Key facts
- Former Liberal MP Jenny Ware criticized the Coalition for backing Labor's gambling reforms.
- The reforms passed parliament without a full ban on wagering advertising.
- New legislation limits TV and online gambling ads and bans advertising on jerseys and in stadiums.
- A new 'opt-out register' for gambling services was announced, with operators obliged to fund its development.
- The late Labor MP Peta Murphy's inquiry had recommended a complete ban on wagering advertising.
Former Liberal MP Jenny Ware has strongly criticized her former Coalition colleagues for supporting the Labor government's new gambling legislation, arguing that it fails to adequately protect vulnerable Australians. The reforms, which passed parliament, include restrictions on advertising and inducements but stop short of the full ban on wagering ads recommended by a 2023 inquiry led by the late Labor MP Peta Murphy.
Ware, who was part of Murphy's committee, stated that the parliament lacked the "morality and political courage" to address gambling harm as a national public health crisis. She expressed disappointment that the full suite of recommendations, including a national gambling regulator and a complete ad ban, was not enacted. Some Coalition members, Andrew Wallace and Pat Conaghan, defied party lines to vote against the legislation, while cross-bench amendments were also overlooked.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese defended the reforms, asserting that they strike the right balance between protecting vulnerable individuals and allowing Australians to gamble responsibly. He noted constructive engagement with various stakeholders, including anti-gambling advocates and free-to-air networks, but not the betting industry directly. Communications Minister Anika Wells highlighted the success of the BetStop self-exclusion register, which has seen significant uptake, particularly among younger Australians, and announced measures to strengthen its awareness campaign.
Despite the passage of the legislation, questions remain about the practical implementation of the new 'opt-out register,' which reportedly blindsided industry stakeholders. Murphy's husband, Rod Glover, also shared "mixed emotions," acknowledging some progress but deeming the reforms "far from everything that is needed."