A move to ban the gambling industry from making political donations has been launched in the ACT, as calls grow for stronger safeguards against the sector’s influence.
Independent Member for Kurrajong Thomas Emerson has introduced a Private Member’s Bill to the ACT Legislative Assembly, arguing financial ties to the industry risk undermining gambling reform.
“Australians are the biggest gambling losers in the world,” said Mr Emerson.
“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 immense harm caused by this industry.”
Mr Emerson said analysis by his office showed ACT Labor and the Canberra Liberals had collectively received more than $275,000 worth of donations from the gambling industry in the past decade.
“It’s a serious problem when politicians are captured by vested interests,” he said.
Read the article here: https://thepoint.com.au/news/260612-thomas-emerson-launches-bid-to-ban-gambling-industry-political-donations-in-act