In Australia, the pressure is mounting on the Albanese government to act on gambling reform. The negative consequences of the industry’s rapid expansion are becoming harder to ignore. To this end, Anika Wells, Minister for Communications, stated last week that she is unable to commit to a timetable for the government’s response to the Murphy review. This review concerns harm-minimisation in Australia. This puzzlement, fueled by a lack of communication, has ignited the ire of legislators, advocacy organizations, and Americans alike—all demanding immediate, clear action.
Mark Morey, Secretary of Unions NSW, emphasised the need for bipartisan change, given the continued crisis. He cautioned that an “unhealthy influence” from the gambling industry is preventing meaningful movement on harm minimization reforms. Meanwhile, prominent politicians such as Andrew Wilkie, Kate Chaney, and David Pocock criticized the government’s inaction on the inquiry’s recommendations. They said the Albanese government caved in to threats from online bookies, sporting associations and broadcast media.
Call for Legislative Action
First things first – the Murphy review treads on some important ground Breaking down silos. These measures comprise banning gambling advertising altogether, banning inducements and commissions that result in losses to online bookmakers. Australians are suffering almost $32 billion in harms annually from gambling activity. A quarter of that shocking total is due to betting on horse races and sports.
Independent MP Andrew Wilkie recently sent a letter to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. He was advised to hold an open parliamentary vote for gambling advertising to be banned. He contended that a vote of this sort would afford politicians the opportunity to publicly declare their true feelings towards gambling reform. They shouldn’t have to fear retaliation for their views.
“If the prime minister truly believes in transparency, he should allow a free vote and let Australians see where Labor MPs really stand on gambling reform.” – Andrew Wilkie
From the backbench, more than a dozen Labor MPs have been clamoring for reform, signaling a strong reformist streak within the party’s base. This ban, through the expected free vote of parliament, assuredly, though Labor’s senior MP with prompting the better picture. This would enable the other vital recommendations outlined in the Murphy review to prosper.
“If we had a free vote it would pass.” – A senior Labor MP
Lawmakers are understandably frustrated. Whichever reason it may be, like us, they hate to see their constituents get duped by gambling ads that make it sound like they can’t lose. Simon Kennedy, the Liberal member for Cook, echoed this frustration by stating that his community is overwhelmed by gambling advertising and is calling for decisive action.
Divisions Within the Party
Despite this progressive push for reform, critics have pointed out that disagreement inside the Albanese government is not tolerated. One recently retired Labor MP commented on the strong support for change within the Labor caucus, while expressing concern about the current leadership’s approach to internal disagreements.
A former long-time Labor MP and champion of the gambling reform debate. They shared a sense of frustration that these discussions have failed to produce anything of substance. The MP pointed out that the energy for reform was great by far wide support in party. Advocates trying to create this change often run into resistance.
“It seems like an ongoing talk-fest out there and in the meantime more gamblers are harmed and the people that they hurt as well are harmed.” – A long-term Labor MP
Gavin Fineff presenting evidence that moved the inquiry in a dramatic direction. He went on to stress a need to prohibit gambling advertising and sponsorship entirely and immediately. He highlighted that without strong political leadership, a free vote could provide an opportunity for politicians to represent their constituents’ feelings about gambling reform.
“Alternatively, in the absence of political leadership there should be a free vote on the Murphy reforms so politicians can represent the feeling within their local communities without fear of retribution.” – Gavin Fineff
The Impact of Gambling Industry Lobbying
Lawmakers are under unprecedented public pressure in light of the gambling industry’s growing influence over politics. They’re doing some real pioneering and practicing about what works to tackle this urgent challenge. “There are strange noises,” Mark Morey told us. He noted that most Members of Parliament (MPs) support reform but do not want to go on the record because they fear retribution from influential industry players.
“From my discussions, many MPs want to see reform however they are afraid to speak out.” – Mark Morey
The Albanese government met these challenges with arms wide open. They boasted that they only took strong steps to protect consumers from online gambling and other threats, unlike previous shops. Critics say stronger measures are needed to safeguard at-risk people and communities impacted by gambling-related harms.
“The Albanese government has done more than any other government to tackle online gambling.” – The Albanese government (via a statement to the ABC)
Pressure is mounting from both inside and outside parliament. How the new Albanese government will steer this tricky foreshore remains to be seen. Beyond engaging with civil society, lawmakers are increasingly recognizing their constituents’ concerns about all the negative societal impacts gambling expansion brings. They understand that fundamental reforms are long overdue.
