Gambling reforms welcome, but fall short of meaningful harm reduction 

Financial Counselling Australia (FCA) has welcomed the Federal Government’s new measures to reduce gambling harm and expand financial counselling support but warns the reforms do not go far enough to address the scale and drivers of harm. 

FCA CEO Dr Domenique Meyrick said the package reflects what financial counsellors see every day: gambling harm as a serious public health issue driving financial crisis, housing insecurity, and family violence. 

“Gambling harm is fundamentally a financial harm. By the time many people reach financial counsellors, they are already in crisis – having lost jobs, savings and homes, and exhausted all available credit,” Dr Meyrick said. 

“Financial counsellors are working with people experiencing unmanageable debt, utility disconnection, food insecurity, and increasing levels of family violence linked to financial stress.” 

FCA welcomed the Government’s commitment to expand financial counselling services for people affected by gambling harm. 

“This investment recognises financial counselling as an essential frontline response. It means we can support more people to stabilise their finances, negotiate with creditors and rebuild their lives,” she said. 

“However, it is critical that this funding is sustained, nationally consistent, and aligned with existing state and territory programs to avoid worsening workforce pressures and service gaps.” 

FCA also welcomed measures to raise awareness of online gambling harms and crack down on high-risk products.  

“Our sector has seen a sharp rise in online gambling harm, particularly among young people and vulnerable communities. Reducing exposure and improving consumer protections are important steps,” Dr Meyrick said. 

However, FCA said the proposed restrictions on gambling advertising are inadequate and risk entrenching harm. 

“Partial restrictions do not reduce harm – they simply shift advertising elsewhere and continue to normalise gambling in everyday life,” she said. 

“The evidence is clear: a comprehensive ban on gambling advertising is the most effective way to reduce harm.” 

FCA urged the Government to fully implement the recommendations of the Murphy Inquiry, including a phased total ban on gambling advertising and a national, public health–based strategy. 

“We need a coordinated national response that prioritises prevention, financial security and community wellbeing over industry interests.” 

FCA will continue to work with governments to strengthen reforms and ensure people experiencing gambling harm can access timely, effective support. 

ENDS 

Media contact:
Maura Angle – 0418 334 121
[email protected]