Local ecumenical leaders push for conscience vote on full ban of gambling advertising
(L-R) Rev David Campbell Presbyterian Church of Saint Andrew, Rev Belinda Groves, Canberra Baptist Church, and Catholic Archbishop Christopher Prowse today supported a push for a conscience vote in Parliament on the potential full ban of gambling advertising in Australia
In a display of unity, several local ecumenical leaders have lent their support to a push for a conscience vote in Parliament on the potential full ban of gambling advertising in Australia. This movement aligns with the efforts of Federal Members for Clark and Mayo, Andrew Wilkie MP and Rebekha Sharkie MP, who are advocating for the vote amidst rising concerns over the societal impacts of such advertising.
Viewing the situation as a profound moral issue, prominent local ecumenical leaders, including those from Catholic, Presbyterian, and Baptist communities, attended a press conference at Parliament House to voice their concerns. Catholic Archbishop Christopher Prowse articulated the broader societal consequences, noting how gambling advertising exacerbates addictive behaviours and financial pressures on families.
The catalyst for this appeal was the report issued by the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs last year. The report examined the repercussions of online gambling on vulnerable populations and called for stricter regulations, including a phased, comprehensive ban on online gambling advertising within three years.
Ms. Peta Murphy MP, Chair of the Committee, highlighted the urgency of the issue, stating, “Australians are the biggest losers in the world when it comes to gambling. These behaviours are causing increasingly widespread and serious harm to individuals, families, and communities.”
The report underscored the detrimental effects of gambling advertising and video game simulations, which are purportedly grooming children and young people for gambling, thereby encouraging riskier behaviours. It emphasised that the relentless wave of such advertising manipulates a susceptible audience towards online gambling.
(L-R) Federal Member for Clark, Andrew Wilkie MP, Catholic Archbishop Christopher Prowse, Rev Belinda Groves, Canberra Baptist Church, Federal Member for Mayo, Rebekha Sharkie MP and Rev David Campbell Presbyterian Church of Saint Andrew.
Echoing these concerns, Archbishop Christopher Prowse voiced strong support for a conscience vote, emphasising the moral imperative of protecting society, especially young viewers, from pervasive gambling advertisements.
Archbishop Prowse further stressed the dire consequences of unchecked gambling promotion, highlighting its contribution to an already addictive culture characterised by gambling, alcohol, drugs, and violence.
“As a Catholic leader representing an organisation deeply involved in social welfare, I witness firsthand the corrosive effect of gambling on family consciousness. The pervasive rate of advertising attacks the very dignity of our Australian people, pushing them towards an economy-focused existence at the cost of life’s simple joys. A conscience vote is essential to restore social health and moral integrity.”
“Our nation prides itself on a rich sporting tradition, yet this incessant advertising reduces sport to an economic venture, straying from genuine human connection,” Archbishop Prowse continued.
Statistical data highlights that those most affected by gambling are aged 18 to 35, further underscoring the need for urgent legislative intervention.