Independent Thomas Emerson has introduced a Private Member’s Bill to the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Legislative Assembly to ban the gambling industry from making political donations.
Emerson argues that financial ties to the industry risk undermining gambling reforms. There is an ongoing ACT Government push to reduce gambling harm, with reforms expected during the current Assembly term.
He stated: “Our community overwhelmingly wants to see meaningful gambling reform. But financial ties to the gambling industry have kept the major parties from taking bold action to tackle the issue.
“It’s a serious problem when politicians are captured by vested interests. The Legislative Assembly acknowledged this when it banned donations from property developers and foreign entities five years ago. It’s time to do the same with the gambling industry.”
Analysis by Emerson's office showed that ACT Labor and the Canberra Liberals collectively received more than AU$275,000 (US$194,500) worth of donations from the gambling industry in the past decade.
The proposed legislation would amend the Electoral Act 1992 to prohibit political donations from both individuals and entities connected to the gambling industry. Experts point out that New South Wales has already banned the gambling industry's political donations.
Meanwhile, the federal Albanese government was criticised in May for what was described as a “timid” response to the landmark Murphy inquiry into online gambling harms. Its long-awaited position was tabled in Parliament during the federal budget lock-up.
However, the poll by the Australia Institute in May suggested the public favoured a tougher approach, with 77% of the respondents saying they would support a ban on online gambling ads.
The Minns Labor Government recently unveiled a AU$1.3m funding increase for GambleAware, aimed at expanding support services for people affected by gambling harm and improving access to assistance across New South Wales
