Lead

A Labor MP has declared the federal government's gambling advertising restrictions are only a first step, arguing there is "much more" to be done to protect Australians from harm. The comments come as the Greens, Coalition, and crossbench pressure the government to strengthen elements of its proposed reforms, which were introduced to parliament this week.

Coverage Comparison

Multiple reports from ABC Australia and The Guardian — World have detailed the bill's contents and the reactions it has drawn. ABC Australia reports that the legislation limits TV and radio ads during certain times, creates an opt-out feature for online platforms, and prohibits "notable" people from making sponsored content. The bill also includes a crackdown on overseas online gambling sites and lotteries, bans ads in stadiums and on player jerseys, and would require social media platforms to develop an "opt out" system for adults.

The coverage highlights differing perspectives on the bill's adequacy. ABC Australia quotes Prime Minister Anthony Albanese defending the legislation, saying he is "not against someone having a punt" but is against problem gambling. However, the same article notes that "the Greens, Coalition and crossbench argue it doesn't go far enough," a sentiment echoed across other reports. The Guardian — World describes the reforms as having been "branded a 'capitulation' and 'half-arsed' by opponents," with the Liberals and Greens combining to urge the government to go further.

Key Claims

  • Labor's bill to restrict gambling ads includes restrictions on TV and radio ads during certain times, an opt-out feature for online platforms, and a prohibition on notable people making sponsored content.
  • The Greens, Coalition, and crossbench argue that the bill does not go far enough.
  • Australians lose around $32 billion annually to gambling, with more than a third of that money going to poker machines, a claim carried by ABC Australia.
  • Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has defended the legislation, saying he is "not against someone having a punt" but is against problem gambling.
  • The bill will face an eight-week Senate inquiry, as reported by multiple outlets.
  • Anti-gambling advocates are hopeful that the inquiry will push the government to strengthen the legislation.
  • The reform package includes a levy on wagering companies to pay for a new public ad campaign for BetStop, the national self-exclusion register for gamblers.

Perspectives

Labor MP Mike Freelander — The Macarthur MP, a paediatrician and Labor co-chair of the Parliamentary Friends of Reducing Gambling Harm, told ABC Australia: "It's very good that we are at least recognising that there is a problem and that we are starting the process of reforming advertising and improving some of the controls, but there is much more that needs to be done."

Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young — Hanson-Young called the reforms "half-arsed" and demanded a parliamentary inquiry, saying: "The government needs to grow a spine here. Stare down the gambling lobby, stare down the big online media companies that are reaping the benefits of their advertising."

Coalition MPs — The Guardian — World reports that several Liberal MPs spoke up in their party room meeting, calling for tougher action. Simon Kennedy, the member for Cook, told the outlet: "Labor's legislation is a capitulation to the gambling lobby. It falls short on advertising restrictions, inducements and protections for children and young people." Andrew Wallace described the plan as "a half-arsed way of dealing with some of the damage that gambling causes Australians."

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese — Albanese defended the legislation, saying he is "not against someone having a punt" but is against problem gambling, which he noted is "overwhelmingly poker machines, which is of course, regulated by the states." He described the reform as "a major step forward."

Anti-gambling advocates — Gambling Harm Lived Experience Experts co-founder Anna Bardsley was quoted by ABC Australia as saying the policy should go further: "Only a total ban on gambling advertising is the only way to ensure that children and young people aren't exposed."