The national scandal that is gambling law

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A national scandal Peter Hartcher says it all (″⁣ Gambling law’s biggest winners ″⁣, 22/8) It is a national scandal that we have a Prime Minister who defies basic Labor principles in supporting an industry that actively grooms children to become gamblers. “Gambling advertising is grooming children and young people to gamble” stated the 2023 parliamentary inquiry. An Australian study analysing free-to-air TV audience data found children were the highest consumers of gambling ads of any age group in the world. How can a PM who claims he listens to the people ignore the overwhelming majority who want gambling advertising banned altogether? And what a missed opportunity this presented to a beleaguered opposition to assert clear moral leadership, and support Australians who continue to call for an end to gambling ads. By stepping forward as the decisive force for reform, the Coalition would have received wide community acclaim in responding to public consensus, but along with the government they succumbed to political donation and have treated the people with contempt. Bryan Long, Balwyn

Labor tweak-kneed The concluding statement “you win some, you lose more” from Peter Hartcher in his insightful analysis of the changes to gambling legislation which were passed in the parliament last week is most apposite. The Labor government might count the passing of the legislation as a win, but by not going harder on the reforms, especially to online advertising, it may have lost more voters than it thinks. Same with its action on climate. Tweaking around the edges isn’t cutting it. Nick Toovey, Beaumaris

Swans aftermath for fan Though I had no choice in the matter, born into a passionate South Melbourne tribe, I have always taken inordinate pride in supporting my football team, the Swans. I have ridden the highs and lows but no matter the outcome of a game have held onto the fact that the team stood for something, the “bloods culture” and proudly spouted the “no dickheads policy”. As a woman, last week my football team has made me feel things that I never thought possible; disgust, despair and fear. That the actions of these players so casually allegedly disregarded the rights of the women, the feelings of their partners, their mothers, their sisters and female club mates should not be as surprising to me as it is. It’s an attitude pervasive in society, and if these are the actions of the role models to our young men it is unlikely to change without serious and sustained action from the AFL and policy makers more broadly. Jane McMahon, Collingwood

Save green wedges Across Victoria, our green wedges are under growing pressure from developments that do not belong in sensitive rural landscapes.