Queensland Senator Paul Scarr joins us live from Canberra. We’ve got about 19 degrees here. I believe it’s a warmer morning in Canberra today, Paul?
Senator Paul Scarr:
Murray, it’s only five degrees, so a bit different from Cairns.
Murray:
And that’s a warm morning for Canberra. That’s a real concern!
Let’s move on to the issues. When it comes to gambling, particularly for younger people and the wider community, it’s good to see there’s been some bipartisan support. There have obviously been changes along the way in the House, but before the Senate today, let’s talk about the bill. I understand you support its principles, but you’d like to see it go further.
Senator Scarr:
I would, Murray. I’d like to see the law strengthened, particularly around gambling advertising on television when children are watching, especially after 8:30pm.
I’d also like to see a prohibition on inducements that lure people, especially young people, into gambling. Experts have identified these inducements as a major factor in gambling addiction.
While the bill has been strengthened and there have been positive discussions between the Government and Coalition, there remains concern from experts and organisations such as the Salvation Army, St Vincent de Paul and Anglicare. These are the groups dealing with people trying to rebuild their lives after gambling addiction.
Murray:
Certainly, when it comes to predatory inducements aimed at people already at high risk of gambling harm, it makes sense to crack down hard. Some of the offers advertised on television almost look like free money to get started, which is a concern.
Senator Scarr:
Exactly. And especially for young people. These inducements are designed to encourage people to gamble more often and wager larger amounts.
From my perspective, people shouldn’t be receiving unsolicited inducements. That’s a major issue.
I spoke with Tim Costello last night. He’s the chief advocate for the Alliance for Gambling Reform. While he acknowledged the bill has been strengthened, he believes it remains too weak.
Murray:
It’s going to be an interesting day in the Senate. But moving on to aged care, I spoke with Minister Sam Rae recently. He said wait times are coming down. However, I understand the Coalition has concerns about the assessment process and that answering one question incorrectly could impact the level of care someone receives.
Senator Scarr:
That’s right, Murray. We still have serious concerns about how the Government is managing aged care.
One issue is the use of computer algorithms in assessments, where decisions are effectively made by a computer without a person being able to intervene early in the process.
Yesterday, one of my colleagues raised the case of a 96-year-old woman who is blind and suffers from emphysema. When the algorithm assessed her circumstances, it determined she needed the same amount of care, or less care, than she did 10 years ago. That simply doesn’t make sense.
Murray:
Personal intervention may require more staff, but while technology can be useful as a guide, nothing replaces face-to-face assessment.
Senator Scarr:
Exactly. You use technology to make systems more efficient, but when the computer produces the wrong result, there must be someone available to step in and correct it.
We’re talking about some of the most vulnerable people in our community, and they deserve better.
Murray:
And when it comes to appeals, if a decision has effectively been made by a computer, people deserve a streamlined process to have it reviewed by a person, not another algorithm.
Senator Scarr:
Absolutely. One of the frustrations is that people may wait months for an appeal. In the meantime, they remain vulnerable without the support they need.
Murray:
Before we wrap up, I’d like to touch on gun control. I understand there are concerns that legitimate firearm owners are being targeted by some reforms. While reducing illegal firearms is a positive goal, I understand you have concerns about the Government’s approach.
Senator Scarr:
Absolutely. These measures are affecting law-abiding firearm owners who possess firearms for legitimate purposes and have never breached the law.
My concern is that we shouldn’t punish those people because of the tragic circumstances we saw at Bondi. There are serious questions about why those Bondi shooters had access to firearms in the first place, and I hope the Royal Commission gets to the bottom of that.
There were warning signs raised about those individuals. The focus should be on addressing failures in the system, not penalising people who have always done the right thing.
Many states and territories have also declined to participate in the proposed firearm buyback, which suggests the policy has not gained widespread support. I believe it was a knee-jerk reaction from the Government.
Murray:
Coming back to aged care, looking at people on an individual basis seems important rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.
Senator Scarr:
Absolutely. I support appropriate security checks and safeguards, but we shouldn’t punish people who have always complied with the law.
Murray:
Before we finish, I’d like to mention that yesterday marked the anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan in 1966, when soldiers from the 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, clashed with the Viet Cong. Veterans have certainly been on our minds in recent days.
Senator Scarr:
Absolutely. I’d like to acknowledge all of our Vietnam veterans.
On Monday, I met a veteran here in Canberra who was concerned about the Federal Government’s $5,000 cap on allied health care services. I have enormous respect for Vietnam veterans, many of whom were national servicemen called upon to serve their country.
They did their duty, and unfortunately many were not treated properly when they returned home. I’m pleased that recognition of their service has improved. There was significant acknowledgement of our veterans in the Senate yesterday.
Murray:
You’ve got an interesting day ahead. Queensland Senator Paul Scarr, thanks for joining us. Have a great day and we’ll catch up again in a couple of weeks.
Senator Scarr:
Thanks, Murray. See you soon.
