Despite repeated questions in Parliament and pressure from community groups, the Albanese government has not committed to a total ban on gambling advertising.
Addressing the Parliament on Aug. 13, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said “the status quo regarding the saturation of gambling advertising, particularly where children are exposed to it, is untenable.”
He further said that the communications and social services ministers were working to tackle gambling advertising comprehensively.
“We want to make sure that any measures do not have unintended consequences, and we’re taking a comprehensive approach, recognizing that this is a complex issue.”
Albanese also said the government was in consultation on a proposed model for controlling online ads.
“Stakeholders are putting their views forward, and the government will continue to consult in a mature and orderly manner, consistent with a proper cabinet process,” he added.
Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said the government had three priorities.
“We are looking at tackling the normalisation of wagering in sport, reducing the exposure of children to watching advertising, and tackling the saturation and targeting of advertisements, especially in the online space, and especially to vulnerable groups such as young men aged 18 to 45,” she told Parliament.
Rowland also strongly denied allegations she had met 66 times with gambling executives in six months, as outlined by documents uncovered in a Freedom of Information inquiry.
“In fact, the documents will show I met zero times with gambling executives, and we will continue to go about this process with the facts in an orderly way, because facts are important here.”
Health Minister Mark Butler also responded to questions about online gambling ads, saying it could lead to severe mental health issues.
“Gambling, when done responsibly, can be harmless, but excessive gambling leads to significant harm, including mental health issues. Problem gambling is now recognised as a mental illness, and the government has implemented substantial measures to prevent and reduce harm, surpassing previous efforts.”
A letter to Prime Minister Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton was sent by the Alliance for Gambling Reform, including the signatures of former state Premiers Dominic Perrottet, Jeff Kennett, Steve Bracks, and former Prime Ministers Malcolm Turnbull and John Howard.
