It’s time the federal and state governments in Australia recognised gambling harm as a serious public health issue, Alliance for Gambling Reform spokesman, the Rev Tim Costello, says on this World Suicide Prevention Day.
Rev Costello said there was an established link between mental ill-health, suicide and gambling harm that could no longer be ignored by governments.
‘It’s up to the Federal Government, and especially state governments, to enact gambling reforms that will minimise the harm caused by this addictive product,’ said Rev Costello.
‘They have the power to make change, yet they are shirking their responsibilities to our community, and in the meantime lives are literally being lost.
I’ve ministered at funerals for people who have died by suicide due to gambling harm
‘I’ve ministered at funerals for people who have died by suicide due to gambling harm. I don’t want to have to do that again; I don’t want to have to see families and friends grieving over the loss of someone who could have been saved if we had more effective gambling regulations.’
Rev Costello said the Victorian Government in particular had some work to do.
‘Premier Daniel Andrews has rightfully put mental ill-health on the agenda with the Royal Commission, and we applaud him and his government for that, but they can no longer pretend that gambling doesn’t play a role in mental ill-health,’ Rev Costello said.
‘Despite the Victorian Government positioning themselves as champions of mental health, there’s no planned action to address the link between gambling harm in the Victorian Public Health and Wellbeing Strategy. Gambling harm did not get mentioned in the Royal Commission’s terms of reference either.
‘How can this be when there is wide understanding that gambling harm and mental ill-health are inextricably linked? One cannot be adequately addressed and improved without the implementation of strategies that address and improve the other.
‘If the Victorian Government really was as a champion for mental health reforms, it would step up and take the lead on gambling reform.’
World Suicide Prevention Day provides the perfect opportunity for our leaders to commit to taking action to save lives
Rev Costello said World Suicide Prevention Day provided the perfect opportunity for our leaders to commit to taking action to save lives.
‘It was only last year in 2018 that a Swedish study showed there was a 15-fold increase in suicide mortality for people experiencing gambling issues compared to the general population aged 20-74 years old,’ Rev Costello said. ‘That’s in a country where gambling is nowhere near as prevalent as it is in Australia.
‘Sadly, we don’t have strong research like this in Australia as the issue isn’t being prioritised as it should.
How are elected representatives going to improve the public health response to mental ill-health without knowledge of the full picture of gambling-related harm?
‘We can’t afford to keep sweeping this issue under the carpet. It’s time for action and it has to come from those who can make the necessary changes – our political leaders.’
My name is Trevor, a recovering compulsive gambler and long time member of Gamblers Anonymous in Adelaide
I am currently the State Secretary. Only last week I was able to call the police to a friend’s apartment as he was in the act of suicide. Fortunately they arrived in time and he is recovering and back at GA this last Saturday.
It is my thinking that suicide associated with problem gambling is not noted as such. It is usually put down to relationship, marriage, unemployment, financial or any other perceived reason.
I and many others are concerned with the likely advent of note accepters in SA. I have been trying to find out when accepters were allowed in Victoria and whether there was a spike in action from gamblers. Our Attorney General has stated that the other states have not noted any such increase in activity. Are you able to answer my enquiry as I have a meeting with my Local State Member ( Liberal) on Tuesday 22 October and I would like to be armed with any facts. I have been unable to find information on the internet.
Kind regards Trevor S 0427785573
i feel sad to those who went suicidal. recovered from gambling addiction myself last 2018 and all thanks to my wife and therapy. it was rough and depressing but i was very thankful my wife didn’t give up. i wish, if there’s anyone out there, suffering in any form of addiction, don’t be afraid to seek help and turn to the person (even if it’s that’s just one) who would not judge you and support you.