You're Invited: Ban Gambling Advertising Panel – Two Years On from the Murphy Report
This event marks two years since the release of the Murphy Report, also known as the "You Win Some, You Lose More" parliamentary inquiry into gambling harms. Gambling causes devastating social harm including financial loss, mental health issues, partner violence, family break-ups, and suicide. Online gambling is the fastest growing form of gambling, fuelled by saturation advertising at sporting events and in our media.
In those two years Australians have had more than $50 billion in gambling losses, but our government has failed to act.
We're bringing together a panel of distinguished speakers to explore the impact of gambling advertising and the urgent need for reform. I'll host the forum alongside Zoe Daniel, former Federal Member for Goldstein.
We’ll be joined by:
Rev Tim Costello:
Rev Tim Costello is one of Australia’s most respected community leaders and a sought after voice on social justice issues, leadership and ethics.
Tim is currently the Executive Director of Micah Australia which works to raise awareness and support for overseas Aid and Development. He is also Director of Ethical Voice through which he speaks in many contexts.
For 13 years until October 2016, Tim was Chief Executive of World Vision Australia (WVA).
Other positions Tim currently holds are Senior Advisor for the Centre for Public Christianity, Chair of the Community Council of Australia. In 2021 he was appointed by Monash University as Chair of Peninsula Campus Community Advisory Committee.
Tim is a spokesperson and advocate for the Alliance for Gambling Reform, which campaigns for law reform to prevent harm from poker machine and online sports gambling.
In 2006 Tim was named Victoria’s Australian of the Year, in June 2005 was made an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO); in 2004, was named Victorian of the Year; and in 1997 was named as one of Australia’s 100 National Living Treasures
His books include:
A Lot with a Little (2019), Faith (2016), Hope (2012), Streets of Hope: Finding God in St Kilda; Tips from a Travelling Soul Searcher; and Wanna Bet? Winners and Losers in Gambling’s Luck Myth (co-written with Royce Millar).
Kate Chaney MP:
Kate Chaney MP is the Federal Independent MP for Curtin, she has experience in law, business, professional services and the community sector. She collaborates with her community and focus on evidence-based solutions, not political point-scoring. She ran for Parliament because she was deeply frustrated by the lack of long-term, evidence-based decision making in Australian politics. 'Too often, short-term political gains get in the way of real solutions for our future'. She felt optimistic that with a balanced, long-term approach, Australian democracy can evolve to tackle these challenges and secure a stronger future for all. Now in her second-term, her focus remains on housing affordability, climate action, the cost of living, support for small businesses and a stronger community for her constituents. ‘My career has taught me that there is rarely a black and white answer, there is always room to improve a solution after consultation and there is no one right way of thinking.’
Samantha Thomas:
Samantha Thomas is Professor of Public Health at Deakin University and Editor-in-Chief of Health Promotion International. She is an internationally recognised public health expert on the commercial and political drivers of health inequities - especially those affecting women and children. As one of the world’s leading voices in gambling reform, her research has exposed the range of tactics that the gambling industry uses to promote its products and resist regulatory reform. She has influenced global approaches to gambling policy and advocacy, with a primary aim of protecting children and young people from harm. She comments regularly in national and international media and has provided invited expert testimony to parliamentary inquiries across the world.
Ron Issko:
Ron has been a lifelong Tiger fan and it has become a family affair to attend games with his son, brother, cousin and nephew. Coaching has been Ron’s passion and has been involved in grassroots football with a junior football club for over 10 years as an Auskick co-ordinator, coach and member of the committee.
Ron works part-time as a driver for people with disabilities and is a volunteer in the community.
Ron’s mission is to ensure that the greatest game in the world, Aussie Rules, maintains its uniqueness and is accessible and affordable to all fans in Australia