Independent Member for Clark, Andrew Wilkie, discussed the motion on banning gambling advertising, which he sought to move in the House of Representatives earlier today.
“The Government’s refusal today to support my motion calling for a free vote on an end to gambling advertising was just the latest demonstration of the Government’s pig-headed defence of the gambling and media companies, as well as the major sporting codes especially NRL and AFL,” Mr Wilkie said.
“The simple fact is that a big majority of Australians are sick of the ads and this is reflected in the increasing number of Government and Opposition members that want to see them banned. In other words, the Government is completely out of step with public opinion, its own members and shows callous disregard for the terrible human cost of gambling addiction.
“Well if the Labor leadership won’t act on the long overdue reforms, then I call on the Prime Minister and the Opposition Leader to at least allow a free vote in the Parliament to break this impasse.
“It’s time to act.”