The Australian government’s decision to delay reforms on gambling advertising has sparked sharp criticism. A year and a half after late Labor MP Peta Murphy led a parliamentary inquiry recommending a total ban on gambling ads, the Albanese government is yet to take action, leaving community advocates, opposition leaders, and MPs frustrated.

Australians lose an estimated $25 billion annually on gambling, the highest per capita globally. The government initially promised to introduce reforms by the end of 2024 but has now postponed action until 2025. Ministers have given mixed reasons for the delay, citing lack of Senate support and the need for more consultation with sports and media stakeholders. This has also added to the uncertainty surrounding the future of gambling regulation.

Divisions within government

Labor ministers are split on the issue. Competition Minister defended the government’s efforts, stating that reforms were ready but lacked support in the Senate. Speaking on ABC Radio Canberra, he said, “If we thought the numbers were there, we’d put it to the parliament immediately.”

Leigh also expressed disappointment, saying the proposed blackout on gambling ads during live sports was a sensible reform.

Meanwhile, contradicted Leigh, stating the reforms were “not ready to go” due to unresolved concerns. Wells emphasised the need for further consultation, citing the financial impact on sporting codes and the risks to athletes’ integrity.

“I’ve got concerns about how this is impacting sport integrity and how this is impacting our athletes,” Wells said.

“But also … I have national sporting organisations worried about how this will impact the viability of their financial models.”

Pressure from gambling industry?

Opposition and crossbench politicians have accused the government of succumbing to pressure from the gambling industry, broadcasters, and sporting codes. Independent Senator David Pocock criticised the delays as “gutless,” noting the harm gambling inflicts on communities.

“We’re the biggest losers in the world,” Pocock said.

Shadow Communications Minister David Coleman argued that the government’s failure revealed a lack of leadership. “The prime minister is so fearful and so scared he just wants to put his head under the doona(quilt) and do nothing,” Coleman said.

“In 18 months, they can’t get their act together to actually legislate something.”

The Greens, who support a total ban, expressed similar views. Senator Sarah Hanson-Young accused the government of caving to industry pressure, saying, “Labor has no excuse for failing to ban gambling ads.”

Community safety vs economic interests

The proposed reforms face resistance from media companies and sports organisations, which heavily rely on gambling ad revenue. Analysts estimate that gambling ads account for about $180 million, or 6%, of Australian TV advertising revenue.

Communications Minister Michelle Rowland acknowledged the complexity of balancing community safety with economic interests. “Bad policy design leads to bad outcomes, which is why it’s important that we get these reforms right,” Rowland said.

Employment Minister Murray Watt also stressed on the issue’s difficulty and said, “This is a very difficult and complex piece of work that simply cannot be finalised in the remaining week of parliament this year.”

Calls for immediate action

Anti-gambling advocate Tim Costello expressed disappointment at the government’s inaction. “Between 72% and 80% of people support a ban,” Costello said. “The only explanation that it was not [enacted] was the power of vested interests – the media companies, the sports betting industry, and the AFL and NRL.”

Independent MP Zoe Daniel criticised the government’s lack of bravery and said, “It would appear that the government has given up on the idea of legislating or responding to the recommendations of the late Peta Murphy’s report.”

What’s next for Australians?

The federal government has indicated it will continue consultations into 2025. Some proposals under discussion include a phased ban on gambling ads,with restrictions during live sports and limitations on general TV programming. However, critics argue partial measures will not significantly reduce gambling-related harm.

Advocates hope the issue will take center stage in the next parliamentary term. “If we end up with a balanced parliament after the next election, (gambling advertising) will be front and center,” Daniel said.

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