Government facing backlash for delaying gambling ad ban until 2025
The government has faced criticism from The Greens and Opposition for allegedly siding with the gambling industry, with its inaction being deemed ‘really unfortunate.’
Despite months of parliamentary debate and promises of a forthcoming ban on gambling ads, the government has postponed the measure until next year.
This announcement comes 18 months after a significant review, led by the late Labor MP Peta Murphy, recommended phasing out these ads on TV.
Housing Minister Clare O’Neil explained that the issue is “complicated” and would require additional time to address.
“If this were a simple problem to solve, it would have been resolved long ago,” she stated on ABC Radio. “It is up to us to ensure that we find the right balance.”
As part of her efforts, Communications Minister Michelle Rowland has been engaging with stakeholders, experts, and those impacted.
Australians lose approximately $25 billion (US$16 billion) in gambling every year, the highest per capita in the world.
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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has previously acknowledged the untenable nature of the current state of gambling advertising, particularly in exposing children to it.
On August 13, he informed Parliament that the government is collaborating with relevant ministers to effectively address the issue.
Nevertheless, the government’s failure to take prompt action has continued to spark criticism, with many calling for more decisive measures to shield Australians from the negative impacts of gambling.
Opposition and Experts Call for Action
Crossbench politicians and the Opposition have condemned the delay, with independent Senator David Pocock asserting that the government is failing the community by not taking action.
“We understand the harm caused by gambling. We are the biggest losers globally,” Pocock expressed to reporters in Canberra.
He highlighted that politicians have had ample time to act, emphasizing that the government could swiftly enact other reforms but has neglected the gambling issue.
“In 18 months, they cannot get their act together to legislate something, yet they can expedite electoral reform and various other things in a very short time frame. This is utterly weak,” he remarked.
The Greens and opposition parties have accused the government of yielding to the interests of the gambling industry, with independent MP Zoe Daniel deeming the government’s reluctance to act as “really unfortunate.”
Greens communications spokesperson Senator Sarah Hanson-Young criticized both major parties for failing to implement a ban on gambling ads.
“It is evident that Labor has backed down, but one should not be deceived by Peter Dutton’s deception: the Coalition was in power for years and did nothing. Both are influenced by the lobby while problem gamblers continue to suffer,” she stated.
Call for Stronger Legislative Measures
In August, 60 notable Australians, including former prime ministers John Howard and Malcolm Turnbull, sent a letter to party leaders urging the prime minister and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton to commit to implementing the 31 recommendations from the federal inquiry into online gambling.
These recommendations seek to reduce what the letter describes as “a wave of gambling ads targeting Australians, especially children.”
The letter also demanded a ban on inducements and promotions that encourage individuals to gamble, particularly those trying to quit.
Despite pressure from community groups and continuous questioning in Parliament, the Albanese government has yet to promise a complete ban on gambling advertising.
AAP contributed to this article.
