict, and Nick and Aimee Mazza, the victims of gambling crime who lost $250,000 without ever placing a bet, speaking up more bravely than the Government, then surely something’s got to give. “Australians are being destroyed by this industry, even though the Government has all the evidence and levers available to stop it. Indeed only national regulation can protect them, and until the Government acts then it beggars belief how it can face the public every day.”