Coalition MPs Warn Against Overreach in Gambling Ad Talks
Coalition MPs have cautioned opposition leader Angus Taylor not to overreach in negotiations with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese over Labor's proposed gambling advertising crackdown, according to reports. The warnings came during a joint Coalition party room meeting in Canberra on Tuesday, where the issue dominated discussions.
Nine Liberal and Nationals MPs voiced their opinions during the meeting, with five pushing for tougher restrictions on gambling ads and four arguing the Coalition needed "to get the balance right" and avoid going too far in limiting advertising. Some MPs warned that overly restrictive rules could drive punters to illegal overseas operators, drawing comparisons with the rise of illegal tobacco amid rising government excises.
Taylor himself raised the question of personal responsibility in a media conference on Monday, a theme echoed in the party room meeting alongside concerns about "over-regulation." The possibility of a deal remained "a moving feast" as parliament resumed after the winter break.
Labor's Proposal and Industry Concerns
Labor has proposed changes to restrict gambling ads to three an hour on broadcast TV between 6am and 8.30pm, according to sources. The gambling industry is reportedly resigned to the paring back of inducements but argues such restrictions could send gamblers to unregulated offshore operators, particularly impacting smaller wagering companies.
Industry sources said they were seeking to warn Coalition MPs about the impact of further changes to inducements or ad rules, while rejecting claims from the Greens that they were intimately involved in negotiations.
Liberal MP Signals Support for Stronger Laws
Liberal MP Simon Kennedy has signalled the Coalition will seek to strengthen the government's gambling advertising laws before parliament, according to reports. Kennedy called for an independent review of the rules after the next election, saying, "There should be an independent review of wherever they land after the next election, so they can do more."
Rishworth Criticizes Hanson, Discusses Negative Equity
Employment Minister Amanda Rishworth appeared on a Channel Nine panel on Tuesday morning, where she addressed One Nation leader Pauline Hanson's decision to bar ABC, The Age, and The Guardian journalists from a press conference unveiling her Victorian upper house election candidates.
Rishworth said politicians need to be accountable and sometimes that involves answering uncomfortable questions. "As a politician you have to turn up and answer questions so by saying you've got nothing to hide I don't know why she would want to bar ABC, The Age, The Guardian. I'm not sure who was left at her press conference," she said.
Rishworth also commented on the latest property data from Cotality showing national property prices fell 0.7 per cent in July, the largest single monthly decline since December 2022. Asked about negative equity concerns among mortgage holders, she cited interest rates and supply as contributing factors, noting that historically, short-term falls have been followed by sustainable increases in house prices over the long term, according to Treasury.
Hume Rules Out Coalition with One Nation
Acting Opposition Leader Jane Hume has repeated that the Coalition will not enter an alliance with One Nation after the next election. On Sunday, the Liberal senator categorically ruled out governing in a coalition with the right-wing party, according to reports.