Peoples Progressive Party Gambling Policy
The Peoples Progressive Party believes true democracy is about empowering everyday citizens to have a direct voice and stake in the decisions that impact their lives. We envision a political system that breaks down barriers, fosters grassroots participation, and puts the interests of the people first - not powerful special interests.
Our democracy must evolve to be more transparent, accountable, and responsive to the will of Australians from all walks of life. Only through fortifying our democratic institutions and processes can we build a more just, equitable and prosperous society for all.
Principles
• While adults should have the freedom to choose to gamble responsibly, gambling can potentially cause serious harm to individuals, families and communities if not properly regulated.
• Lower-income communities tend to be disproportionately impacted by gambling-related harms, so policies must consider socioeconomic equity.
• High-intensity forms of gambling like poker machines and online betting warrant heightened harm reduction measures.
• Gambling venues and product designs should avoid predatory practices that can exacerbate gambling addiction.
• Government gambling policies should prioritize public health/wellbeing while respecting individual freedoms and not unduly damaging a legal industry.
• The gambling industry must operate transparently and ethically, with proper oversight and accountability.
• Gambling opportunities should be carefully managed to mitigate risks and social costs, but not necessarily dramatically increased or decreased.
• An evidence-based public health approach is prudent for preventing and reducing problem gambling behaviours.
• Gambling products should be marketed and advertised responsibly, especially regarding exposure to minors.
• While some have ethical concerns, animal racing is a legal activity that should continue with appropriate regulation.
• Governments should diversify their revenue streams rather than being overly reliant on gambling proceeds.
• A portion of state gambling revenue should fund problem gambling treatment, prevention and regulatory enforcement.
Policy Positions
Policy Positions
The Peoples Progressive Party supports:
• Using evidence-based measures to mitigate gambling addiction risks, like maximum bet limits, enforced cooling-off periods and self-exclusion programs.
• Eliminating gambling venue practices blatantly designed to prolong and increase gambling, like free alcohol service.
• Not issuing new, unlimited casino licenses. Potential future licenses should have stringent harm prevention requirements.
• Gradually introducing stricter regulations for poker machines and online betting sites, such as:
– Restricting audio/visual feeds designed to encourage excessive plays
– Capping maximum winnings that can be paid out in cash
– Requiring gambling sites to clearly disclose odds and pricing
– Allowing gamblers to set voluntary time/monetary limits
• Restricting online loot boxes or other randomized reward mechanisms from being used in games marketed to minors.
• Limitations on gambling advertising, like watershed periods for sportsbooks ads during live events.
• Helping governments, community groups and clubs reduce reliance on gambling revenue while mitigating economic impacts.
• Banning direct political donations from gambling operators and related entities to prevent undue influence.
• Adjusting gambling tax rates to reflect associated social costs while avoiding overly burdensome levels.
• Increased funding and access for gambling addiction treatment services and family counseling programs.
• A well-resourced, independent statutory agency overseeing gambling regulation and racing integrity.
• Improved transparency and anti-corruption measures in the gambling industry, such as cooling-off periods for regulators joining the private sector.
• Continued regulation of animal racing from an animal welfare perspective, but not an outright ban at this time. Exploring alternative entertainment models.
• More public education and research into gambling habits and harms, funded independently of industry influence.
Implementation
The People's Party believes a balanced approach respecting personal freedoms while reducing gambling-related harms through regulation is prudent public policy. We aim to reach these complementary goals through evidence-based harm minimization strategies, not falling into absolutist prohibitions or excessive gambling expansion.
Conclusion
The Peoples Party's Comprehensive Education Policy represents a bold vision for a world-class education system that empowers every individual to reach their full potential. By investing in lifelong learning, equity, and global competence, we can build a stronger, more inclusive, and more prosperous Australia. We believe that education is the key to unlocking a brighter future for all, and we are committed to making this vision a reality.
Implementation
The Peoples Progressive Party believes a balanced approach respecting personal freedoms while reducing gambling-related harms through regulation is prudent public policy. We aim to reach these complementary goals through evidence-based harm minimization strategies, not falling into absolutist prohibitions or excessive gambling expansion.
Conclusion
The Peoples Progressive Party's Comprehensive Education Policy represents a bold vision for a world-class education system that empowers every individual to reach their full potential. By investing in lifelong learning, equity, and global competence, we can build a stronger, more inclusive, and more prosperous Australia. We believe that education is the key to unlocking a brighter future for all, and we are committed to making this vision a reality.
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The Peoples Progressive Party is committed to empowering Australians with the freedoms they deserve. We believe in the right to self-determination, equality, and protection for all individuals, regardless of their background or identity. Our party will fight to ensure that every Australian has the freedom to live authentically, love whom they choose, and access the support and services they need to thrive. We will work tirelessly to dismantle systemic barriers, promote inclusive policies, and create a society where everyone is free to reach their full potential. With The Peoples Progressive Party, Australians can trust that their freedoms will be fiercely defended and upheld.
