Gambling industry showering our politicians in gifts
1 Oct 2024
Gambling companies, racing clubs and their lobbyists are showering Australian Federal politicians with gifts, tickets and hospitality as our leaders continue to deliberate major gambling reforms including a total ban on gambling advertising.
Some 32 parliamentarians received 60 gifts in this session of parliament including tickets to shows, races, dinners and sporting events. And this is likely just the tip of the iceberg as only gifts worth over $300 must be declared.
Cabinet Ministers and Shadow spokespeople received 25 of the 60 gifts including Communications Minister Michelle Rowland who is the minister responsible for ruling on a proposed ban on gambling advertising.
The information has been brought to light using a new tool, the Influence Engine, that enables the community to more easily navigate the Register of Interests for Federal parliamentarians. See: www.influenceengine.org.au
The Chief Advocate of the Alliance for Gambling Reform, Tim Costello, said the gambling industry’s ‘charm offensive’ provided a hidden and undemocratic opportunity to lobby against critical gambling reforms.
“These results show how our political system can be exploited by the rich and powerful to lobby in secret against popular changes such as the proposed gambling ad ban to the determent of the Australian community,” Rev. Costello said.
“The gifting of tickets, hospitality and other benefits often leads to increased access for lobbyists and industry representatives to politicians. This results in legislative priorities being pushed forward or diluted. Politicians may be less inclined to introduce or support stringent regulations on gambling if they have received benefits from industries such as big gambling.”
The results showed no hospitality was shown to minor political parties or independents – all of whom have been vocal in support of a gambling advertising ban.
In contrast all the hospitality was focused on the major parties with most (65%) going to the LNP and more than a third (35%) going to ALP members.
The results of the search included the facts:
Communications Minister Rowland received tickets and hospitality for 5 to Aus vs UK rugby at SCG 2022 and Tickets and hospitality for 5 to 2022 Melbourne Cup carnival race day, both from Tabcorp.
Cabinet Minister Bill shorten - who has publicly spoken out against a gambling ad ban - received hospitality to the Melbourne Cup and The Australian Open by Tabcorp and Sportsbet, respectively.
Tabcorp was the most frequently listed gambling company on the register having given 19 gifts.
Searches also found 4 politicians have shared in major gambling companies with the spouses of two other politicians also having shares.
While 8 politicians are patrons, officeholders or financial contributors to individual RSLs
The Influence Engine's development was funded by Mannifera in line with their commitment to resource civil society organisations working to improve transparency in government decision-making.
Studies show that 7 in 10 Australians believe there are too many betting advertisements, and that gambling advertising on television should be banned; and parents in particular are concerned about their children’s vulnerability to gambling advertising.
The Murphy inquiry, chaired by Labor MP, Peta Murphy, and unanimously supported by inquiry members from both sides of politics, recommended a total ban on gambling advertising phased in over three years. The Albanese Government has yet to respond to the recommendations more than a year after receiving them.
Australians lose over $32 billion each year to gambling, the highest per capita spend in the world.
Gambling harm is a massive public health issue, linked to poor physical and mental health, poverty and homelessness, criminal activity, family violence, and suicide.
Tim Costello is available for interview on 07 3180 0630 or media@agr.org.au
Martin Thomas is available for interview on 07 3180 0630 or media@agr.org.au