Labor bets against major changes to gambling reforms
The government will introduce limited gambling ad reforms, with only minor changes expected despite calls for stronger measures.Summary
The federal government plans to introduce legislation this week that will limit gambling advertisements to a certain number per hour and ban them during live sports matches, while phasing out ads on jerseys and in stadiums over time. Communications Minister Anika Wells said the bill will be presented to parliament as early as Wednesday and will require support from either the coalition or the Greens to pass, noting that any further changes to the proposal will be only minor.
Although the government describes the package as a big and meaningful reform, critics such as independent MP Monique Ryan and Greens senator Sarah Hanson‑Young argue it is a half measure that fails to implement the recommendations of the 2023 Murphy report, which called for a complete ban on online gambling ads, and therefore will not adequately protect young Australians from gambling harm.
(Source：The Canberra Times)