Gambling reform advocates rubbish consultation process as government prepares to table legislation
Health experts and opposition MPs criticize the government's consultation as a charade ahead of introducing gambling advertising reforms.Summary
Federal government officials have faced intense criticism from health experts and opposition MPs regarding the consultation process for new gambling advertising reforms. Communications Minister Anika Wells unveiled draft laws in May, promising a "targeted" consultation, but Professor Mike Daube and others from Curtin University and Deakin University were only given three days' notice and a 45-minute briefing to scrutinize the details. Critics argue the process is a "charade" because it provides minimal time for input from harm reduction experts and people with lived experience. The proposed legislation, a watered-down version of recommendations from the landmark Murphy inquiry, would still permit gambling advertisements during half-time breaks and weather delays after 8:30pm, and exempt horse, harness, and greyhound racing from the definition of a sporting event. Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young has threatened to force the bill into a Senate committee of inquiry, while the Coalition has expressed concerns about the exposure draft. Independent MP Kate Chaney, who served on the Murphy inquiry committee, described the draft as "full of holes" and a "fake compromise" designed to appease the gambling industry. The government has set a timeline for the reforms to take effect from January 2027.
(Source：ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation))