Senator Pocock says gambling lobby is trying to smear ex-NRL star’s testimony

In a Senate inquiry examining Labor’s gambling advertising legislation, ACT Senator David Pocock accused the gambling lobby of seeking to tarnish the credibility of former NRL player Luke Bateman. Bateman had testified that a gambling company had offered him drugs, and Pocock argued his six-month stint in the industry gives him valuable insight. Responsible Gambling Australia raised questions about Bateman’s failure to disclose his earlier work for a NSW betting firm.

Pocock told one outlet Radio National Breakfast that the industry is feeling pressure and is resorting to smear tactics to stop the reforms. He noted that several Labor MPs have contacted him expressing worries about the proposed advertising rules. The episode adds to growing internal pressure on the Albanese government to strengthen its gambling reforms.