Albanese holds firm as Australian MPs push for gambling advertising ban
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese this week faced renewed pressure from MPs to phase out gambling advertising.
However, Australia is set to close 2025 without responding to the You Win Some, You Lose More report, which delivered 31 recommendations in 2023 under the late Labor MP Peta Murphy.
The proposal for a three-year ban on gambling advertising has become the central political flashpoint, but the government is still refusing to shift its position.
Independent MP Andrew Wilkie attempted to secure a free vote on the issue, tabling a motion on Wednesday that was defeated 85 to 14.
“There is an urgent need for this parliament to decide on whether or not to allow individual members to exercise their personal judgment informed by their communities on the matter of whether or not there be a free vote … on a phase-out of gambling advertising,” Wilkie said.
He later said crossbench MPs simply wanted Murphy’s main recommendation adopted. Some are in support of significant restrictions. However, others are expecting the final policy may fall short of the recommendations.
Communications Minister Annika Wells has held preliminary discussions with stakeholders, but no reforms have been announced. Albanese told parliament his caucus would determine the government’s position, citing achievements such as the BetStop self-exclusion register.
Abi Bray brings strong researching skills to the forefront of all of her writing, whether it’s the newest slots, industry trends or the ever changing legislation across the U.S, Asia and Australia, she maintains a keen eye for detail and a passion for reporting.
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