Australia: Gambling and Alcohol Firms Donated $1.5M to Politics

A new report by the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) revealed that alcohol and gambling companies have spent some AUD 2.5 million on political donations during the 2023-2024 fiscal year alone. This was critiqued by the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE) and the Alliance for Gambling Reform (AGR), who said that these efforts jeopardize policies that could protect Australians.

Alcohol and Gaming Donated AUD 2.5M to Political Parties

The latest donation figures outlined in the AEC Transparency Register show that liquor and gambling parties have collectively submitted some AUD 2.474 million ($1.55 million) to political parties in 2023-2024.

According to the data, companies that profit exclusively from alcohol donated AUD 998,000 ($618,000) to political parties. Companies that profit exclusively from gambling, on the other hand, spent AUD 661,000 ($413,500) on lobbying. Finally, companies that profit from both have donated AUD 815,000 ($509,850).

Further data shows that, of these donations, 61% was submitted to the Australian Labor Party (ALP) and 38% went to the Liberal National Party (LNP).

This significant sums attracted the attention of FARE and the AGR, which were not happy. According to them, political reforms are needed in order to uphold democracy and protect Australians from the predatory practices of big alcohol and gaming companies.

The Donations Were Questioned

FARE CEO Caterina Giorgi critiqued the donations, emphasizing that when companies provide donations, they always do so in an attempt to influence decision-making processes. She argued that, as a result, alcohol companies and their lobby groups have, on multiple occasions, delayed or stopped policies and programs that could have improved the health and well-being of Australians.

Giorgi emphasized that Australia urgently needs democracy-oriented reforms.

We need to see common-sense reforms that put the community first and strengthen our democracy. This must include a ban on political donations from alcohol companies and their lobby groups.

Caterina Giorgi, CEO, FARE

AGR CEO Martin Thomas echoed Giorgi’s worries and expressed concern about the growing influence and overreach of gambling lobby groups. He said that such efforts have stalled Australia’s mulled prohibition of gambling ads, despite voters’ pleas.

The evidence shows these donations spike at times when reforms are being considered. It is a blatant attempt to undermine reform and in doing so it is an attack on our democratic process.

Martin Thomas, CEO, AGR

Thomas added that Australia needs the “political willpower” to exclude gambling and alcohol groups from donating. For context, Australia already prohibits tobacco companies from doing that.

Senator Pocock Called for an Investigation

In the meantime, Senator David Pocock called for an investigation into the influence of the gambling industry’s influence. This proposal came following undisclosed meetings meetings between Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and executives from the National Rugby League (NRL) and the Australian Football League (AFL).

Pocock wants the omission to be explained and expressed concerns about transparency and the gaming industry’s influence on politics.