Labor may drop gambling ad crackdown rather than accept sweeping amendments

Labor’s draft legislation to curb gambling advertising has no clear backing in parliament, as the Coalition, Greens and crossbenchers call for far-reaching changes to shield minors and at-risk Australians. While the government is open to minor tweaks to secure Senate passage, a senior Labor source told one outlet the party would likely withdraw the bill rather than undertake a major rewrite, leaving existing restrictions untouched.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese defended the current measures in July, stating they represent good reform and urging a vote. The Coalition, represented by Shadow Communications Minister Sarah Henderson, labelled the bill “riddled with deficiencies” and demanded significant amendments, particularly to the untested “triple lock” opt-out and live-sport ad rules. Advocacy groups, led by Tim Costello of the Alliance for Gambling Reform, warned that abandoning the reforms would be a “very brave” but dangerous step for Labor.

A Senate inquiry featured former NRL player Luke Bateman’s testimony on harmful inducements, and he later disclosed a brief stint working for Southern Cross Bet during his addiction. Senator David Pocock praised the testimony and called for a national regulator and a full advertising ban.