Crossbench politicians and gambling harm advocates have urged the Albanese Government to follow through on a long-delayed recommendation to ban wagering ads. Source: The Guardian.
It comes amid media reports Labor may baulk at putting major restrictions on television and online promotions.
The Australian Financial Review reported yesterday that the Government may not pursue a total ban on online gambling ads, partly because the under-16s social media ban has helped prevent children from seeing digital advertisements.
The Communications Minister, Anika Wells, is believed to be still working on the Government’s response, taking meetings and feedback from stakeholders, with no final decision made on what the Government acknowledges is an area of concern.
Numerous federal Labor MPs are keen to see action on gambling advertising, and now, nearly two years on from the death of MP Peta Murphy, who authored the recommendations for gambling reform, some stakeholders anticipate an announcement could come by early 2026.
Gambling industry sources said they had not been briefed on the proposal by the Government.
When Parliament returns on Monday, the Greens said they would push for gambling reforms to be investigated by a Senate committee.
“Going soft on banning digital and online advertising will leave families vulnerable to the gambling industry vultures,” Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said.
“We need a full ban on gambling advertising as recommended in the Murphy report.”
Despite a mood for strong action on gambling ads among some caucus members, some government MPs expect Labor’s eventual announcement may fall short of the recommendations.
Tim Costello, the chief advocate of the Alliance for Gambling Reform, warned even if children could not see gambling ads online, they could still see them on television or banners at sporting grounds.
Opposition spokeswoman Melissa McIntosh said the Coalition was still formulating its gambling policy, but criticised Labor for “going so slow”.
Ms Murphy’s inquiry recommended a total ban on gambling advertising after a three-year transition period, which major sporting codes and wagering organisations fiercely opposed.
FULL STORY
Labor urged not to ‘go soft’ on gambling ads after reports the government may resist a total ban (By Josh Butler, The Guardian)
