The Canberra Times' groundbreaking investigation into gambling harm, led by journalist Peta Murphy, was effectively ignored by the ACT Labor government, according to sources close to the matter. The report, which detailed the devastating impact of poker machines on local communities, was submitted to the government in 2023 but received no formal response or policy action.
Key findings of the investigation
The investigation uncovered that Canberra has one of the highest concentrations of poker machines in Australia, with over 5,000 machines across the territory. It highlighted that problem gambling affects an estimated 15,000 Canberrans, with losses exceeding $200 million annually. The report also noted that vulnerable suburbs bore the brunt of gambling harm, with lower-income areas having more machines per capita.
Government inaction
Despite the report's alarming data, ACT Labor Minister for Gaming, John Smith, declined to meet with Murphy or discuss the findings publicly. A spokesperson for the minister stated that the government was "considering the report," but no timeline for action was provided. Critics argue that this inaction reflects a broader reluctance to confront the powerful gambling lobby, which contributes significantly to political donations.
Community impact
Local advocacy groups have expressed frustration. "The government is turning a blind eye to a public health crisis," said Sarah Johnson from the Canberra Gambling Harm Alliance. "We have the evidence, but we need political will." The report's release coincided with a 10% increase in gambling-related calls to support services in the ACT.
Political fallout
Opposition parties have seized on the issue. ACT Liberal leader Elizabeth Lee called for a parliamentary inquiry, accusing Labor of "prioritizing revenue over people's lives." Meanwhile, Greens MLA Andrew Braddock introduced a private member's bill to cap poker machine numbers, which was voted down by Labor.
Broader context
The controversy comes amid a national debate on gambling reform. The federal government has recently launched a review of online gambling, but state and territory governments have been slower to act on land-based machines. The ACT's inaction stands in contrast to other jurisdictions like Tasmania, which has committed to phasing out poker machines by 2028.
