Lead
A Senate inquiry into Labor's gambling advertising legislation has intensified, with independent ACT senator David Pocock accusing the gambling lobby of attempting to discredit a former NRL player's testimony. The accusation came as the government released draft legislation to address unintended consequences of its tax overhaul, and as officials denied cabinet divisions over migration policy.
Coverage comparison
The public broadcaster's live blog covered several developing stories from Parliament House, capturing both political attacks and policy responses. All three reports focused on the gambling inquiry, the tax fix, and immigration speculation, though each placed different emphasis on the day's events.
One report led with opposition senator Bridget McKenzie's claim that the release of draft legislation to address budget measures' unintended consequences amounted to a 'backflip.' Another report highlighted Pocock's accusation that the prime minister was taking policy from the gambling lobby, while a third included a denial from Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles that the cabinet was divided on migration proposals.
Key Claims
Attack on gambling lobby
David Pocock told ABC News Breakfast that the inquiry showed Labor's gambling ad laws would not change the normalisation of gambling among young people, arguing that the Prime Minister was 'basically taking policy from the gambling lobby and selling it as getting the balance right and Australians see straight through it.' His comments followed gambling companies appearing before a Senate inquiry denying claims they offered a high-spend customer access to illicit drugs and escorts.
The accusation came after Alliance for Gambling Reform chief advocate Reverend Tim Costello spoke on Monday about a young man he said received funding for travel, escorts, and drugs from betting companies.
Quiz on gambling lobby and testimony
In a separate report, the same senator, David Pocock, accused the gambling lobby of trying to discredit a former NRL player who alleged a gambling company offered him drugs. Responsible Wagering Australia questioned why the player—Luke Bateman—didn't disclose his previous work for a NSW betting company when giving testimony. Pocock, speaking to ABC Radio National, defended Bateman's credibility, saying his experience in the industry made him reliable: 'I think most people would probably hear that and say, well, clearly this guy was one of...'
Pocock also highlighted that the government is facing internal pressure to strengthen its gambling reforms, with more MPs calling for sweeping amendments to the proposed legislation.
Tax overhaul and 'widow tax' fix
Treasurer Jim Chalmers released a set of draft legislation aiming to fix what critics dubbed the 'widow tax' and a so-called 'death tax.' These taxes were consequences of the capital gains tax and negative gearing reforms that passed in late June. The proposed changes reflect the government's 'commitment to consult' on the tax reforms, Chalmers said.
Acting opposition leader Jane Hume rejected that explanation, saying Labor was 'still trying to clean up a mess of its own making.' The Coalition, One Nation, independent David Pocock and the Greens are planning a joint push to force the abolition of the widow tax in the next sitting.
Denial of cabinet division
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles denied that the cabinet was divided on Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke's proposed migration cuts. His comments came after both postponing a scheduled National Press Club speech. Reported idea included tougher family visa rules, a cap on backpackers, and restrictions on the work and appeal rights of asylum seekers.
'It's not right. I'm not going to go into cabinet discussions, says Marles, adding that 'Tony will be speaking to the National Press Club at the earliest opportunity. It's not unusual for dates to be moved around.'
Legal and other updates
The live blog also included a federal court loss for Clive Palmer, who will have to pay $13 million in court costs. Meanwhile, the government confirmed an independent review into the Bureau of Meteorology, following criticism of a new website upgrade.