Australian government open to gambling law amendments after shocking inquiry testimony
Australia's Labor government says it may tighten rules on gambling inducements but is reluctant to change advertising restrictions, as negotiations continue over wagering legislation that currently lacks enough parliamentary support to pass.
The Albanese government has signalled it is willing to accept amendments to its wagering reform bill, but mainly regarding inducements offered to gamblers rather than advertising limits. This comes after Senate hearings produced startling testimony that gambling companies allegedly supplied problem gamblers with illegal drugs, alcohol and even access to sex workers to keep them betting. Bookmakers Sportsbet and Tabcorp say there is no evidence backing these claims.
As parliament resumes this week, the government is expected to consider changes proposed by the Coalition rather than the Greens or crossbench, awaiting the opposition's amendments following its party room meeting.
Advertising dispute continues
Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young said the details of any changes would be critical and called for a full ban on inducements. Critics also object to the current advertising framework, which allows up to three TV ads per hour between 6am and 8.30pm with a ban during live sport, and have pushed to replace the existing "opt-out" model for online ads with an "opt-in" one.
A landmark reform report from the late Labor MP Peta Murphy had recommended an immediate, total ban on both inducements and their advertising. Communications Minister Anika Wells maintains the government's current bill strikes an appropriate balance between reducing gambling harm and protecting the revenue of media and sporting organisations.
Shadow treasurer Tim Wilson raised concerns that children are not sufficiently protected, noting that the inquiry heard evidence of gambling advertisements being played on a music streaming service between songs aimed at children.
