Labor’s gambling reform friendless as Coalition withholds support amid drug and sex worker allegations

Anthony Albanese has also faced internal revolt over the gambling advertising bill, with Labor MPs calling for tougher rules this week. Photograph: Lukas Coch/AAP View image in fullscreen Anthony Albanese has also faced internal revolt over the gambling advertising bill, with Labor MPs calling for tougher rules this week. Photograph: Lukas Coch/AAP Labor’s gambling reform friendless as Coalition withholds support amid drug and sex worker allegations Sarah Henderson says bill ignores gambling inducements, uniting parties and independents against controversial legislation Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast Labor will be forced to make major changes to its planned crackdown on online gambling advertising, as the Coalition, Greens and independents demand tougher rules to stop betting companies offering generous inducements as well as further limits on broadcast ads. After a two-day inquiry including sensational evidence that gambling companies allegedly provided illegal drugs and access to sex workers to keep problem gamblers betting, the Coalition confirmed on Wednesday afternoon it would seek “crucial amendments” before agreeing to support the government’s legislation. The Greens and key independents including David Pocock have all called for the bill to be significantly stronger, signalling a potential rerun of Labor’s Senate defeat on aged care reforms which was secured by the non-government parties teaming up. “Labor’s gambling reform bill is riddled with deficiencies and must be significantly amended,” the shadow communications minister, Sarah Henderson, said, suggesting the opposition’s view the government was failing to take gambling harm seriously. “The bill ignores gambling inducements which are causing immeasurable harm to some Australians. There is mounting evidence legislative action is required to combat predatory inducements which target high risk or vulnerable gamblers.” Henderson also flagged changes to the limits and frequency of gambling ads, saying up to three per hour during children’s television programming was untenable and that she had serious concerns about opt-out rules for streaming platforms. Guardian Australia has been told the communications minister, Anika Wells, met with Henderson on Wednesday to discuss the bill. Liberal frontbencher Simon Kennedy is among Coalition MPs pushing for a stronger response, especially after evidence from former NRL player Luke Bateman and veteran anti-gambling campaigner Tim Costello this week. They alleged problem gamblers had been supplied with cocaine, alcohol and sex workers, part of efforts from gambling company VIP managers to keep big spending punters betting as long as possible. “Gambling addiction is taking an enormous toll on so many Australian families,” Henderson said. “After three years of delay, deflection and deception over gambling reform, the Albanese government’s failings on this bill are inexcusable.” The Greens communication spokeswoman, Sarah Hanson-Young, told Guardian Australia it was clear the bill would not pass parliament in its current form. “This is a test for the prime minister,” she said. “It is not party political or ideological at this point. It is a moral question.” Opponents of Labor’s bill have pointed to a landmark inquiry report delivered by the late MP Peta Murphy in June 2023. Murphy’s committee recommended the government “prohibit all online gambling inducements and inducement advertising, and that it do so without delay”. Labor has been already facing calls from within its own ranks for a tougher response. MPs Louise Miller-Frost and Alicia Payne told Guardian Australia on Wednesday the draft legislation should be significantly strengthened. Non-Labor MPs could also vote to extend the inquiry, including to force big sporting codes including the AFL and NRL to attend hearings. Pocock told Guardian Australia he welcomed the Coalition’s comments and would await details from Henderson. “I hope Senate colleagues in the Coalition will also support my push for a national regulator, a full gambling advertising ban and an end to harmful inducements as recommended by the Murphy review,” he said. ”If the bill is amended to ban inducements and move to an opt-in arrangement for gambling advertising as the Coalition is proposing, it would be significantly strengthened and, based on what I’ve heard from Canberrans and experts, I would likely support.” Explore more on these topics Gambling Sarah Hanson-Young David Pocock Anthony Albanese Australian politics news Share Reuse this content