The ongoing gambling reform in Australia continues to raise eyebrows, especially after the Albanese government recently hinted at plans for a partial gambling ad ban.
This is in stark contrast to the range of proposed reforms, including a blanket gambling ad ban, suggested within a report more than a year ago by the late Labor MP Peta Murphy. The debate now continues to intensify, amid newly released documents suggesting extensive discussions between the prime minister’s office, the National Rugby League (NRL), the Australian Football League (AFL) and betting companies.
Reducing Gambling Harm Must Be a Top Priority
As announced by The Guardian, the documents were released recently after an order by Australia’s Senate in response to a request of the independent senator David Pocock. Concerningly, he explained that despite the recommendations by the late Murphy, the government is yet to introduce meaningful changes to address gambling harm.
In light of the documents, suggesting meetings between the Albanese’s office and gambling companies, Pocock urged for change. “This must stop – reducing harm and ensuring the wellbeing of Australian communities must be the prime minister’s priority, not pandering to the gambling lobby,” he explained.
Moreover, the independent senator deemed the discovery as “disturbing.” Pocock pointed to the evident efforts of betting companies in Australia that are prepared to discuss such a topic with the prime minister and his office.
“More than a year after the Murphy Review recommendations were handed down, Australians deserve answers about why the government still hasn’t acted to curb the serious harm from gambling advertising.“
David Pocock, independent senator
Discussions with Stakeholders on the Overhaul of the Regulations Continue
Notably, the documents pointed to the intensifying lobbying efforts of the NRL, AFL and betting companies over the last few months. The aforementioned organizations focused on communicating with the Albanese’s office since the start of the year. But discussions, per the documents, intensified in July, August as well as September.
It’s no surprise that prime minister Anthony Albanese attended the grand finals of the AFL and the NRL. Earlier this week, according to his parliamentary register of interests, the prime minister declared “travel or hospitality” from the AFL and NRL for attending the games.
“As is appropriate, the government has engaged with stakeholders regarding the recommendations from the online wagering inquiry as we formulate our response,“
a spokesperson for prime minister Anthony Albanese explained
When contacted by The Guardian, a spokesperson for Albanese explained that the government is discussing changes to the gambling sector with different stakeholders. “The government takes seriously our responsibility to protect Australians from the harms of online gambling,” added the spokesperson.
Over the last few months, the Albanese government has seen some scrutiny amid calls for regulatory changes that protect gamblers from harm and curb the rate of problem gambling. Still, this isn’t an easy task to accomplish, especially considering estimates that the AFL may lose $80 million annually if a gambling ad ban is implemented.
Just as concerning are the views of gambling operators that warn a potential gambling ad blanket ban may direct consumers to the illegal sector.
