Coalition MPs have raised conflicting views within their joint party room meeting about how far restrictions on gambling advertising should extend, with some members pushing for tougher rules and others cautioning against what they described as overreach, as Opposition Leader Angus Taylor continues talks with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on legislation to limit online gambling advertising.
Coalition MPs Split Over Scope of Gambling Advertising Restrictions
Coalition MPs have raised conflicting views within their joint party room meeting about how far restrictions on gambling advertising should extend, with some members pushing for tougher rules and others cautioning against what they described as overreach, as Opposition Leader Angus Taylor continues talks with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on legislation to limit online gambling advertising.
Nine Liberal and Nationals MPs spoke at Tuesday's party room meeting in Canberra, with five calling for stricter restrictions and four arguing that the Coalition should avoid going too far. Among the concerns raised were the potential for overly restrictive domestic rules to drive some gamblers toward illegal overseas operators, with some MPs drawing a comparison to the growth of illegal tobacco following increases in government excises.
Taylor raised the question of personal responsibility at a media conference on Monday, a theme that also featured in the Tuesday party room discussion alongside references to 'over-regulation'. MPs also raised concerns about 'perceived behaviour of gambling preying on the vulnerable', according to the source text.
Albanese said publicly on Monday that there would be progress on inducements and advertising rules 'later this week'. Labor and the Greens are also in separate discussions with the government, indicating that a deal with the Coalition has not been finalised. Labor sources said they remained confident Taylor would come on board.
The gambling industry has reportedly accepted that some restriction of inducements is likely but has argued that further changes could affect unregulated offshore competition and disproportionately affect smaller wagering operators. Industry sources said they were seeking to inform Coalition MPs of those impacts but denied being directly involved in negotiations, rejecting claims made by the Greens to the contrary.
Labor's current legislative proposal would restrict gambling advertisements to three per hour on broadcast television between 6am and 8.30pm. Further adjustments to timing — specifically to reduce exposure for children — are reportedly under consideration, along with the discrepancy between advertising rules on broadcast television and streaming services, and opt-in provisions for advertising on streaming platforms.
Liberal MP Simon Kennedy, described as one of those advocating for stronger action, used a parliamentary speech to call for an independent review of any new rules following the next election. Kennedy identified what he termed 'two glaring gaps' in existing laws: inducements designed to keep gamblers playing longer, and unlimited advertising online.
The government is expected to move amendments to the bill in the lower house, where the legislation is scheduled for debate on Wednesday.
Labor has faced criticism for not matching the recommendations of a 2023 parliamentary inquiry led by the late Labor MP Peta Murphy, whose committee recommended the government prohibit all online gambling inducements and inducement advertising without delay.
- The specific content of any amendments the government intends to move in the lower house
- The precise nature of the concessions Albanese indicated would be announced 'later this week'
- The identities of the four Coalition MPs arguing against overreach or the five pushing for tougher restrictions
- The current position of the Greens on what terms they would accept for a deal
- Whether any formal agreement between Labor and the Coalition or Greens has been reached
- What specific inducement restrictions are under negotiation
- The source and basis for the comparison between gambling regulation and illegal tobacco
Read the original at The Guardian