Barbara Pocock (SA, Australian Greens) Share this | Hansard source

Today I'm reading out a speech from Senuthi Jayasinghe, a young person from Marryatville High School in the electorate of Sturt in my state of South Australia. This is part of the Raise Our Voice in Parliament campaign, which amplifies the voices of young people and their visions for the future. The speech is titled 'A simpler solution to Australia's gambling problem'.

A gambler is someone who relies on false hope to make a living. It's already 2023, and Australia has still found itself with the highest per capita gambling loss.

More than 30,000 citizens throughout Australia are becoming dependent on gambling, with countless others teetering on the edge. With slot machines on every corner, more than half the world's slot machines are located here in Australia.

The persistence of this gambling epidemic is due to the lack of education, support, and discouragement from the government.

It is crucial for the government to implement stricter regulations, provide more resources for addiction support, and educate the public about the dangers of gambling addiction.

Only through these measures can we hope to address the underlying causes of the problem and assist those affected by it.

The government should also consider implementing stricter advertising regulations to prevent the glamorization of gambling and reduce its accessibility.

Additionally, establishing a national helpline and support network for gambling addiction would offer much-needed assistance to those grappling with this issue.

By taking these steps, Australia can work towards reducing the prevalence of gambling addiction and promoting a healthier society.

The Greens echo these solutions. We call for a regulator and a ban on gambling advertising and political donations from the industry. Thank you, Senuthi, for this wonderful speech drawing our attention to such an important and systemic issue affecting the lives of so many Australians.